New Orleans

For the second game of the season, Rick and I took a road trip to New Orleans to watch the Bears play the Saints. It had been 14 years since I had been to New Orleans. I went my senior year in college for Mardi Gras. Needless to say, I did not to any sight-seeing on that trip. But this time around we were able to appreciate how beautiful and full of history New Orleans is. The only bad part of our trip was the Bears getting smashed by the Saints 13-30.

Oh well, we still loved New Orleans.

One of the courtyards of our hotel, Hotel Provincial

in front of the Mississippi river

in front of the Superdome

Bears!!

For this season's first game, we tailgated with my parents, the girls, and a couple friends. We all had a great time, and especially at the game, since the Bears beat the Atlanta Falcons!

BEAR DOWN!

Soccer!

The girls started AYSO this fall, and are loving it. We were a little nervous to see how they would do with the competition, but they seem to be enjoying it. Not to say that they are ok with losing, tears do start to flow, but we will work on that

California Dreamin'

In August, we took a week long vacation to California. Some of you might remember, we went to Cali two years ago. Night and day! This vacation was great! The weather was perfect, the beaches were awesome, and the girls, thus Rick and I, had a wonderful time. We had to pry them away from the beach everyday. Yes, it was 7 straight days of BEACH!!! Pure Bliss!! We are planning on going every two years. Hopefully next time its for a little longer.

Life is Good!

The girls got their very first manicures in California. Such big girls!

Playing instruments in a percussion band on the beach

Check out the hole the girls dug

One happy family

Future surfer babes

During a pirate dinner show we saw, Eva got to go on stage and be a part of the show.

"AARRGGGHH"

Mi primo Augusto y su familia!!

During the first week of August, my cousin Augusto and his wife Carla and his two kids, Fatima dn Augusto Jr. cam to visit us. It had been 16 years since we had seen each other. It was a fast and busy week. We went sight seeing, barbequed, and did a lot of catching up.

It was cool seeing our kids playing together. Last time we were together, WE were the kids, now we are the adults(kind of). I hope the next time we see each other it won't be 16 years from now.

Los queremos mucho Augusto, Carla, Fatima, y Augustito!!

Rick and Augusto were like long lost brothers: both love to barbeque, love wine,

love a good cigar, and both play(ed) rugby!

Standing out on "the Ledge" at the Sears Tower