C in Chicago - part deux

A mere three weeks ago, C visited us in Chicago! And this past weekend she came back for part TWO!! Yay for conferences in the city! It was the perfect excuse to run/chat/dine out and enjoy some time together. 

C arrived Friday afternoon - I had already run that morning with Baby, so there wasn't any stick running that day. But we did have a chance to chat distraction-free during Baby's nap, play in the park, and take a long walk on the busy city streets. We even stopped at "the bean" to play! Baby loves the bean - she will routinely say hello to it ("hi, bean") and bid it farewell ("bye, bean"). She also loves to see her reflection in its mirror-ry exterior. And she could barely contain her delight when some runners passed by - "running!" she declared, pointing and breaking into a full sprint after them. Luckily, her legs are short and she didn't get too far. But it was a VERY proud moment for her runner mom. 

C and the Bean

Saturday night C and I went out for dinner, fueling for the next day's run with draft beer, tasty meals, and amusing conversation. The next morning we were up and ready to run! (As a side, this time change has been fantastic for me as a parent. I was able to sleep in til EIGHT o'clock the past two mornings, and Baby seems to be right back on schedule. Gaining an hour was horrid on the other hand...)

The forecast called for rain on Sunday, but luckily our run fell between periods of rainfall. We had a bit of drizzle starting out, but it cleared up and we stayed dry for the most part. We chose the same route as last time - landing us six and a quarter. This was a relatively longer distance for me, but it felt relaxed and easy, thanks to the power of quality chatter ;)

pre and post run

I should mention that this was the first run in a while that I've been able to show some skin (besides my eyeballs). The milder weather allowed for capris! I might have even shed my gloves a few miles into this run. I hope that is a sign that spring is headed our way. I could do without the gray skies and drizzle, though. Where are you, SUN?!?

It was another excellent Stick visit (termed very appropriately, since Baby decided to call C "Stick" the entire time she was here)! And besides thoroughly enjoying her time with "Stick," Baby also made quick friends with C's husband. It was an instant friendship. He is truly a natural with kids! He even took her on a walk in the park after brunch - and she happily obliged knowing they could look for snowmen together (unfortunately, the snowmen are all "away" and won't be back til next winter). But she still enjoyed her stroll - while the rest of us relaxed kid-free in the restaurant).

walking in the park

We'd love to have both of them back here soon!