Willow Creek Arts Conference - Night 1

We spent most of Tuesday traveling to Chicago. Aron & his team of creatives will be spending the next three days immersed in the world of the arts. The theme this year is 'Wonder', and they'll have to blog about all that they learn...because Belle and I decided to come last minute, and the conference is sold out. We're enjoying the rest, pool, and company in the evenings, though. Aron was able to snag a King Suite off of Orbit Sunday night for a cheaper price than the double queen standard rooms he'd booked weeks ago.Shortly after arriving, the boys headed out for a 30 minute run before supper (Aron & Craig are 'in training' for their sprint triathalon ). Aron had already run 3 miles Tuesday morning before we left, so needless to say, by evening, the boys were in need of some serious nourishment.We headed over to Maggiano's Little Italy for some hearty Italian goodness.I'm not sure what our waiter thought of us...but we had a good time! The boys were getting slightly rowdy...(actually just Aron and Craig were getting rowdy...not to name names) battling it out with intense games of tic-tac-toe and connect the dots. Men can make anything a fierce competition, I tell you. Barby was sharpening a crayon like a mad-woman so Aaron Dodge could get in on the tic-tac-toe action. Belle slept most of the meal, but woke up just in time for some mac-n-cheese.After dinner, the boys headed back to the "pimp-pad", as they are affectionately calling our room, to watch the RedWings game.While we girls ran to Target to pick up some beverages to stock our fridge. Of course, we found much more than juice. Unfortunately, we lost Belle for a few breathtaking moments. Here is where we found her:Curled up under a clothes rack...resting.

Silly girl!

We closed off the night with some swimming and hot tub action, but I want to keep my friends, so I knew better than to take pictures of this.

The arts crew were up bright and early Wednesday morning for workouts and then breakfast before the conference.

Belle and I, however, slept in. She was so excited to ride the elevator down for breakfast this morning.

We're just enjoying each other's company and delighting in the simple things this morning. We're getting ready to go swimming again, and then I am looking forward to some quiet time this afternoon while Belle naps. It will be so nice to have some uninterrupted time with God without the pressure of laundry and housework hanging over my head.

much love, friends

ejk