Just some more pics of pals

Here are some more pictures of pals. I didn't have them uploaded yet when i posted that last blog. These are just more of Kathy and a few of Alex and Carrie.

recent visitors

I think most of you know how much I despise winter. However having friends around always makes it go a little faster. It's been a few weeks, but we have had some nice visits lately. The Sunday following the buddy day at the Milligans, Kathy was in Chicago and we were able to spend a little time with her. We were low on groceries, but as she enjoys a challenge, she made us some yummy quesadillas.
Lisa and Phil were in town the following weekend. Phil gave Lisa a trip to the Shedd Aquarium for Christmas, and that included a stay with us. They brought back a sea turtle for Elinor...she likes it quite a bit.
We've also had visits from my parents and Josh's parents, who we always enjoy seeing. Anyway, all this to say I like to see people. I think I'm starting to actually go crazy with this cabin fever stuff, so if you are too...come see us.

items that are good to have

Last weekend was a good one. My dad went with me on a very important errand. Let me explain. Just after my birthday I noticed that my license had been expired for over a year, not to mention it still had my maiden name and Winnebago address. Feel free to make fun of me for this...oversight. I can laugh now, but i certainly wasn't looking forward to going to the DMV, especially when i learned that i would have to take the written exam, and driving test. So anyway, my dad took me to the DMV, just like he did 11 years ago. The employees there were surprisingly kind and helpful. It's been my experience that if you go into something with a good attitude and treat people well, they'll be nice to you. I don't know if that's why they were so friendly, but i'd like to think it helped. I thought about trying to put a blurry picture of my new license on the blog, but decided against it, so you'll have to take my word for it--i'm a licensed driver.
Before my parents took off, they gave us our birthday gifts. I was rather surprised when my dad came up the stairs and into our apartment with a sewing machine box(and yes a sewing machine was actually in the box). I've had a lot of projects that i haven't been able to do because the machine i had wasn't working. So i was (and am) excited about the possiblities.
Then today i got another card that i've been missing since we moved to Chicago--my library card. It was really easy, i just wasn't able to get it before because you have to have a valid ID with a current address. I was able to check out some books for Elinor today, but there is endless possiblities at the library too.