Surprise!

We flew to Chicago for the weekend to surprise my best friend for his 40th birthday. Jackson stayed with his psuedo Grandma and Grandpa in Kansas City (thanks Bob & Lloy!) and we took Landon with us.

His first plane ride. That guy sitting against the window next to us?
A pediatrician!

Jeff picked us up at O'Hare and we surprised John Friday afternoon.


Bathroom still life. It was great staying with John & Jeff at their comfy apartment (in the Lakeview/Uptown area, near Wrigleyville).

We lounged around Saturday afternoon and watched some VH1 "Pop-Up Videos." It was so nice to just hang out and do nothing.

Landon preparing for the big night.

Since John was born in 1969, the party Saturday evening was a '60s theme.

Assuming that most guests would dress as hippies, we went with an early '60s look. My glasses really upped the nerd factor.

John & Jeff.

John's sister Diane. I think it's been 12 years since I've seen her.




Lauren & Jeff, my speech coach in college.


A sampling of the festive outfits. And by festive, I mean hideous.

A friend of Leslie's from high school stopped by, who she had just reconnected with on Facebook the week before!

Back at O'Hare, going home Sunday afternoon.

Heading back west, we went from no snow (on the right) ... to lots of snow (on the left).