Melancholy

This last week has been hard for me.  Coming back from vacation and some travel time alone and lots going on in many aspects of my life.  It's been an adjustment...and not just for me - for the rest of my family too.  I'm trying to figure a few things out and try to take steps forward as opposed to backwards or remaining stagnant.  So, in the meantime...until I come up with a thoughtful post...I will leave you with a picture of my girl...who proved to me (and more importantly, herself) that she wanted something.  

You Capture - The 4th

Our 4th was relaxed and with friends on their daughter's birthday. 

Simple decorations

Sometimes have unexpected surprises.

Check out Beth's for more 4th of July captures. 

2010 - A Day in the Life - Week 26

June 27

Walking on Navy Pier.

June 28

No idea what this building is called, but I love it. 

June 29

Look out! Low bridge!

June 30

Seagull looking for handouts on Navy Pier. 

July 1

Early morning+spilled coffee+travel = no picture

July 2

Last day of VBS performance

July 3

Sweet Pea at her first T-ball practice!

I may have a runner yet. Check out that awesome stride!

Chicago - Part 3

So Tuesday morning found me getting up and ready for day 1 of the conference.  You know, that whole reason why I had come to Chicago in the first place.  The keynote speaker this morning was Bill Gates.  Honestly, I'm horrible about quotes and retaining specific things from speeches.  Especially when I'm tired and haven't had to use my brain in over a week.  Bill Gates is not the most energetic speaker, but he essentially said that charter schools are a good thing.  But if a charter school is not performing, it should be shut down.  That was the underlying theme of the speakers.  Which is true.  Why should the public be paying for schools that don't perform.  And that goes for traditional schools as well.

That evening our parent company took everyone who was a part of one of our schools our for a river dinner cruise.  It was delish and so much fun. 

This is one of my favorite pictures.  This is the Sears Tower (Willis Tower, whatever). Can you see the four spaces at the top that look different? Those are the boxes that I stood in the night before.  So weird to think that people were watching us from that height.

Another fun part of the ride was going under some of the low bridges.  And when I say low, I mean low.  Anyone who was on the top deck had to sit otherwise risk losing their head.  You could literally reach up and touch the bottom of the bridge.  Very cool and freaky all at the same time.

This was a picture taken from the front of the boat - not the top deck that gives a little perspective.  

On Wednesday there was more conference and pizza for dinner.  Then we headed down to Navy Pier for drinks and a 9:30 fireworks show.  I love our company.  They are fun, down-to-earth, and I enjoy spending time with them.  That is what brings me to this conference every year - the networking.  When you feel comfortable with someone, it makes it easier to get things done.  Good rapport. 

Looking east on the south side of Navy Pier.

Chicago skyline from the south side of Navy Pier

I love this one. It looks like a flower.

Part of the finale.