Let's go for a ride: Bikes!

This post is dedicated to my dad - an avid biker and someone who's biked in the Tour of the California Alps - Death Ride four times so far!!

I'm hoping this entry will inspire me to finally hop onto my own bike and go for a ride :)

The 'L' Love

Outside of rush hour times, I love taking the "L".  It's old and not always the cleanest but I absolutely love it because I always feel like I'm getting an unofficial tour of the city.  The fact that most of the lines are above ground gives an awesome vantage point.  If it weren't for the dirty windows, it could be a studio on wheels.

Around the ‘hood: Everything Green

Lately I’ve been obsessed with everything green. Here are some shots from around Lincoln Park and its many beautiful gardens.

Cookie Monster Turns One!

This past weekend, our apartment saw its first official party and I had my first 'official' gig as a photographer – it was Carter's birthday party! Doug's nephew has been a joy to all of us and has made the last year truly special. He was surrounded by his family and many friends (big and small). The weather cooperated, the food was yummy, and the drinks were aplenty.

Thanks to everyone (especially the cheery birthday boy) for making the party truly a success!

Here are a few of the 606 pictures that survived the editing :-)

Cookie Monster with his family

The birthday cake from Sweet Mandy B's

Our gift to the birthday boy

How cute were the cups!?  Ahhh the possibilities are endless when you own a glue gun

This was one of Carter's gifts - so adorable! It turned out to be a perfect backdrop

All eyes on him

No big deal

Hanging out with Unkie

Buh bye - until next time!

So money... in the bank!

I can now proudly say that I've been to a WWE pay-per-view event!  And Money in the Bank nonetheless.  Being that I'm a big proponent of trying (most) things out at least once before completely dismissing them, I was open to giving professional wrestling a try.  I have to say that I had a lot of fun.

The matches were entertaining - some of those guys know some crazy acrobatic moves - and the story lines although overly dramatic were pretty good as well. The people watching was awesome (feel free to let your imagination run wild here).  The atmosphere was pretty electric at times although I have to credit the three crazy boys sitting behind us who were the biggest little Jimmys ever (read: John Cena fans).  One of the most fun things for me was, of course, taking the pictures.  The lighting was pretty good in the arena so all pictures below were taken without a flash.  The only complaint was all the haziness left over from the fireworks (yes, fireworks) left behind.

Enjoy. Oh, before I forget - CM PUNK forever!

Options

And it begins!

Head to toe

Eye on the prize...

He was her biggest fan...

He's come a long way since being on Road Rules

Mayhem

That's some air!

so.much.spandex.

Orton

Chicago's stars... on his spandex

CM Punk love

Sweet victory