Leaving on a jet plane...

I passed my pediatric nurse practitioner boards and now we are headed to Europe! What an exciting week! It feels so good to be done with the stress of studying and to get to pack and prepare for this fun adventure with my hubby. Hopefully we'll be able to post some pictures and stories on this while we are traveling. If not, there definitely will be much posting when we get home!

Notre Dame and Chicago!

I figured that I should write about one trip before we embark on the other! In the middle of April, we went to Notre Dame for my cousin Kevin's ordination (I am now related to a priest!) and then headed over to Chicago for some fun (and a little PNP certification review class!). It was a wonderful vacation and it was great fun to see another part of the country. Here are some photos of our trip.

The magnolia tree outside the seminary at Notre Dame. Across the lake is the beautiful campus!

Me and my cousins, Nicole and Heidi! There were almost 90 people there to support my cousin, Kevin. It was like a big family reunion with lots of visiting, eating, basketball playing and relaxing.

On our VIP tour of Notre Dame, we toured the locker room and went on the football field. Think scenes from the movie, "Rudy."

Waiting for the ordination to begin in the grand basilica.

Grandpa Kolar and Grandpa Earl with the newly ordained Father Kevin.

Down on Navy Pier with a background of the Chicago skyline.

The "bean"... need I say more? Though it certainly was much cooler than I first imagined.

Our hotel room... brand new boutique hotel. Chet got asked one day in the elevator (wearing his normal dress of Carhartt's, a T-shirt and a Mountain Hardware vest, "are you going hiking?". There were lots of people in suits and ties.)

We went to the American Girl doll store. I found only the books of my first doll, Samantha. She apparently has been "archived" to make room for new dolls.

Chet went to a Cubs' game at Wrigley Field. Amazing field, great game, and a very sunburned Chet.

We went to the 96th floor of the John Hancock building to a lounge there. Amazing view of the city skyline at night!

Boat tour! Learned a lot and great views of the city.

Oh, Chicago! We had fun visiting you!

Handsome touring husband. Note the shirt from a brewpub around Wrigley Field... he went and ate there.

I love this man! Can't wait to go on our Europe trip and have more adventures together!

We leave for Europe at the end of this week after working a lot and trying to organize many details! I also take my certification test later this week and it is my birthday on Wednesday. Big stuff, but exciting stuff! Definitely more to come very soon!

Busy March Weekend

Last weekend, the weekend prior to Easter weekend, we had a whirlwind but very fun time! We got to do some new and exciting things, like curling with a group of friends, a baby shower for a special little one, a surprise graduation party for me, lunch with friends and a tile project with my brother! I am so thankful to be surrounded by so many wonderful people who love life and love others. The weekend was certainly a joyful experience (though a bit tiring by the end of it). Here are a few pictures from a few of those events...

Ready to hit the ice for curling.

First time throwing the rock... believe me it is harder than it looks!

Our group of curlers. Thanks to Josh and Bryce for setting it up!

Baby Hannah at her baby shower! Her mom was the one I mentioned in December who passed away from the brain aneurysm when she was 36 weeks pregnant with Hannah. Hannah is looking beautiful and is so snuggly! Her dad and extended family were all at the shower with her. She is such a blessing to her daddy.

Faith and me at my surprise graduation party! Chet set it up and completely surprised me! I don't have the surprise pictures... Adam does somewhere.

Sam totally helped Chet pull it off! And provided the delicious dessert.

Cathy and Maia made it to celebrate! Maia was hamming it up for the camera.

Josh, Chet and Alan... I must say that I am super proud of my husband for pulling off a true surprise party! I usually find out about surprises! (Also, note his facial hair... interesting, eh?)

Well, this is just a brief update. Easter was also nice as I was able to get it off from work. We just went up to my parent's house and had dinner. Chet has been a bit sick so he just slept on the couch.

This Friday, we head to South Bend and Chicago! I'm sure there will be lots of pictures of the family festivities for Kevin's ordination and our exploration of Chicago.