What's Up With The Wheelers

I know I've been popping back and forth quite a bit on the blog in terms of chronology. But hey, as long as we get there eventually!

On June 16th, Annika and I left early in the morning to drive to Colorado. Our Hermana Talia was still at home, so saying farewell was awful. But I already posted those pics, so let's just move on to happier moments.

Annika was headed to a five-day overnight camp at RoundUp River Ranch in Gypsum, Colorado. As part of the Serious Fun Children's Network founded by Paul Newman, this camp was created for kids with significant medical challenges. They have a ton of medical staff there to support all of the campers, so we knew Annika would be in great hands. Aside from the extensive medical check-in, RoundUp River Ranch functioned much like any other camp--horseback riding, fishing, hands-free spaghetti night, and lots of other silly fun. As it was heart week, all of Annika's bunkmates had heart conditions as well. I don't know how if she agrees, but I think it's pretty cool that she got to meet other heart kids just living life.

As for myself, I had a day on my own before flying out of Denver to my cousin Kathryn's wedding. Being in the mountains, I naturally hiked a bit before finding a place to eat. This phơ was amazing! (And massive.)

Thanks to AirBnb, I'd found a room in this old historic hotel in Silver Plume. It's definitely not fancy, but if you don't mind sharing a bathroom, the place has lots of charm with the slanted rickety stairs, antique furniture, etc.

That evening I hiked along the 7:30 Miner Trail, so named for the workers who hiked it daily for their 7:30 shifts in the silver mines.

The trail ended at Griffin monument. Reading a little bit online about Clifford Griffin, I learned that he was a Cambridge-educated English immigrant whose fiance tragically died the night before their wedding. So he moved to Colorado to work the silver mine with his brother, living in a small shack where he would play the violin every night. He died forty years later from a gunshot to the head, presumably from unresolved grief.

The sunset on the way down was beautiful.

Here are my tiny lodgings. Honestly, it looks bigger in the picture than it was in real life. But hey, it was perfect for one person for one night.

The next morning I hiked the nearby Argentine Central trail and thought of our Talia.

I still had time before boarding my flight, so I then headed over to St. Mary's Glacier. If I'd known that my flight would be delayed by hours, I would have hiked farther. If I'm ever in the area again, this hike would be worth repeating.

Plus, I even got to see a baby moose. :)

Apparently the Windy City had been experiencing some excessive gusts (tornadoes?), resulting in an excessively late arrival. Still, I opted for an uber to the downtown hotel where my Mom and aunt were staying to enjoy a bed instead of crashing in the Frontier terminal. (Yes, I was flying Frontier. I'm all kinds of fancy.)

The next day dawned beautiful and bright. Nevermind the prior day's storms, Chicago pulled out all its charm. I connected with Callie and the Wells family and we headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo.

The lion exhibition had been recently redone. The big cats looked like they couldn't be more pleased.

Alesia looks happy too. And why not? There were giraffes. :)

Our whole crew: Gregory, Janet, Jeanette, Callie, Alesia and me.

For Callie and me, it was fun to be back in the Lincoln Park Zoo and recall some childhood memories from when lived in Chicago. The Lincoln Park Zoo is where she learned to bark like a sea lion, plus the sea lion pool is where I got lost during a Girl Scout field trip. As it was the holidays, I remember being consoled by the workers with some hot chocolate and a candy cane.

No candy canes this trip, but we did see some beautiful flowers at the nearby botanical garden.

Later that day we were able to check into our AirBnb with rooftop views of the city.

We cousins weren't needed at the rehearsal dinner, so we opted for Joey G's Mac-n-Cheese just down the block. Honestly, it was delicious. I suspect we enjoyed our comfort food as much as our parent's enjoyed their fine dining. (Maybe more. :) )

That evening we headed downtown for The Night Before celebration at The Oakville Grill and Cellar. Like I said, Chicago was enchanting! Even the parking lots were gorgeous.

Did we tell you about the moment that Greg and Jeanette's boyfriend Nelson unexpectedly ran into each other in the parking lot--almost literally?! All's well that ends well.

Some photos of the ladies: Callie, Kara, Katelyn, and Jeanette.

One wall of the bar was wide-open with great access to the World Cup watch party just across the street. You should have heard the roar when Mexico scored!

It was the perfect backdrop for this special celebration.

I don't have many pictures of the bride and groom (I left that to the professionals), but here you can see my beautiful cousin Kate LaFroscia and her fiance Nick Esposito.

A photo of our crew before parting ways: Nelson, Jeanette, Katelyn, Callie, Alison, Ryan, Alesia and Greg.

Back at the AirBnB, my Dad had a special friend waiting for him. Janet and Alesia, you two are too much. What a riot! Make sure you note the snowman's bridal veil.

Technically our AirBnB was located in Chicago's Ukrainian Village, but after heading out for a run I discovered it was very close to "Little Puerto Rico" as well.

I loved the murals!

It was also close to the 606, Chicago's version of the High Line. I have to say, it's definitely not as impressive as New York yet, but I'd love to see it again in ten years--I'm hoping for both more public art and more foliage

Callie, Alesia and I took public transit downtown where we met up with Katie, Ryan and Willow for some delicious sandwiches.

By the way, this adorable couple is engaged as well. To both of my Katy/Katie cousins, congrats! Way to put a ring on it. ;) Honestly, both Nick and Ryan are the best, and we couldn't be happier for these couples.

Strolling around Grant Park.

I feel a little guilty posting these pictures knowing that while we were playing tourist, Alison, Janet and my parents were all working their hineys off getting everything ready. Whether decorating, delivering welcome bags, or shuttling people around the city, we are so grateful for all you did to make Kate and Nick's weekend so special.

Meanwhile we were loving our Chicago explorations through Maggie Daley and Millennium parks.

We even got to hear the tail end of a Chicago Symphony rehearsal. Live music, Frank Gehry, and perfect lakeshore weather--it just doesn't get better.

And don't forget the Bean. So many memories!

Thanks Callie and Alesia for the super fun afternoon!

Back at our AirBnb, it was time to get ready for the wedding. I think Alesia should have gone just like this!

The wedding Ceremony and reception were held at the Chicago Winery. Fancy and fun!

Looking elegant, all.

Waiting for the big moment. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Esposito!

Now time to celebrate!

Some of my favorite faces.

Dinner speeches and toasts. Isn't the table beautiful?

All the food was delicious as well. I love how it was served family-style.

Sneaking a pic of the happy couple.

Hey, here's the groom! Congratulations, Nick!

Cathy, Callie, Greg and Janet.

This clearly is not a very good picture of me (like seriously, what is going on?). Still, I wanted to share it because it has includes my cousin Alex and his awesome wife, Emily. Alex and Emily, it doesn't seem like it's been that long since we were celebrating your special day!

The live band was fantastic! They got everyone up and dancing. By the end of the night, the bride and groom were flying!

More than anything, I hope Kate and Nick went home feeling how very loved and supported they are by so very many. They are so gracious and generous with their love and support of others as well, including our family. We love you, Kate and Nick!

The next morning, Greg was king of the day. Happy birthday, Greg! How appropriate that our AirBnb should actually have a throne.

We sepent the morning at The Day After at the Brickhouse Tavern in Wrigleyville, adjacent to where the Cubs play. So fun!

While some of the group went to a Cubs game, we went to see Jeanette's original artwork at a couple clubs where she works. Remarkable! I wish you could see the detail up close. Jeanette attended the Chicago Art Instititue, so its pretty cool that some of her work is staying local. I wish you could see the detail in the champaign bubbles up close.

These murals are likewise fantastic.

I love how the foliage carries on to the ceiling.

Congratulations, Jeanette! Thanks for sharing your talent with us.

After that, we headed down to the river for an AIA architectural boat tour. This has been on my bucket list for years, so I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity.