Itsa Sikora invasion!

Last week we had a lovely visit from my sister and brother-in-law (Pam & Chris Sikora) and their two daughters Meredith and Andrea. They were in the general area--Madison, Wisconsin--for one of Chris' class reunions. (Chris grew up in Madison... how did Pam and I both end up marrying midwesterners? Very odd).

Anyway, we had a short but nice visit. It was the first time that everyone met Mr. Jude, and was the first time our nieces had come to visit us in Oak Park. We had a great time hanging out, relaxing, going out for ice cream, and visiting Millennium Park in Chicago.

Chris, Pam & the girls were very flexible to deal with our current lack of a guest room. The old guest room is now the nursery, and the TV room is the new guest semi-room (fold-out sofa, courtesy of Ikea). Meredith slept on the "magic bed" with Andrea hanging out in the pack-n-play, while mom & dad enjoyed the aerobed. I think it was the most people we've had staying overnight in the house ever.

The trip to Millennium Park included a fun fountain foray... into the Crown Fountain, of course, which attracts splashing children from all over the city. Meredith jogged right in, but Andrea remained unconvinced and hung with those of us on the sidelines.

Another feature of the park is the Pritzker Pavilion... architecture by Frank Gehry, acoustics and audio systems by TALASKE which is the firm Greg works for here in Oak Park. We had the serendipity to arrive during an orchestra rehearsal (open to the public mid-day most days) and had a nice break listening to some Copland. It was actually Jude's second time to the Pritzker, as he slept through a concert a few weeks ago.

Well, here's hoping to many more fun cousin/aunt/uncle visits to come!

Pam & Greg with the kids (L to R Andrea, Jude, and Meredith)

Chris with Meredith making "Water Angels" in Crown Fountain

(note the cool circular wave pattern by her arms)

Hangin' at the Pritzker Pavilion