Chicago for Janel's wedding

We went to Chicago for Derek's cousin, Janel's wedding for Labor Day weekend.  We got hooked up with a seat in the Pilot's cockpit on the way there.  Justin was a little tentative but enjoyed it.

We were there for college shirt day - this is what Justin wanted to bring.  For shame - all the Lukes in his life have totally influenced this behavior.  Better than a little maroon...just sayin'....

Nothing like pizza in Chicago.

Nuf said.  I think I went into a glucose coma after this.

We went to a state park right down the street from the house Tom rented in Wilmette, Illinois.

I feel like I should talk like Austin Powers and say how "frickin' freezing" the water was.

The brave souls.

The wedding was on friday evening, outside.  It was a heat wave - hotter than Houston.  We quickly went casual for Justin who was merely a guest.  Here he is with his cousins that he shadowed all weekend - Owen & Joseph.

Janel with her mom and dad

Just to reiterate the heat factor - Roger and Jane post ceremony.  That's pure sweat.

Everyone put their thumb prints on the family tree at the reception.

Janel's new last name....Schneller.  Yes, Janel Schneller.

Some of the extended Michaelis crew.  Tom grew up in Chicago and has lots of family still there.

 The original 5 some.  It was great to spend quality time with Kevin & Ryan.

Tom & his siblings - Roger, Jodi, & Tim.

The day after the wedding we went to Legoland.

Fascinating

The irony of this one.  Way to show submission to authority, Tom!

4D movie

 Justin could have stayed with the racing station all day

Then we went home and continued the Lego mania

 Most of the Michaelis crew minus the wedding party.  I have got to find a pose after running back and pushing the timer button.  The stand at attention has got to go.

The next day we went to a Cubs game to cheer on our buddy Koyie Hill.  Joel Hanrahan, another fellow Dodger buddy, was playing for the opposing team.  Fun to see the old friends in the pros.

Owen made this birthday card for Justin along with the Legos they both gave him and helped him make

 Koyie got passes to be on the field during batting practice.

Derek got two sections of tickets, and four of the seats were right behind home plate.  Koyie actually caught the game so we got to watch him the whole time.

Cubbie sing-a-long

And we met some staff that allowed the boys to run the bases after the game.

This ended up being the Michaelis Christmas card photo.

Such a great time with family we don't get to see often.  The house we stayed in was eccentric but allowed everyone to spread out.  great walking neighborhood which prompted me to make a friendship with a widow right down the street.  Two days in a row we got into theological discussions to the point where Derek would call to make sure I was okay because I was gone so long.  She was just lonely and wanted someone to listen.  And I was that someone.  The Lord was pursuing her in a mighty way, and she was vulnerable and real.  The anniversary of her husband's death was right around the corner, so it was a comfort for me to pray for her.  Intentional living no matter where you live or what vacation you are randomly on - you never know whom the Lord will cross in your path.