Monday and Tuesday was a mad dash of last minute school prep. Ellie, Marly and I got up early and put on a breakfast for the teachers at JWJ kicking off their first week of pre-planning. The vision in my head was much prettier than what we put together, but it was much appreciated and I got an inside peek on the new teachers. Abby and Voss got their COVID boosters. Ellie and Marly got an assessment from the Peterson former teachers to get them ready for a successful school year. Tuesday night was the kick off tennis party. Sally and I had speaking rolls then stayed for drinks. Wednesday morning I finished my packing then my parents and I ubered to the airport to fly to Chicago for #ErikandKelsWeddingBells ! We got checked into our hotel rooms then ubered to Wrigley Field to surprise the siblings who flew in earlier for the Cubs game. It was tricky to get in (had to ask the right people at the right box office) but we bought the cheapest tickets and walked in for the last inning of the game. It was a great surprise! The Cubs won and Erik and Kelley made it on the Jumbotron! We stayed after the game and had drinks at a local pub then ubered back to the hotel. My parents, Matt and I ventured back out for an evening stroll and to find a neat dinner spot, Purple Pig. The tapas were so amazing, well worth the walk! The next morning, Suzanne, the boys, Matt and I found coffee and walked to the Navy Pier. Matt and I took a refreshing dip in Lake Michigan. Then, went to try on his suit for the wedding. We met my parents for lunch at the corner pub then we all went to the Art Institute of Chicago. After a few hours they all went back to the hotel while I kept going. So nice to walk and enjoy the art alone. That evening we ubered to a rooftop lounge for a welcome party hosted by the Losiks (Erik's in-laws). We had local Chicago favorites and enjoyed an awesome Lake Michigan view with a full moon. It was a great way to kick off the wedding weekend and meet the family. Kelley took us to one of her fav dive bars. We ended up closing out a club. What a night! The next morning I had breakfast with my parents then we all walked down to the Navy Pier for the city architectural tour. Andrew, our tour guide was a high school history teacher. He was witty and informative. It was a good one! Erik ubered back to the hotel with M&D while the rest of us walked. I rode with Kelley's Aunt Kathy to help with wedding decor. I got to stand in for Steve at the rehearsal (their flight was delayed) then we headed to Gibson's steak house for the rehearsal dinner. Erik gave a nice speech thanking my parents. I got to sit with the Losiks and Sillanpaa cousins. The dinner was so delicious. The seafood tour, steak and dessert was out of this world. I even tried the sea bass and chicken entrees. All so good! Back to the hotel for a nightcap then off the bed. The next morning I got my nephew, Henry to hang with over coffee and snuggle time. Then I got to hold baby Conrad while Katie got ready. Katie, her boys and SIL, Liane and I all walked to the Sears (Willis) tower. We went to the top and checked out the views. I had this great idea to do a handstand against the glass. I totally busted and created a scene. So embarrassing and almost caused myself a concussion. I did a headstand to recover. Laine captured it all! I rode to the Lacuna Loft, wedding site with Aunt Kathy and cousin Laura to prep the wedding decor. We got dressed there. SQ and Katie helped with my hair and makeup. It was a perfect afternoon to get married. The ceremony was so emotional. So much crying and heartfelt words, just wow. They really did such a great job! There was a cocktail hour then we moved into the reception. My brother, Matt gave the most amazing best man speech. We were all balling. Then, lots of dancing. What an awesome night! There was an after party at the pub then another after party in Aunt Kathy's suite. We just had the best time meeting the new family and catching up with everyone. Just, wow! We got up and flew out the next afternoon. Phil picked us up at the airport in Jax. Meanwhile at home, Phil had an intense work week with personnel. Abby and Voss had a meet the teachers. Ellie had orientation and a friend's Birthday sleepover. Marly had a 6th grade pool party mixer. All last hurrahs before the start of school! We had Pizza for dinner then ready for the first week of school! Here are the pics from the week.