Trip to the Midwest

Whew! Jep and I recently got back from a whirlwind trip to the midwest. We started our trip out by flying into Chicago on Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, it was raining so we didn't get to do as much sightseeing as we had originally hoped. We were really hoping to do the touristy thing- check out the Sears Tower, Hancock Building, and Navy Pier. Instead we just had lunch at a brewery and spent the majority of the afternoon shopping for warmer, dryer clothes. We had tickets to the Sox game that night and weren't expecting it to rain and be chilly. We didn't even think to pack our rain jackets and sweatshirts!

We had a great time at the game and our seats were great! We were about 4 rows behind left field and right next to the bullpen. It was pretty cool being so close to the players and being able to watch them warm up.

Jep and I after the Sox game

Mark Buehrle warming up

Saturday morning we jumped on the train and headed to Arlington Park for the Arlington Million. We had such a great time betting on the horses. My dad probably came out as the big winner of the day! Jep did pretty well and I don't think I won one race!! We had some surprise visitors show up! My Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Loretta, and Aunt Doreen all came out for the races and got to meet Jep for the first time. Thank you for making the trip out! It really meant a lot to us!! Below are a few photos from the day.

Me & Jep at the Arlington Million

Me & Dad

Me & Mom

Had to give a shout out to one of our avid blog readers...Aunt Doreen-she looks pretty serious about the next race!! Maybe she was talking to the person who texted her..."mad about you" which was a horse in the race--NOT a pick up line! LOL!

Saturday night we introduced Jep to Elmhurst...my hometown. We had to make a stop at Portillo's for hotdogs and Italian Beef sandwiches. YUM!! We then went to Riley's to visit some old friends. After Riley's we had to make a stop for some late night pizza from Mama Maria's. Again...YUM!! I sure do miss pizza like that!

Sunday we were supposed to head back to Carmel for our last few days. However, we couldn't resist passing up another day at Arlington. So, instead of driving back to Carmel that afternoon we went right back to the track and I did a litttle better with my picks that day. I think I was starting to get the hang of it.

Sunday at the Track

We were back in Carmel on Monday. Jep and I spent the day walking around downtown Indy and then the Indiana State Fair. It was pretty hot so we didn't stay too long. Besides, Jep was not really enjoying the fair. For someone being from small town Alabama- I was surprised that he hated the fair as much as he did! I, on the other hand, kept thinking how much I would have loved being a farmer and raising sheep-they were my favorite! :)

While in Carmel, we also had the opportunity to stop by and see Donnie at his band's practice session. They were really great and have their next "gig" on Sept. 9th at IUPUI. Good luck, Donnie and hope we can make it for another performance soon!'

All in all we had a GREAT time on our trip! Thanks Mom and Dad for everything!!! This last picture is of Dread so "Grandma Sheri" can see how much he likes his new toy! :)