The Chicago L Breaks Down

Tyler & I, along with his mom and sister, took a weekend trip to Chicago. To sum it up:

• Shopping is fun, spending money is harder than it sounds.
• When the annual Lighting of the Lights parade is going to be happening, make sure you are on the side of the street you want to be.
• Beware of the L. It may break down. The cars may fill with smoke. You may be crammed in like sardines because of previously mentioned parade. And it may take awhile for things to be fixed. Oh yeah, and while that is happening - don't count on the train sitting flat on the tracks. It will most likely be leaning significantly to the left.
• The Super8 in Evanston is so bizarre. No words.

The Cloud Gate/bean

My first jumping picture ever. Worth it.

Pretty fall colors in Chicago > than cold, snowy icy crud in Minnesota.

Giordano's Pizza.

After the lights were lit, while waiting to be able to cross the street.

We had perfect weather, despite the subway debacle, it was a really great time. And if we're honest, even that was a fairly good time. Until the engine cut, all the lights turned out and it felt like we were in a sauna..

I always forget how fun road trips are. Tyler already has one planned if we ever move out to the west coast. It will be the trip of a lifetime.

Maya Thinks She's a Dog

I am hoping to post a video later, because this has become my favorite thing.

Maya plays fetch. Maya loves fetch.

This morning, I was in the kitchen getting a lunch ready and she brought her 'blue puffy ball' (which I have named Cleo) and dropped it at my feet, nudged my leg and just looked up at me. I picked it up, threw it, she pounced after it, brought it back in her mouth and dropped it my feet. Over, and over and over. She followed me along all of my getting ready routine, from brushing my teeth to putting on my makeup to checking my email. And just sat with it at her mouth, head tilted as I put on my jacket and walked out the door for work...

Fetch is at least a daily occurence - she just loves it. And so do we:)

We Introduce Hermione Charlotte

Yes, as of Friday afternoon, we are officially pet owners. We adopted Maya from Blue Sky Rescue. She was rescued at about three months old from a pound where her life may not have lasted too much longer.
She is so much fun to have. Our work schedules can be so opposite that we each end up being home alone a lot, and it is nice to have something else there.

Maya is extremely playful. She entertains herself, but loves when someone will play with her. Tyler's parents, sister, brother and his girlfriend came over yesterday and Maya was a champ. We were sure she would hide the whole time, but that was not the case. She was out and loving being the center of attention. And enjoying her new toy that the Jass clan brought:)

On Friday night, she was out and exploring for about an hour after we got her home. However, she then discovered a wonderful hiding spot..underneath the hutch. She stayed there for a couple hours, but was so conflicted about coming out (and VERY playful). This video doesn't quite do it justice:

She has even come and snuggled up with one of us a couple times today - how perfect is that?!

Kelsey & Tyler Have a Surprise.

I will be picking her up on my way home from work tomorrow. She is not yet named, so suggestions are welcome! Current selections:

• Charlotte (her foster name)
• Boom Goes the Dynamite (call her Boom)
• Sounder (to commemorate our trip to Washington & the Puget Sound last spring)

More to come!