To the snow

New Orleans and Chicago may not seem very close together; one being very South and one being very North. But the way Jon sold it to me was, "Look - it's a straight shot!" So up to Chicago we went to visit Jon's sister Alyssa. Alyssa received her masters in Nutritional Science from Purdue University and now lives with her fiance in Chicago. There are very few opportunities for us to get together so spending a weekend catching up and checking out her new place was very appealing. Unfortunately Charlie, her fiance was out of town that weekend. 

A few Core Power Yoga classes, many history museum exhibits, and a birthday sushi dinner filled our weekend. Before we knew it we were back on the road. With the Twin Cities being only six hours away we decided to swing though to visit the Grandparents. 

From there we made our way back West. Nicolette and Toriann are both going to school in Fort Collins now so stopping for a visit was a must. And lucky us Lorenzo was there visiting the same weekend! We felt like we were home in Vegas.

Speaking of Vegas, that was our next stop. Biking the Red Rock loop, attending corporate meetings with my aunt (at the bar) and running into two awesome high school friends made for a picture perfect visit. Man, Las Vegas is one of my most favorite places! I can't wait for our next visit :)

Somewhere during the nearly 10,000 miles of driving Jon and I did a lot of talking about the future and what we wanted it to look like. And with our 20th* (see cake picture below) birthdays come and gone, we felt a renewed sense of urgency.       

Beautiful Chicago skyline

Alyssa!

Yes, we have missed the snow!!

Grandma and Grandpa Phillips

Arrived in Fort Collins to a birthday carrot cake from Lorenzo and the girls!

A group photo at the girls condo

At New Belgium Brewery. I handed Jon my beer so I could take a picture and he literally cheersed himself.

Devil's Kitchen in Colorado National Monument

Showing off... I mean getting some exercise 

Colorado National Monument is defiantly worth a visit

First day in Vegas, the best way to combat atrophied car legs- bike the Red Rock loop! 

At Frankies Tiki Room with Lou, Deb, Cheryl, Tom and Penny. Quite a rowdie bunch but we like them :)

Hanging out at the Container Park and who do I run into? Cory and Laura! AWESOME!