The Windy City

I just got back from Chicago with Janice, my mom, Pam & Yvette. I got tickets to the Oprah show a few weeks ago and I knew my mom was definitely going. I asked Janice and Pam and got enthusiastic responses from them, too. Yvette is usually up for any trip, so I'm so glad she came along! We had a great time, ate great food, didn't spend too much shopping, and had fun sight-seeing. Oh, and we went to the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Pam got there earlier (mid-afternoon) on Monday and the rest of us showed up around 9pm. Pam got to enjoy authentic deep-dish Chicago-style pizza with a childhood friend of Sean & Drew's, Annie McMannis (she's married with a new name now, but we all called her Annie McMannis). It was great to meet them at the hotel for a quick drink before Annie had to go home to her lovely family. Before she left, though, Annie gave us some great tips on what to do and see in her very fine city.

We stayed at the Hotel Affinia on Superior, a block off Michigan Avenue. The location was perfect, the hotel was gorgeous, and the staff was amazing. I can't think of a time I've had better service at any hotel. We decided it was just because we were their favorite guests.

Tuesday, we had lunch, shopped and went to the top of the John Hancock Building for drinks before we went to dinner. We enjoyed a good meal at Sushi Samba, an Asian/Brazilian/ Peruvian fusion restaurant. I mostly went the Asain way, but other tastes were enjoyed, as well.

Did I mention we ate a lot? We were there for less than 72 hours, but in typical Ordal/Ealy fashion, we managed to fit in plenty of times for dining and drinks.

Wednesday was our Oprah day, and it was really a day. We left our hotel at 10:00, got to the studios at 10:15, got in line and waited to get into the studio. We then waited to have our coats checked, bags searched and our identities proven. Then we went upstairs and waited for over an hour, so we could go back downstairs to get into the studio to wait for Oprah. I'm just going to say that the topic was curious and generally low energy all around. It's supposed to air Tuesday, October 14.

After a quck bite and a beer, we headed back to meet Yvette at the hotel. We hung out for a bit before heading to the rooftop bar at Affinia. It was almost sunset, and just absolutely stunning!

Yesterday, before heading to the airport, we enjoyed a stroll to Navy Pier, a delicious waterfront lunch and a beautiful walk along the beaches of Lake Michigan. Janice, Pam and I talked about what a great place Chicago would be to bring children. There are great museums, beaches, walks, and other attractions kids would just love. This was only my second trip to Chicago and I can't wait to go back!

Wholesome Fall Fun Day

We began our Saturday, as we have begun many Saturdays this fall, by going to Cade's soccer game. Typical Portland fall weather consisted of blazing sun, blustery rain and cool temperatures. Those 1st grade Red Bulls (and Tucker) are really amazing. The play hard, fast and seem to know what they're doing. It's been a fun season so far - both boys are really enjoying this sport.

Sean's birthday is on Tuesday, October 7th. But since, sadly, I will be gone on that day, we celebrated with friends and family yesterday while watching USC trounce Oregon last night. The outcome of the game was quickly put behind us as we continued to enjoy ourselves after the game.

Thank you so much to the Ordals, O'Dranes, Charbonneaus, Sorensens, Shupps, Kevans, Stephensons, Beldens, and the Gellers for helping Sean ease into his 37th year. I got a late start on the photo taking at the party, but there are a few fun ones (after I almost burned the house down...)

Napa Valley 2008

OK, I realize this hasn't been the most kid-centric place in a while. I'll get back to that in a couple of weeks. I just want to write a brief post on my recent trip to Napa with 10 lovely ladies. There were 11, yes 11, women staying in one house. There was no drama. There were no pillow fights (although there was some skinny dipping). And there was no lack of wine, beer or margaritas.

My wonderful, cuddly, friend, Andrea organized this 2nd annual trip for her good friends. Over the weekend, there was a lot of discussion about Andrea as a friend. The consensus was that we are all VERY lucky friends indeed and Andrea is a very rare find. We love her!

This was also our second stay at The Winemaker's House in Oakville. It's the best house ever, complete with a gorgeous pool and surrounded by the breathtaking Mondavi vineyards.

We enjoyed a winetasting tour (Cakebread, Mumm, St. Clement, Markham and Frank Family Winery) on Friday. Saturday consisted of the spa for some and pool time for the others. I'm not sure which group had a better time.

I just hope I get invited again next year (and the year after...).

An Affair to Remember

This past weekend, my dear friend, Monica, married her match, Brett. They treated their guests to a weekend full of celebration with family & friends, old and new. They started things off Friday night with cocktails at Cafe Allora where many gathered to toast Brett & Monica as husband and wife to be. To say that people had a good time is putting things mildly.

On Saturday, I was honored to join Monica, Lindsey, Angela and Larissa at Hotel Lucia to watch Monica transform into one of the most beautiful brides I've ever seen (how hard is that for her, really?). Once again we shared a toast and they were on the way to pictures and the beautiful venue.








The wedding took place rooftop at the Historic Ecotrust Building in the Pearl District. Like Monica, the ceremony was short, sweet and very thoughtful. The setting was gorgeous taking place at almost sunset.

The ceremony was followed by plenty of food, drinks and dancing!

Once again, a good time was had by all!

To keep things going, Brett & Monica hosted, yes, the bride and groom, hosted a beatiful Sunday brunch to send off their out of town guests with delicious food and appropriate brunch cocktails. For me it was such a great weekend seeing old friends and meeting new friends.

Much love to Brett & Monica!