A toy from the past...

This train set was given to Dad when he was a boy, and has been in our attic for years.

Luke pulled it out of the attic last week, and worked on it for a couple of hours.  Finally, he had the satisfaction of seeing the vintage train, "chug" around the track two or three times, before puttering out again.

After a little more work, he had it flying around the track, and even got the engine to puff smoke.

Everyone has taken a turn or two running the train around the track, and it has kept the children entertained for hours! :)

Chicago!

We saw this reminder on the wall as we drove into Chicago...

Lizzy was sure to snap a picture when she spotted this particular sign! :o)

We couldn't resist taking a picture when we found this majestic old church courtyard.

I thought this clock shop was pretty neat...check out the ceiling!

The glass elevator in Macy's

Lizzy and I were some of the first ones up in the Hancock building when it opened.

Trivia bonus: if you look at the bottom/center of this picture, you will see a birds-eye view of the "majestic old church courtyard" that we took pictures at earlier in the day.

Navy Pier...

Lake Shore Drive...

For lunch, Lizzy and I stopped by the Grand Lux Cafe.

Lizzy ordered the barbeque chicken hand tossed pizza and salad.

I got an Asian style four course...

We both agreed that the signature of the meal was the Dulce De Leche Cheesecake.  This picture does not do it justice as far as size goes.  Needless to say, we split it.

Lizzy and the "metal moose" 

Michigan Ave.

A little bit of ice skating is always fun!

The Park Grill sign...

The work...

The product...

Dozens of spotlights at the Millennium Park outdoor stage.

Having fun at the sunglasses shop...

And to think...you could own these beautiful sunglasses for the low price of $312.00!  (seriously)

The Cloud Gate  aka. The Bean

Who needs extreme sports?  Just be a window cleaner in Chicago! :oP

Holiness Conference 2009

Elizabeth and I thoroughly enjoyed the Christ Life Conference at Falls Baptist Church.  The messages challenged us to live more like Christ every day by the power of His Spirit. 

Sorry, I didn't take any better pictures inside the church out of respect for the speakers and interest in the music, however, here is a blurry shot of Pastor Wayne Van Gelderen (on the left) with Bro. O'Gorman from Ireland (right)

The choir and orchestra did an amazing job of proclaiming the truth of the Bible through song.

Left to right: Drew, myself, Mark and Benjamin.

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I had the pleasure of meeting Mark at the Wesco's church during the chalk art classes taught by Matthew Bowman.

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We also got to meet a few more members of the Burtt family for the first time as well as Breeze and Justin.   A big thank you to the Burtts for inviting Drew and myself over to their table at the banquet after we arrived too late to get a table.

Surprise! I've got a camera! :o)

LtoR: Clara, Esther, Abbie, Lizzy

Lunch break in the dining hall...

College Day chapel...

Hilarious skits about researching prospective colleges...

The little Sikma clan gathered around to see my pics of Chicago.  

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Thank you to the Sikmas and Criswells for letting us be a "part of the family"  for a few days and setting us up with a place to stay.  It was nice to be that close to the church too!

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Lizzy and Faith

On our way home from WI, Lizzy and I had the opportunity to stop by the Walsh's house for a few hours of fun and fellowship.

It was a pleasure to talk with Mr. and Mrs. Walsh and hear first hand how the Lord has answered prayers.

We started to teach them how to play a fun card game, but we didn't get very far before we had to take off for home.  Still, we had lots of laughs before the first round was completed.

Thank you Walsh family for the enjoyable evening, delicious meal and cheerful spirit.  

May God continue to bless you all!