Sweet Home Chicago

I've been neglectful, I know, loyal readers, and I am sorry!

This past weekend wasn't spent within the beltway, but in the loop! (for those that don't know - inside the beltway is another name for  the city of Washington, and the loop is a part of downtown Chicago. and no, I didn't spend my whole weekend in the city of Chicago, but back at home in general!)
My cousin, Megan got married in the city on Friday. My sister was a bridesmaid, and Megan and her now-husband Mike asked me to do a reading at the church service, as well as pass out programs and bells before and after the ceremony. The reception was in the coolest location possible - on the 66th floor of the Sears (and now Willis) Tower! Loved the views! The reception was very fun too.

It was a lot of fun to spend time with my cousins Megan and Colleen, her younger sister (who is closer to my age, and was Megan's fabulous maid of honor). Congratulations, Megan and Mike! So happy for them. Colleen is coming to DC in a few weeks, which I'm also very excited for!! It was also great to see the rest of my extended family, and it also was a fun time with my parents and sister! We spent most of the night dancing!!

Saturday was my only full day at home in Batavia. It was sort of an early Father's day since I was leaving on Sunday, so we went out to breakfast as a family. The rest of the day, my dad just felt like hanging out so we hung out with him around and outside of the house. It was a great relaxing day!!! Then at night, I was able to go visit my boyfriend, Charlie. He made me dinner at his house which was delicious! He's a pretty good cook :) We had a great time together and it was so good to see him!

My flight left at Chicago at 6:30 AM on Sunday, and I knew I'd be tired but I didn't really care! It was simply good to see the people I love.  After 3.5 hours of sleep, I was off to O'Hare and back to Washington. It was such a quick trip!!! I wish it would've lasted longer. However, the views flying back into Reagan airport were PHENOMENAL! --->

Sunday, since I was back so early, my friends Meagan and Katie and I headed to Eastern Market, which is a neighborhood southeast of the Capitol. There, there are a lot of food and craft vendors selling their hobbies and/or homemade products. I bought some really cute earrings and there were TONS of other crafts I wanted to buy, like local photographers' work (pictures from around DC) and super cute knick knacks and decor for the home. Wish I could buy this stuff!!! I don't have a nice enough house to put it in!! haha :)

Right before we headed home, we stopped in this bookstore called Capitol Hill Books - THE COOLEST PLACE EVER!!! This old 3-story row house contains probably thousands, if not at least a million books. each room on each floor is stacked floor-to-ceiling with books... the place is seriously bursting with books. Although it looked daunting at first, there is organization!! they're sectioned off by category. For example, one corner near the ceiling is the "Kennedy Corner" and the bathroom has been converted into the "Foreign Language Room"... take a look...

 That's all for now!! More updates on this week / weekend later... I'm too tired after a busy week!!
xoxoxo