Life as a consultant keeps Derek pretty busy when on-site for a project. The excitement of travel can wear down when stuck in traffic, living in a hotel, or looking for places to eat each day. He’s not one to complain and we’ve enjoyed spending time together for the past few weeks instead of late-night calls when he is away. As I begin the school year at Central High School in just days and Derek flies out to Kansas City for another month, I look back on our summer with gratitude for all that we experienced together. Here is just a glimpse of our life while in the Chicago area this month.

Arbour Group: 

Derek’s company in Oakbrook Terrace.

Pinstripes:

A classy restaurant serving Italian-American dishes from the highest ingredients. Pictured below: Chicken and Goat cheese pasta; Short Rib with roasted vegetables.

Pinstripes also has a bowling alley and bocce ball courts for only $1.00 each Sunday-Thursday, 9pm-close. Our top scores in bowling were 132 to 128.

Playing bocce ball was a unique game requiring a combination of strategy, skill, and a competitive edge.

Finding Local Running Trails:

We ran the 800 ft Mount Hoy at Blackwell Forest Preserve three times over the course of a six mile workout.

Oak Brook Path System: Salt Creek Trail

Our favorite place to run: McCollum Park, Downers Grove

Clean Clothes:

Sometimes you just need to visit the laundromat.

REI:

“Window-shopping” at one of our favorite stores Recreational Equipment, Inc where they offer advice and products for all outdoor related activities
including biking, kayaking, camping, running and so much more. We bought our hiking shoes from REI before going on our honeymoon trip in June.

Going to a Chicago Fire professional soccer game: (more on that to come in another post)

Coming Home:

Spending time with our friend Dan when back in Elkhart for a weekend at Enviro-Fest at the Wellfield Gardens.

 

Trying new pizza at Venturi’s in Goshen, Indiana. Personal pan super thin crust baked for 90 seconds with thin toppings-Italian style.

Checking in with Charlie

Running 12 miles with Jerry at Chain-O-Lakes State Park

Cheering our friends on running the Parade 5000 at the Elkhart Co. 4-H Fair.

Sending Derek off for another business trip to Kansas City.