So, now that Matt is home, what has he been up to? I'm sure all are pondering this question. Well, to help explain, here's a video:
Matt
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Happy Holiday! - this is extremely funny
Made by Jamie :
enjoy!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1319926562
enjoy!
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1319926562
BJ Bits
Dear Slaws, Lincenbergs, Ettlesons and Whites (the SLEW),
Wow, BJ found his way back to the blog! It's a Hanukkah miracle! The holidays are always a good time to give, share and reconnect. Perhaps this post will serve that spirit. Matt and Kim, especially, have done yeoman's work in filling the blog with wonderful stories since Camp Slaw.
When you're a single, exceptionally handsome man, rumors are always going to be swirling in this family about your love life. It simply comes with the territory. Mathias and Dan-O, I know you're feeling me. You can all stop the presses in their tracks because I have found a woman whose drama-free kindness has stopped me dead in mine. Her name is Christine. We used to work together when I was a member of the Elmhurst College Admissions Office back in 2004. We were always friends, but lost touch for the first year I was back here in Des Moines. Christine and I reconnected back in Chicago at summer's end and started to lay the groundwork for a deeper, more affectionate relationship. Autumn highlights included a Cubs game, demolition derby, Christine cooking chili and letting me pretend to help, seeing the Jane Austen's Book Club movie in place of watching a Bears game on TV (that's when you know the girl has a hold over you!), and culminated in her visiting me out here in Des Moines, Iowa this past weekend. Rather than smother you with all of Christine's unique, wonderful qualities, I'll let you discover them yourself as you meet and get to know her.
Work at Drake University continues on. I have grown to appreciate some facets of the student records environment, but I wouldn't say that I am completely enamored with the position. There's a lot of time spent in front of a computer and less interacting with students compared to admissions or academic advising work. Drake and Des Moines are good places to be, but developing a support system here that remotely resembles the network of friends I had during college here has proven to be difficult and has not really materialized. All of the developments these last few months does not mean that BJ and Chicago are on a crash course to reunite. Rather, I am being patient and believe that I will continue to inch closer to what it is that I truly want out of life. Any and all time spent with the fam and your support will further enrich the journey.
In closing, I love each of you down to the last drop and I thank Drake's Vice Provost for closing the University today due to an ice storm so that I could summon the time necessary to put all of these thoughts to paper (or screen, if you'd like to get technical).
xoxoxoxo,
BJ
Wow, BJ found his way back to the blog! It's a Hanukkah miracle! The holidays are always a good time to give, share and reconnect. Perhaps this post will serve that spirit. Matt and Kim, especially, have done yeoman's work in filling the blog with wonderful stories since Camp Slaw.
When you're a single, exceptionally handsome man, rumors are always going to be swirling in this family about your love life. It simply comes with the territory. Mathias and Dan-O, I know you're feeling me. You can all stop the presses in their tracks because I have found a woman whose drama-free kindness has stopped me dead in mine. Her name is Christine. We used to work together when I was a member of the Elmhurst College Admissions Office back in 2004. We were always friends, but lost touch for the first year I was back here in Des Moines. Christine and I reconnected back in Chicago at summer's end and started to lay the groundwork for a deeper, more affectionate relationship. Autumn highlights included a Cubs game, demolition derby, Christine cooking chili and letting me pretend to help, seeing the Jane Austen's Book Club movie in place of watching a Bears game on TV (that's when you know the girl has a hold over you!), and culminated in her visiting me out here in Des Moines, Iowa this past weekend. Rather than smother you with all of Christine's unique, wonderful qualities, I'll let you discover them yourself as you meet and get to know her.
Work at Drake University continues on. I have grown to appreciate some facets of the student records environment, but I wouldn't say that I am completely enamored with the position. There's a lot of time spent in front of a computer and less interacting with students compared to admissions or academic advising work. Drake and Des Moines are good places to be, but developing a support system here that remotely resembles the network of friends I had during college here has proven to be difficult and has not really materialized. All of the developments these last few months does not mean that BJ and Chicago are on a crash course to reunite. Rather, I am being patient and believe that I will continue to inch closer to what it is that I truly want out of life. Any and all time spent with the fam and your support will further enrich the journey.
In closing, I love each of you down to the last drop and I thank Drake's Vice Provost for closing the University today due to an ice storm so that I could summon the time necessary to put all of these thoughts to paper (or screen, if you'd like to get technical).
xoxoxoxo,
BJ
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
finally
YAY! Kim finally taught me how to post! This is exciting!
See you all in 17 days!
Happy Hannukah!
Love- Jamie
See you all in 17 days!
Happy Hannukah!
Love- Jamie
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
A quarter to remember
As some of you may already know, my first quarter (trimester) of school is coming to a close. It was a time defined by transition- from living at home to sharing a room in a dorm, from eating home cooked meals to eating meals that may or may not be cooked, from a 'frats are not for me' person to a 'rush-er', from a non-sports medicine person to an sports medicine person. Some of these transitions required a bit of adjustment; some may define a good deal of my entire career here at Northwestern.
Looking back at my classes, I realize that I really don't have any complaints. I can honestly say I enjoyed the small class discussions in my 'Values of Biodiversity' seminar, and cutting down blackthorn one Saturday afternoon wasn't bad either. My psychology class was more of a standard college class, and although we went through the material pretty quickly, the lectures weren't too bad and I think I learned a lot (I'm actually considering minoring in psychology, but I don't have to decide for some time). The meat of my time spent here, though, has been given to the study of Organic Chemistry, which I knew going in was going to be a challenge (and a requirement for Med School). Fortunately, I have been pretty successful (i.e. ahead of the curve) in the class up to this point, which gives me some confidence going into the next two quarters.
Looking to the next few weeks, I'm excited to end the quarter and enjoy the holidays at home for a while (speaking of transitions, our home itself is one big work-in-progress). Now, about the holidays- I guess just Chanukah for this blog- I was thinking about maybe incorporating some part of the cousin exchange into the blog. Of course, everything would be done anonymously, but I think it might be nice for each cousin to post something relating to their person- be it in writing or a picture or whatever. If anyone has any ideas, I would like to hear about them (hint...comments).
Anyways, I hope everyone is doing well and I am looking forward to seeing and/or hearing from everyone in the coming weeks.
Matt
Looking back at my classes, I realize that I really don't have any complaints. I can honestly say I enjoyed the small class discussions in my 'Values of Biodiversity' seminar, and cutting down blackthorn one Saturday afternoon wasn't bad either. My psychology class was more of a standard college class, and although we went through the material pretty quickly, the lectures weren't too bad and I think I learned a lot (I'm actually considering minoring in psychology, but I don't have to decide for some time). The meat of my time spent here, though, has been given to the study of Organic Chemistry, which I knew going in was going to be a challenge (and a requirement for Med School). Fortunately, I have been pretty successful (i.e. ahead of the curve) in the class up to this point, which gives me some confidence going into the next two quarters.
Looking to the next few weeks, I'm excited to end the quarter and enjoy the holidays at home for a while (speaking of transitions, our home itself is one big work-in-progress). Now, about the holidays- I guess just Chanukah for this blog- I was thinking about maybe incorporating some part of the cousin exchange into the blog. Of course, everything would be done anonymously, but I think it might be nice for each cousin to post something relating to their person- be it in writing or a picture or whatever. If anyone has any ideas, I would like to hear about them (hint...comments).
Anyways, I hope everyone is doing well and I am looking forward to seeing and/or hearing from everyone in the coming weeks.
Matt
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
my interviews
Due to popular demand I am back to tell you all about my interviewing experiences!
On Tuesday night I drove to Augusta, GA for my interview at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). I stayed with a med student that I was set up with by the admissions department, however, it turned out that her roommate is a girl that I knew in high school, so it worked out really well! We went to dinner and I got to ask a bunch of first years LOTS of questions!
The interview day started at 8:30 the next morning. First we spent some time meeting each other (there were 11 people in the group) and making sure our files were complete. I had my first interview at 11:00 with a pediatrician. We had a nice conversation and I think she liked me. I told her lots of good stuff and it didn't feel like an interview at all.
Then we had lunch (chicken parmesan!) and got to relax for a little longer. At 2:00 I had my second interview, this time with an Anatomy Lecture and Lab professor. She was slightly more intimidating than the pediatrician, but still very nice. Honestly, I don't feel that my second interview was very strong, but you never know, she may have liked my answers!
Immediately afterwards I changed out of my suit and heels and drove back to Athens.
Thursday night I drove to Atlanta/home. It was really nice to get to hang out with my mom, Jamie, and Paige for a little bit. I don't remember the last time we got to watch a new episode of Grey's Anatomy together!
Friday morning I woke up at 5:30 and was in the Emory admissions office by 7:30. Ouch. It was slightly annoying that we were there so early because we sat around, waiting anxiously, until about 8. Then we spent at least an hour meeting each other and watching a powerpoint presentation about Emory. However, the admissions staff were incredible and I had a great time during all of that! There were students from the most impressive colleges and backgrounds (Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Wash U, MIT, you name it). We split into two groups of about 9 each. My group went on our tour in the morning. A third year student showed us the Emory campus, Grady Hospital (the largest hospital in Atlanta and an affiliate with Emory), and Emory University Hospital. The tour lasted almost 3 hours (I brought along walking shoes!) and then we had lunch.
I had a lot of waiting around, so I had ample opportunity to meet and chat with current students, which was great. My first interview was at 2:30. It was a group interview, so there were 3 of us, two doctors/professors, and the third year from our tour. The other students I was with seemed nervous and didn't speak very well, but I thought I did great! haha...let's hope they thought so too! Then around 4 I had my individual interview and by that point the professor was just ready to leave, so it was short and painless and he actually did more talking than I did.
There is no way for me to tell when I will be hearing from either school, but I really hope it isn't too long! Emory will be at least mid-December and I could potentially not hear anything until the end of March. Yikes.
And I have not heard from other schools yet, so I have nothing to do now except wait.
If you really read this, thanks! I would love it if more of you would write about the actual goings-on in your lives. I hope that you all have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I wish we could be there with you, but I will for sure be seeing you in December! YAY!
Love you sooooo much!
~Kim
On Tuesday night I drove to Augusta, GA for my interview at the Medical College of Georgia (MCG). I stayed with a med student that I was set up with by the admissions department, however, it turned out that her roommate is a girl that I knew in high school, so it worked out really well! We went to dinner and I got to ask a bunch of first years LOTS of questions!
The interview day started at 8:30 the next morning. First we spent some time meeting each other (there were 11 people in the group) and making sure our files were complete. I had my first interview at 11:00 with a pediatrician. We had a nice conversation and I think she liked me. I told her lots of good stuff and it didn't feel like an interview at all.
Then we had lunch (chicken parmesan!) and got to relax for a little longer. At 2:00 I had my second interview, this time with an Anatomy Lecture and Lab professor. She was slightly more intimidating than the pediatrician, but still very nice. Honestly, I don't feel that my second interview was very strong, but you never know, she may have liked my answers!
Immediately afterwards I changed out of my suit and heels and drove back to Athens.
Thursday night I drove to Atlanta/home. It was really nice to get to hang out with my mom, Jamie, and Paige for a little bit. I don't remember the last time we got to watch a new episode of Grey's Anatomy together!
Friday morning I woke up at 5:30 and was in the Emory admissions office by 7:30. Ouch. It was slightly annoying that we were there so early because we sat around, waiting anxiously, until about 8. Then we spent at least an hour meeting each other and watching a powerpoint presentation about Emory. However, the admissions staff were incredible and I had a great time during all of that! There were students from the most impressive colleges and backgrounds (Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Wash U, MIT, you name it). We split into two groups of about 9 each. My group went on our tour in the morning. A third year student showed us the Emory campus, Grady Hospital (the largest hospital in Atlanta and an affiliate with Emory), and Emory University Hospital. The tour lasted almost 3 hours (I brought along walking shoes!) and then we had lunch.
I had a lot of waiting around, so I had ample opportunity to meet and chat with current students, which was great. My first interview was at 2:30. It was a group interview, so there were 3 of us, two doctors/professors, and the third year from our tour. The other students I was with seemed nervous and didn't speak very well, but I thought I did great! haha...let's hope they thought so too! Then around 4 I had my individual interview and by that point the professor was just ready to leave, so it was short and painless and he actually did more talking than I did.
There is no way for me to tell when I will be hearing from either school, but I really hope it isn't too long! Emory will be at least mid-December and I could potentially not hear anything until the end of March. Yikes.
And I have not heard from other schools yet, so I have nothing to do now except wait.
If you really read this, thanks! I would love it if more of you would write about the actual goings-on in your lives. I hope that you all have a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! I wish we could be there with you, but I will for sure be seeing you in December! YAY!
Love you sooooo much!
~Kim
Friday, November 09, 2007
interviews!
hello all!
i would just like to let everyone know that i was just offered an interview at Emory School of Medicine!!!!
i have my Medical College of Georgia interview on Wednesday and then my Emory interview on Friday... I am very nervous, but SO EXCITED!
i will update with how they go and hopefully i'll have some more interviews to announce in the near future!
LOVE,
kim
i would just like to let everyone know that i was just offered an interview at Emory School of Medicine!!!!
i have my Medical College of Georgia interview on Wednesday and then my Emory interview on Friday... I am very nervous, but SO EXCITED!
i will update with how they go and hopefully i'll have some more interviews to announce in the near future!
LOVE,
kim
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Lizzy's Bat Mitzvah & Jeni and Robs' visit to ATL!
We had so much fun at Lizzy's Bat MItzvah and wanted to share some of our pictures. Also, Jeni and Rob came to visit us in Atlanta this past weekend. We went to Athens for a UGA game! We won! yay! (So did Michigan, wahoo Devin) [PICTURES BY JULIE, POSTED BY PAIGE]
Friday, October 12, 2007
What's new at NU?
Greetings from Northwestern, bloggers-
A lot has happened here since I last posted on Dummyline a week or two ago. Classes are now in full swing- in fact, I had an organic chemistry test this morning- not much fun, but it's good to get it over with and be able to enjoy the weekend.
I also recently interviewed, was offered, and accepted a job here as a sports medicine aide. It's actually a fairly exclusive position, and I feel very fortunate to be able to take part in the program. Although I don't know all of the specifics, the SMA program mainly involves the sports medicine staff training students to do emergency and basic physical therapy and injury prevention as well as observe surgeries and doctor appointments. No it's not that glamorous- but I do think it would provide invaluable experience to any aspiring doctor (such as myself). And being on the sidelines during an NU football game is pretty neat, too.
Not much else to really talk about. I am looking forward to the Bat-Mitzvah celebration and I will see you all soon.
Matt
here is a short preview of the montage- enjoy:
A lot has happened here since I last posted on Dummyline a week or two ago. Classes are now in full swing- in fact, I had an organic chemistry test this morning- not much fun, but it's good to get it over with and be able to enjoy the weekend.
I also recently interviewed, was offered, and accepted a job here as a sports medicine aide. It's actually a fairly exclusive position, and I feel very fortunate to be able to take part in the program. Although I don't know all of the specifics, the SMA program mainly involves the sports medicine staff training students to do emergency and basic physical therapy and injury prevention as well as observe surgeries and doctor appointments. No it's not that glamorous- but I do think it would provide invaluable experience to any aspiring doctor (such as myself). And being on the sidelines during an NU football game is pretty neat, too.
Not much else to really talk about. I am looking forward to the Bat-Mitzvah celebration and I will see you all soon.
Matt
here is a short preview of the montage- enjoy:
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Saturday, October 06, 2007
i would just like to share that I have been offered an
interview at the Medical College of Georgia!
i have completed all of my applications (to 11 schools) and hopefully I will be hearing from some more throughout the fall!!!
2 WEEKS UNTIL LIZZY'S BAT-MITZVAH!!!!
i am so excited to see you all so soon and to celebrate with Lizzy!
LOVE, kim
interview at the Medical College of Georgia!
i have completed all of my applications (to 11 schools) and hopefully I will be hearing from some more throughout the fall!!!
2 WEEKS UNTIL LIZZY'S BAT-MITZVAH!!!!
i am so excited to see you all so soon and to celebrate with Lizzy!
LOVE, kim
Saturday, September 29, 2007
An hour at the lake
I took these pictures yesterday at NU's shoreline of Lake Michigan. Some of them turned out pretty good. (You can click on an image to get a closer look)
Matt
Matt
Monday, September 24, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
What they call a dorm at Northwestern
Brought to you by popular demand, a video of my half of the dorm:
Matt
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Moving Day
Hello from Northwestern!
Today was a pretty hectic day. In addition to Phil (our contractor) carving our garage wall, I had to move into my new home at Northwestern. It's a quaint little place in south campus, but it's home for now. After moving in and rearranging some furniture, we (a group of 15 or so students) met our peer advisor and we had dinner later in the dining hall in my dorm. After that, we had a meeting with all the people on our floor and played a few games. Next, we went to an auditorium in a place called norris university center and watched a quite comical orientation video.
Of course, I will not be posting everyday, but every so often I would like to keep you guys informed. I hope everyone is doing well and I might see you all soon.
Matt
Today was a pretty hectic day. In addition to Phil (our contractor) carving our garage wall, I had to move into my new home at Northwestern. It's a quaint little place in south campus, but it's home for now. After moving in and rearranging some furniture, we (a group of 15 or so students) met our peer advisor and we had dinner later in the dining hall in my dorm. After that, we had a meeting with all the people on our floor and played a few games. Next, we went to an auditorium in a place called norris university center and watched a quite comical orientation video.
Of course, I will not be posting everyday, but every so often I would like to keep you guys informed. I hope everyone is doing well and I might see you all soon.
Matt
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
THANK YOU!
I would like to thank each and every one of the Whites, C. Slaws, Langermans, and Ettlesons for being so thoughtful and generous to me for my birthday!!!
The watch is PERFECT! I couldn't have picked out a better one myself, and the extra gift card will definitely come to use! I really appreciated all of your messages and phonecalls...my birthday was wonderful and i felt so loved!
I LOVE YOU ALL SOOOOO MUCH!!!!!!
love,
your 21-year-old niece/cousin,
Kim
Monday, September 03, 2007
My dorm!
Hello everyone! Thanks for all of the birthday wishes! U of M is fantastic so far...I start classes tomorrow morning so I'll let you all know how they go! Anyway, here are a few requested pictures of my dorm! Enjoy!
My Desk:
My Bed:
Birthday Balloons:
My Dresser
My Desk:
My Bed:
Birthday Balloons:
My Dresser
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Happy Birthday Kim, Devin & Jessie!!!
On this fine Labor Day weekend, I'd like to post a birthday shout-out to 3 very lovely ladies: Kim (21), Devin (19), and Jessie (25). Did I get the ages right?! I hope so! Happy Birthday, cousins 'o' mine. I love you!!!
Love,
Sara Rianna
Love,
Sara Rianna
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Happy Birthday Grandma Bobbie!
Happy Birthday! We hope that you have a great birthday. We love you so much!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
CAMP SLAW!!!
Camp Slaw was so much fun! I would like to thank Grandma and Grandpa for starting this wonderful tradition and making it possible for us to go every year. I love getting to come and spend quality time with the family while relaxing and enjoying the summer. I love you all and can't wait to see you at Lizzy's Bat-Mitzvah! yay! Love, paige
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Camp Slaw 2007
Hi, All! I'm in the process of writing the first Camp Slaw newsletter for this year, so if you have anything you want me to know before it's officially "published" let me know. Watch for the newsletter with job assignments coming within the next couple of days. Oh what fun!
Laurie
Laurie
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
"The Boys are Back in Town"
As many of you may know, Daniel and I spent last weekend in Des Moines, Iowa with BJ. The drive was about 5 and a half hours and went smoothly both ways (thank goodness for XM radio). About the only highlight of the drive was crossing the Mississippi- which took about 10 seconds. But the destination was well worth the drive. When we arrived, we met BJ at Drake and he gave us a quick tour the Drake Campus including the building where he works. BJ claimed his office was a little cluttered at the time, but I'm sure I speak for Daniel when I say we felt right at home. Back at BJ's place (which was very organized and neat), we met BJ's roommate Matt and made ourselves at home until we left for the Iowa Cubs game, which was a lot of fun. It's not the major leagues, but how can you argue with between-innings festivities that include a golf cart driving around the field with a cannon that launches hot dogs into the stands- of course they are wrapped in foil when they are launched. Unfortunately, there were no free hot dogs to be eaten for us (or maybe that was a good thing). After the game, there was a fireworks show which was very cool. When we got back to BJ's place, we watched a movie then went to bed for some much needed rest.
The next morning (Saturday), we watched the British Open on TV while we ate cereal on the couch- can't do that at home. After a while, we left to have lunch at Panera Bread. From there we went to Beaver Creek golf course for a taste of Iowa golf. The course was well kept, hilly, and fostered some good boy cousin bonding time- we all know how important that is. After golf, we went back to BJ's place for a little recovery time after golf. Reenergized, we left for the movie theater to buy our tickets for "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry". Just for a little background, the movie theater is part of this expansive Old Orchard-like mall that was built just a few years ago. I am also happy to report that there is a Champps on site, so there would be some where for us to eat if we all headed to Iowa for a Sunday night dinner ;). That night, though, we ate at Buffalo Wild Wings, which was walking distance from the movie theater. We had a sports-filled meal there, and then headed back to the movie theater to catch the movie. "Chuck and Larry" was pretty funny and a little stupid- but what do you expect from Adam Sandler and Kevin James. After the movie, we went back to BJ's apartment and played a quick game of Scrabble before bed- and I've sworn not to reveal the winner ;).
The next morning was much like the first: cereal and the British Open. After that, we left for Principal Park to watch another Iowa Cubs game- again it was not our day with the hot dog cannon. After the game, we went to the domain of which BJ is the master- his league bowling alley- which is a little old school by the way. We also saw the volleyball courts that are right next to the bowling alley where BJ plays volleyball. We bowled a couple of not-too-serious games before leaving for the Iowa Machine Shed. No, we didn't go there to look at tractors- we went there to eat. It is a family style restaurant with the flair of an Iowa farm. Needless to say, we had a very good meal.
Monday morning, BJ woke us up early and reviewed the directions on how to get back to Chicago. After BJ left for work, Daniel and I had breakfast, packed up all of our stuff and hit the road. We had lunch at McDonald's right near the Iowa/Illinois border and didn't stop afterwards until we were parked in the driveway, thus ending one great weekend.
Iowa Cubs Game and Principal Park
The movie theater
Daniel, BJ and me at the bowling alley
The next morning (Saturday), we watched the British Open on TV while we ate cereal on the couch- can't do that at home. After a while, we left to have lunch at Panera Bread. From there we went to Beaver Creek golf course for a taste of Iowa golf. The course was well kept, hilly, and fostered some good boy cousin bonding time- we all know how important that is. After golf, we went back to BJ's place for a little recovery time after golf. Reenergized, we left for the movie theater to buy our tickets for "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry". Just for a little background, the movie theater is part of this expansive Old Orchard-like mall that was built just a few years ago. I am also happy to report that there is a Champps on site, so there would be some where for us to eat if we all headed to Iowa for a Sunday night dinner ;). That night, though, we ate at Buffalo Wild Wings, which was walking distance from the movie theater. We had a sports-filled meal there, and then headed back to the movie theater to catch the movie. "Chuck and Larry" was pretty funny and a little stupid- but what do you expect from Adam Sandler and Kevin James. After the movie, we went back to BJ's apartment and played a quick game of Scrabble before bed- and I've sworn not to reveal the winner ;).
The next morning was much like the first: cereal and the British Open. After that, we left for Principal Park to watch another Iowa Cubs game- again it was not our day with the hot dog cannon. After the game, we went to the domain of which BJ is the master- his league bowling alley- which is a little old school by the way. We also saw the volleyball courts that are right next to the bowling alley where BJ plays volleyball. We bowled a couple of not-too-serious games before leaving for the Iowa Machine Shed. No, we didn't go there to look at tractors- we went there to eat. It is a family style restaurant with the flair of an Iowa farm. Needless to say, we had a very good meal.
Monday morning, BJ woke us up early and reviewed the directions on how to get back to Chicago. After BJ left for work, Daniel and I had breakfast, packed up all of our stuff and hit the road. We had lunch at McDonald's right near the Iowa/Illinois border and didn't stop afterwards until we were parked in the driveway, thus ending one great weekend.
Matt
Here are some pictures of the trip:
BJ's "domain": Plaza Lanes
Here are some pictures of the trip:
BJ's "domain": Plaza Lanes
Iowa Cubs Game and Principal Park
The movie theater
Daniel, BJ and me at the bowling alleySaturday, July 21, 2007
Boys in Iowa
Yesterday the boys, Matt and Daniel, left for their roadtrip to Iowa to see BJ. It's their first roadtrip, by them selves at least, and they made the 6 hours fine. Honestly, it's nice around the house but it's different. I'm the "oldest" and I like it. Mom is worried more than ever but that's normal. Anyhow, I'm sure they will blog all about their trip when they return on Monday.
Lizzy
Lizzy
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
A day at the ball game
Thanks to Grandpa Maury, Daniel, Dad, our cousin Hale, Jake, me and a few of my friends got to enjoy a Cubs victory in a skybox at Wrigley field. We all had a great time (especially Jake riding the CTA there and back). Here are a few pictures:
Me and Daniel
Me, Ryan, and Mike
Grandpa Maury and Daniel
Jake and Hale
At the game
Cubs Win!
Monday, June 25, 2007
"Iron Mike" does it again
Mike White- our Uncle Mike White- in a gritty all-star performance, has completed yet another triathlon. When I asked him what his goal was for this event, he said, "I don't have a goal. I just try to do the best I can do." From where I am standing, he accomplished his goal, finishing first in his age division (of which there are at least 2 members :) ). Also worth noting, he is planning on being a running partner for a visually handicapped friend. An athlete and a volunteer- is there anything "Iron Mike" can't do?
Matt
(sorry uncle mike, I tried to keep it low key)
Matt
(sorry uncle mike, I tried to keep it low key)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
I finally remembered how to do this!
Hi everyone!
After weeks of trying to figure out how to post a blog on this thing, I've finally figured it out. Don't ask why it was so tough - no clue.
First of all, thanks to everyone for their kind birthday wishes and gifts. I must say that it is a bit odd moving into a whole different decade, but I had a great birthday here and it made becoming offically "old" not quite as bad. :)
Things here are pretty good. Work is very busy and I'm going to be going on a business trip to Louisville in a couple of weeks. Rob and I just booked a cruise that leaves out of NYC and stops in Saint John Island, Canada. It will really be more about the boat and less about Canada. :) Anyway, we both had taken some time off 4th of July week so we thought this may be fun. This comes on the heels of us just getting back from an awesome trip in Vegas so yes, we're definitely traveling a lot. We keep pretty busy here. Gone to some really great restaurants lately, seen a couple of great plays...actually went to the ballet last weekend (Rob survived). Hoping to head to the beach out on Long Island on Saturday but who knows if the weather will hold up.
I was thinking about all of you on Father's Day. I must say that it's really tough missing those occasions. I haven't been to a bbq in like 4 years. That's one thing you don't get in the city! Was there TAS? And as I read the blogs, it seems I missed one of Jeri's famous speeches! Oh well...
Anyway, I'm psyched to see everyone at CS. Love and miss you all, Jeni
After weeks of trying to figure out how to post a blog on this thing, I've finally figured it out. Don't ask why it was so tough - no clue.
First of all, thanks to everyone for their kind birthday wishes and gifts. I must say that it is a bit odd moving into a whole different decade, but I had a great birthday here and it made becoming offically "old" not quite as bad. :)
Things here are pretty good. Work is very busy and I'm going to be going on a business trip to Louisville in a couple of weeks. Rob and I just booked a cruise that leaves out of NYC and stops in Saint John Island, Canada. It will really be more about the boat and less about Canada. :) Anyway, we both had taken some time off 4th of July week so we thought this may be fun. This comes on the heels of us just getting back from an awesome trip in Vegas so yes, we're definitely traveling a lot. We keep pretty busy here. Gone to some really great restaurants lately, seen a couple of great plays...actually went to the ballet last weekend (Rob survived). Hoping to head to the beach out on Long Island on Saturday but who knows if the weather will hold up.
I was thinking about all of you on Father's Day. I must say that it's really tough missing those occasions. I haven't been to a bbq in like 4 years. That's one thing you don't get in the city! Was there TAS? And as I read the blogs, it seems I missed one of Jeri's famous speeches! Oh well...
Anyway, I'm psyched to see everyone at CS. Love and miss you all, Jeni
Jakey riding his bike
Here is a video of Jakey riding his bike sans training wheels for the first time without any help.
Matt
Matt
Monday, June 18, 2007
Happy Birthday Dad!
Happy birthday dad and thanks for being such a great person! Today is Michael Berry Ettleson's 49th birthday!!! One more year 'til the big 50. Enjoy it!!
Lizzy
Lizzy
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Father's Day
Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there!!
Matt
I encourage any comments in the form father's day messages to all the dads and grandpas (well I guess there's only one Grandpa)
Matt
I encourage any comments in the form father's day messages to all the dads and grandpas (well I guess there's only one Grandpa)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
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