Remember this?

Well!
My friend Gina sent me a link to a photo contest a few months ago...the topic of the contest was to submit a new perspective of Chicago's vast architectural offerings. I was totally flattered that she sent it to me and quickly realized that it was a ridiculous idea for me to enter, seeing as I really only have a few photos that even feature Chicago's amazing buildings.

The photo was taken on a TOTAL whim last December from the sky deck at the John Hancock Building. We were there taking Finnegan to see Santa and I remember thinking it was cool to see the skyline so flat lying over Lakeshore Drive and North Ave beach below....see the snow and teeny tiny cars?

This was the only photo I had.
I read more about the contest and laughed, deeming it a TOTAL long shot, and just decided to submit it. Why not right?

I found out today that I got an "honorable mention"!! Holy shit right?!?
My photo and byline are going to be PUBLISHED in an actual photography coffee table book.
And I got invited to this cool reception where the photo will be on display and my husband can drink enough complimentary martinis for the both of us.

I guess they got over 3,200 submissions...
I realize I AM bragging a little bit here, but with that being said, I totally feel undeserving and in shock that it got picked in the first place, for ANYTHING!

Anyway.........
Damn. Guess the lesson here is to just go for it.
Or Just Do It, as Nike would say.
:)

Visitors make us Very happy - with a capital V

The Keaty Family has been very fortunate to have had visitors TWO weekends in a row.
Last weekend! Auntie G flew in from the North and spent 3 wonderful days with us.

We hit the beach...
And also spent some time with our cousins Meghan and Emily shopping! Eating with Greta's friend Lindsay at a GREAT Indian restaurant, and sought out A/C whenever possible. We took Finn to his second movie, Despicable Me, and really just enjoyed our time together.

This past weekend we enjoyed a visit from Mom and Cathy! Mom and Cathy have been friends for a really long time....and I can remember many memories of my childhood that involve her spending time with my Mom, sister and I.

So it may not be a surprise to any of you that Chicago has a LOT to offer in the food department.
I personally have a list 60 miles long of all the restaurants I would like to try.
And people often come to visit with places to eat in mind.
Like my sister! and Veerasway...the amazing Indian spot
Cathy! Wanted the best deep dish pizza Chicago had to offer.
Mom! Wanted Garrett's famous cheese and caramel mix.
Me! I wanted to try this little pie shop that I've been reading so much about.

Everybody got their wish.
And I documented the PIE!

Banana Cream - delicious.

Cherry Berry - so FORKIN' good


Love that little boy and his coffee mug....

Don't know how I managed to not get a picture with Cathy. Haven't been taking my camera out much these days , to not add any EXTRA weight to carry around. But we also had a great time catching a Second City show, a BEAUTIFUL day at Millennium Park, dinner at Chinatown and a quiet night in watching A Girl With A Dragon Tattoo (great book AND movie by the way)

And the cherry on top of this visitor's sundae?
The chocolate mousse on this Old Town salad bar?
I get to see my family AGAIN this weekend for some wedding celebration in Milwaukee.
YES.......

Chicago Beach Days

And of course....a few Finnegan photos.
For all the fans out there ;)

Teeth WERE harmed in the making of this photo.

And.....I'm back.
More coming your way soon.