Posers

Enough about Oprah, I can't believe I haven't posted this picture earlier. By far, my favorite picture of the year. Are you ready for it? In case you're wondering where I came from and how my particular sense of humor got started....look no further. Among my siblings a while back we were goofing around and ended up with this beauty of a picture. Us trying to do some sort of model look. Well, models we are not, but a good time nonetheless.

Below is a little more refined pose of us all with our Dad when my sister came to visit from Oregon. But, the other one is still my favorite picture of the year, sorry.

Chicago in September

I have been a huge Oprah fan for years, yes, before the giveaways and before the celebrity parties. I remember watching her at my best friend's house with her mom after elementary school and I remember introducing my mom to her at my own house during high school. Oh, the discussions my mom and I would have over some of her more "complicated" shows! All good memories, so I was thrilled to be able to go to one of her shows for this farewell season of the show. It was a treat.

You couldn't take photos inside the studio and it was impressively tight security for a bunch of women dressed up in what Oprah called, their best "Easter Sunday morning" attire. Some think that she must specify for the audience to "dress up," but the only guidelines given in the confirmation form are to wear bright colors because they tape better for TV. It was an interesting crowd, everything from limos parked out front with beautiful wealthy women coming out to just your everyday Oprah fan base of mid-America, church-going women that felt like this was the highlight of their lives. Anyways, loved the people watching and the energy of the crowd. Chris was a good sport and luckily we tagged on to a couple that slightly resembled ourselves...he talked sports with Chris and she talked with me about all the endless possibilities for the show. Oh, I could go on and on, but I won't. Oprah was gracious and warm and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

We did get one free giveaway from the show, a bunch of nail polish and OPI products. Not quite the free car I was hoping for, but at least it wasn't one of her depressing shows. And afterwards, I totally made my way to the Oprah store and I am now the proud owner of an "O" hoodie and one of her active wear jackets. Chris was totally a good sport throughout the entire event and let's face it he was the one with the hook-up in the first place. Yes, it's true. Thank you. :)

Afterwards, we eventually made our way to a Cubs game. I guess you could say, Chris got his fix and I had mine.

A great trip.

Waterfall!

Carter loves two things: waterfalls (which basically means any type of moving water) and his Aunt Amy. Here are a couple of pictures of them playing in the "waterfall" at downtown Gateway. Hmmm, how do I describe it though...really it's a water fountain that has bursts of water shooting out to music. Think Bellagio, okay, that's all I really needed to say. Anyways....

Please note prior to this day he wouldn't

even get close to the fountains.

I guess he just needed a little

extra attention from his Aunt.

Enjoying a moment discussing how

exciting it all is.

And the money shot. Wow,

yes, it IS just that exciting.

Thanks Amy for being a wonderful aunt that day...okay, everyday. :)