Fly-by Summer

When did it become August? Actually, when, and how did it become August 13th already? Isn't it still May, or at the very least, June? No, it's really August. Summer is nearly over (now that in Chicago, it's only just begun as we've finally seems temps climb above 80). So what have we been doing this summer? Well, a whole lot actually.

There have been parties with friends, weddings, great meals, visits from family, and this weekend - Dan's 31st birthday.

In early July, Dan's step-sister Carmie got married. It was the culmination of a year of planning by her mom, Sue, and everything came off perfectly. Carmie looked absolutely stunning, the venue was lovely, the food was good, the dance party was hopping, and a great time was had by all. Dan's dad, who fronts the 60's cover band Van Hammel, even performed a few songs!

Last weekend, Carmie was in town for work and we were able to hang out and hear a little about her amazing honeymoon to Cabo. The week before that, Dan's cousin, Elizabeth, came in with her boyfriend and we all went out to dinner and for drinks, and of course, talked travel (they recently returned from Belize).

We found a new apartment that we'll move into at the end of the month. Just as nice as our current apartment, it's a bit smaller (one bedroom with a smaller kitchen and one great room as opposed to our current one which has two bedrooms, a huge kitchen and dining room, a living room and den) and nearly half the price.

And me, well I've been busy. Busy working, busy writing, busy making plans. We've got several trips coming in the next few months: a press trip for me to Lake Geneva next weekend, Costa Rica over Labor Day, Denver in September, Kentucky and Washington DC in October, and if I have any say in it, we'll squeeze in one or two more overnights before heading off to South Africa for Christmas.

As busy as the summer was, it looks the fall may be even more so.