Summer Part 1

So far, my summer has been quite eventful in the traveling, and quite uneventful in the activities department. Not to say that I haven't had LOADS of fun, but it's been drama-free---which is wonderful. I have been going-going almost all summer, and I haven't stopped yet, but it's all just been fun. No nasty obligations, and no mundane chores (outside of the usual-laundry, dishes, etc.).

I left KC on June 18th and headed out to California to surprise my Dad for his retirement party. He was definitely surprised, since we had plans and a "schedule" for him to pick me up at the Las Vegas Airport the next week. I also played (as a surprise) for a service at my Mom's church, and gave a small recital for the kids of my former teacher. I stayed in CA for a week, visited with both parents, drank a lot of wine, and watched a lot of baseball. Great week!


(Winery outside of Paso Robles)

(my puppy relaxing on her bed at home)

The next stop on my summer "tour" was going with my parents to Mesquite, NV (1 hr north of Las Vegas) to a family reunion. There were lots of people there, we all stayed at the casino, and I got to see my cousins again that I haven't seen in 10 years! It was a lot of fun hanging out with everyone for the weekend, and I can't wait to see everyone again. Hopefully, it won't be another 10 years!

Then my stepmom and I flew out to Minneapolis to visit with my step-brother and his family, and our grandparents. We had a great time, and got to see more family that we thought we were going to. Jeannine (my step-mom) saw some cousins that she hadn't seen in about 30 years, and we had a blast at their lakehouse. We also saw some Aunt and Uncles that I had never met, and she hadn't seen in years. Always a good time up there! We took my niece to the Mall of America and got her her own American Girl doll, and an outfit to go along with it. She was super excited, and the process was almost 2 hours. She just couldn't make up her mind. I think it was a little overwhelming for her (she's only 6), but it was so much fun seeing her wander all over the store. :) My little nephew is almost 2, and the cutest thing ever. My favorite thing is when he "jigs" to any music he hears. It's hysterical. I wish I could describe it, but it's definitely something you have to see in person. It's a shame we don't get to see them more, and get to do more things with those two when we are in Minnesota. There are so many amazing kids things in Minneapolis to which I'd LOVE to take my niece.

(nephew at the park)

(Waconia, MN)

After 10 days in Minnesota, I took the train to Chicago, to stay with Lora and Will, friends that used to play in KC with me. I also got to see other friends that I hadn't seen in a long time, like Rachel and Miho. I love Chicago and wish I could live there. We walked around all over, saw concerts at Ravinia with the Chicago Symphony (where Lora now plays 2nd oboe), and ate fantastic food. I also took one day in the city to just "hang out" and wound up by the museums and wandered into the aquarium for a few hours. (view of Chicago over at the museums)

I then went back to KC on the train, and had a great few days with friends, and beautiful weather. I went to the musical "Anything Goes", with Kathy and Christine, went to the pool, hung out with Camilla and Ruthie, and got to see Darcy and meet her fiancee. It was a great week!

On July 19th, I drove to Dallas to stay for three weeks. I'll keep you posted on the activties and whereabouts I go. :)