I had a fantastic weekend in Chicago seeing both U2 shows this weekend at Soldier Field. The show had a scope I can barely describe, photos won’t do justice, and I can’t imagine I’ll ever see something like that again. At least not until U2 comes up with the next big thing.

An Iowa victory added to the awesomeness of it all.

I do have more pictures and video to share, but right now, I must tend to my blistered feet and get some sleep before returning to the real world tomorrow.

Mini King Cakes from Randazzo’s Camellia City Bakery. A post-Christmas, pre-Mardi Gras gift from Lisa. Thank you!!

A close-up:

So tasty!!!

I worked yesterday, lest my co-workers riot for the lack of treats. I made peanut butter brownies using the recipe from Camp Wesley Woods. They tasted just like I remembered. And for those chomping at the bit to get the recipe so you too can relive your camp days, I’ll get it posted this weekend.

Over my lunch hour I completed the oh-so-exciting task of renewing my drivers’ license. Five years already? Where does the time go? The picture is acceptable but I’m still not sold on the overly girly pink license. Can’t we get black and gold ones? Please?

After work, I was joined by Jerry, Sara, Taly, Diane, Colleen, and Ben for a very tasty birthday dinner at Blackstone. I got some fun cards, a beautiful green necklace from the Kollasches, and then a big group gift that I will show off here since some of the contributors live way out of town and most likely haven’t seen what they were actually giving me.

I give you the Obama scarf!

It is beautiful and soft and warm, as it should be as it is cashmere! Recycled cashmere to be precise. A local Iowa City woman has a line of recycled cashmere items called Elf Cashmere. My first cashmere anything. Thank you so much! I was completely surprised!

Here’s close up on the detail of the big handmade Obama logo

For those of you wondering what will become of it after Nov. 4th, or when I’m not in an “O” kind of mood; simple, I just turn it over. The other side is plain black. I usually wear my scarves tucked into my jacket anyway. It will look great under my new gray wool pea coat (that is out for delivery as I type!). The group also got me a gift card to Oyama sushi. They do know me well.

After a tasty meal, D came over to my place and we watched some ‘Survivor’ and then rocked some Guitar Hero.

While we were rockin’ out, I got a text/pix message from Stacey with the present to top off the night. A picture of Mark after he’d shaved! Love it!

After D headed home, I watched ‘The Office’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and called it a night. Thanks to everyone who sent me birthday wishes online, via text and in card form!

[flickr album=72157607944075314 num=30 size=Square]

There are six more pictures in the album.

First up, my Uncle Ron is turning 75 today! Happy Birthday, Uncle Ron.
I use this occasion to show off one of my favorite old family photos. It is of Uncle Ron when he was in the Air Force. This photo is at least 50 years old and the original is so beautiful. I may have posted it before, but I love it so.

Next is my cousin Emily, who turns 31 today. We’re just a year apart. I’m going to assume she’s celebrating in Atlanta today, but with Emily who knows, she could be in pretty much any country these days.

Last, but not least, is my friend Nicky, who is just 6 days older than me, turns 32 today. Originally from Wales, now residing in the Boston area, Nicky and I met through our love of Harry (Connick, Jr.) and I was lucky enough to attend her and Chris’ wedding in Wales a few years back. I hope to visit her someday soon!

Happy Birthday to all!

First up was Taly’s 2nd birthday where family and friends celebrated at Wilson’s Orchard:

Followed by Ben’s 1st birthday where the poor kid was a little stunned at the wall of paparazzi family and friends who sang and encouraged him to eat cake:

150+ photos to follow. Seriously.

After dinner, Stacey joined us and we went to see Wanted at this very cool theater/entertainment complex; iPic. It was the first time I saw a movie in a digital presentation. I was impressed and Wanted was high-energy, action-packed, ridiculous fun. Highly recommended if you like things blowing up and a movie that understands that its not high art and laughs at that fact with the audience.

On Sunday, we went out for breakfast at the Original Pancake House. It was worth the wait, they have bacon pancakes!! Tasty brilliance!

Sarah & Charlie while we waited for our seats:

Bacon Pancakes!

After breakfast, the kids and Sarah napped while Stacey and I played video games. I took my first stab at Guitar Hero and see what the hype is about, it is very addictive.

More pictures of food and the Harrison family are on Flickr.

After his nap, Charlie wasn’t feeling that well and Stacey was the Dad of the Year who took care of both boys so Sarah could with me to Summerfest to see Bonerama. We had a fun time and Sarah loved the Bones. I definitely have a new dancing partner! The music was a tad bit LOUD, so we didn’t stay too long after the Bones’ set and missed them sitting in with Galactic. But at least Stanton sat in with the Bones, so I got to see him do his thing.

A few pictures:

Craig and Greg:

Trombone Shorty sits in:

Mark and his cowbell:

Stanton Moore sits in for a couple of songs:

All Bonerama pictures over on Flickr.

More photos over on Flickr.

There was grilling, there were beverages, and there was a cooler to be ridden. You’d be amazed at how fun it is to roll through the parking lots on a motorized cooler.

As for the practice/scrimmage/game itself, it was misty out. There is something cool (or possibly crazy) about sitting out with several thousand other fans in slightly unsavory weather just to watch your team practice. Jerry and I were cheering for football. It didn’t matter what was happening (do you cheer if the quarterback throws an interception because the defense did its job well?), it was just great to get back to the mindset of football season. The rain did pick up and become unpleasant just as most of us were heading for the car.

I posted many photos on Flickr that I’m sure the parents of the children in attendance will want to check out. Here are a few highlights:

Josh, Colleen, Doogie & Ben

Jenniffer & Muiread

Jerry & Taly ready for a ride

Colleen & Ben, Doogie, Josh, Jill, Sara, and Margaret

Diane & Lindsey at Kinnick