Terrific times

My weekend in Chicago was an incredible success. Matt and I arrived late Thursday night and spent some time hanging out with Meg in her brand new apartment (she moved in a mere day earlier). We lucked out finding a terrific parking spot right outside her building... of course, when we went out to feed the meter the next morning at eight, we discovered that it served as a rush hour tow zone between seven and nine a.m. on weekdays. Oops. The car was gone and I spent an entire afternoon trying to get it back. Special thanks to my dad, who took time out of his business trip to fax a letter in saying that it was actually okay for me to pick up the car.

While Matt lunched with one firm and interviewed with another, I had lunch with a few people from my own law firm and caught up on the office scoop. That evening, our friends trickled into town: my Notre Dame friend Erin from Champaign took the train in that afternoon, my high school friend Bethany drove in from Iowa, and my ND friend Kate flew in from DC. Matt's sisters also arrived that night, and while he went out to dinner with his older sister, I hung out with Meg, Erin, Kate and Bethany. We ate frozen pizza and drank wine until late into the night. It was very fun -- I was a little nervous because while most of them know one another, they aren't good friends, and you know how girls can be awkward when they're stuck together for a long period of time and they don't know each other well. Luckily, my nerves were totally unnecessary, and as far as I could tell, we all got on like houses (or a small village?) on fire.

The next morning the five of us, plus Matt's sisters, went out for breakfast at the Best. Restaurant. Ever. (The Bongo Room.) As usual, it was delicious, especially my oreo banana pancakes. Then us girls primped quickly and headed over to ND friend Emily's home for my afternoon shower. The shower was totally wonderful. My many bridesmaids put so much thought and work into every little detail: delicious food, including my favorite of all foods (bacon). Tea for everyone in china cups. The favors were lovely tea bags, and the game prizes were flowers planted into small yellow teapots. I was overwhelmed by all of it - and the volume of presents we received! Our whole trunk was filled when we left.


Emily is on the left, Meg is on the right, and I am in the middle. Em is nine months pregnant with a baby boy and is due any day!

My mom drove out for the shower. Isn't that wonderful? The few who hadn't met her were shccked at how much we looked alike.

Later that night, a gaggle of us went out bachelorette partying. We had dinner at Giordano's and then hit a number of Clark Street bars, getting free drinks and hoots and hollers along the way. We tried to take pictures outside of the bars we frequented - this is one.

Left to right: Kelly, Chrissy, Tricia, Adrienne, me, Erin, Meg, Amy, Kate, Bethany, Carrie, Heather.

Em's baby shower was the next day (planned by Erin). It was great to relax with everyone, and Tricia even brought her youngest child. I got to hold him a lot which was fun. I know I'm not ready for one myself, but I am excited that my friends are starting to have them... it means I have a baby to play with for awhile, then give back!

All in all, it was a completely amazing weekend. Thanks to all those involved ;-)