Our first Prom!

Hey everyone!! Nels and I just got back from CHICAGO!!! We went to the National Auto Auction Association Conference. We had an awesome time, Nels had to go to a few meetings during the day, but mostly we got to hang out. On Thursday we went and walked the magnificent mile (shopping stores and found Pearson Street), had lunch at a hole in the wall hot dog place where Nels totally fell in love with his yummy hot dog. Personally, if you saw how these yummy hot dogs were made it would make you think twice. We also went to the top of the John Hancock Building and they made us wash the windows. (not really, but it was a cool photo op). That night we had a member reception which was in the Conrad Suite (the top of the Hilton Towers Hotel where we were staying). It was beautiful!! The view on the balcony was looking out over Lake Michigan (Krista I now understand why they call it the beach because it truly is) was incredible. After that there was a Ford Reception where we bailed early and went to the Broadway Play "Wicked." Yes, I know what you are thinking by the title, but it was awesome. It is about how the wicked witches on the "Wizard of Oz" came to be. If anyone has the chance to go, I highly recommend it.

Friday, Nels had a morning meeting. Then we walked over to the (ginormous) Field Museum. I know I am saying the everything was incredible, but this museum you probably would have to spend a week there to see everything. We had a Chrysler Luncheon that afternoon where the Mayor of Chicago came and the guy that the movie "Catch Me if You Can" was based off of. He had a very inspiring message on why not to do what he did. It was pretty neat to hear about his life. That afternoon we walked over to the Navy Pier and rode a 150 ft. high Ferris wheel. Friday night was the big formal reception. We got to get all dressed up (I even wore heels which is a huge feat for me). This reception was super boring, they gave out awards and we just heard a bunch of blah for over an hour. The food was good though:) and we were in the ball room where they filmed the last part of "The Fugitive". Then this morning we had to get up at 3:30 a.m. and head home.

The best part of the trip was getting to hang out with Nels, we had such a good time and I will post some pictures.

Why not, everyone else is doing it!

Well, I figured everyone else is doing this blog thing, so we might as well give it a try. I told Andrea she would be in charge of doing the blog and she just laughed so this could be really short lived. It is fun seeing what everyone else is doing, just a little glimpse into everyone's lives. We are up here in Billings, MT and getting further away from everybody. At least Em & Kelly are still in Laurel, but they are moving towards Park City (way out in the boonies). Chase & Krista in Cleveland, Chad & Misti in Atascadero (is that right?), Luke & Lacee on their way to Borger, TX. Mckay in the Philippines. At least Tate is still in good ol' Fairfield, we know Mom and Dad aren't going anywhere too soon. Annie has started the 1st grade and is playing soccer, Macee started preschool and is Annie's biggest fan. In fact Annie is Macee's "teacher", she helps Macee learn her letters and sounds. Carter is 16 months old and climbing on top of and getting into everything. We love all of them and they have all been great blessings in our lives. Andrea keeps the house of chaos in order at all times, between running to school, soccer practice, young women at church, and everything else I couldn't ask for anything else. As for me, I just try to keep busy at work. Andrea's family is up here in Billings, I call my father-in-law (Spencer) boss, stake president, and whatever else he tells me to call him (ha ha). I also work with Jeannie at the auto auction, so it is family time all the time. John & Ashley are doing great in Seattle, Ben & Lauraleah are in Billings along with Jake & Chelsie. Amanda & Kyle are in Louisville (pronounced Looooville for all you westerners) and Joey is keeping busy between hunting and the detail shop. Well, I think I have reached my yearly quota on the blog so we'll see if I can come up with anything else later down the road.