Monday, April 20, 2009

The Weekend Jayne Learned to Lock the Bathroom Stall

Do you want to know what is totally awesome? Girl weekends. Never done one before...and I'm hooked!

I met up with four friends in Chicago for the weekend. We were flying in or taking the train from different places, but all miraculously made it to the Windy City within a half hour of each other.

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{...my old fun run buddy, jayne, getting her tunes ready...}

My favorite part was our morning jog along the beach. Not so much because I love to jog (I actually don't). And it isn't that I don't love the touristy stuff. But when I travel, I love to do the things that I would do if I actually lived in the city. It was a gorgeous morning, fantastic view and with all the city energy, I could have gone forever.

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{...jayne, ashley, & katherine @ the robie house...}

The hotel clerk strongly encouraged us not to venture to Hyde Park to see this Frank Lloyd Wright home since it would be difficult to catch a cab back to the city. While we dove into the tourist guide to find something else, I kept studying the map, trying to figure out a way. So against her advice, and with my two obliging friends, we headed out. It did not disappoint! And we made our way back just fine on the train.

I don't know at what point I became exposed to Frank Lloyd Wright. I have a feeling it was from my Grandpa Furniss. But it was a treat for me to get to go inside one for the first time.

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We also had some time to explore the surrounding neighborhood.



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And pretend to be models with some alley walking :)


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I'll stick in this picture because Katherine actually looks like a model. Sheesh, girl!
This is right outside the courtyard of The Robie House.



I didn't want to drag my camera around all weekend and happened to take it the one day we parted ways for the afternoon. So Natalie and Jessica are MIA on this post, but their company was delightful. These four ladies are all hilarious, smart, and so easy-going. Perfect combination.

17 comments:

Allison and Noah Riley said...

You are stunning, ma soeur. Truly. You are gorgeous.

Katherine said...

I read the whole post before I saw your title and it made me laugh out loud. REALLY LOUD. Like wake up the children loud. That was a good one. I love that model shot of you! It's awesome. I had the best time. These pictures are great.

jayne said...

Awesome. What a refreshing weekend with such a refreshing group of girls. Even if everyone in the Chicago area saw me sitting on the toilet---it was worth it. What city do we meet in next?

Joanie said...

How fun! Yesterday I was totally wishing I could get away from the fam for a little while, and here you are doing just that. I'm jealous. You girls are all beautiful. Have you ever looked into modeling? You totally have the look :)

Unknown said...

How fun! You went to Chicago...childless! I hope it was a nice break!

allegra said...

Ashley. Oh my heck. That model pose had me laughing. out loud. You're hilarious!! A hilarious hottie! And honestly? You really DO look like a model in that picture! haha. you got blue steel down to a T. But in a more sophisticated manner. And your concavely- looking cheeks add to the effect perfectly.

oh maynard. You exhibit that word to the T.

allegra said...

by the way, you're looking so skinny. you look great. cruise ship, here you come!

Mom said...

You must have gotten the Frank Lloyd Wright interest from Grandpa Furniss. You do know I was born in Chicago, right?

Ashley said...

No! I didn't know that! I kept picturing Grandma walking the streets there, but I thought she lived there while she and Grandpa were courting. Apparently I need to do some family research.

Alisa and Crowells said...

The top pic totally reminds me of the beach in Cadiz, Spain...sigh. I LOVED running along the beach! Fun times--great pics! PS--I love the way your friend Jayne spells her name--Elsie Jayne thinks the same. :)

Natalie said...

I LOVE YOU ASH!! Seriously, we need to do this again. I NEED to do this again......... like every year!!

Justin and Melissa said...

Wow that looks like fun and I am sorta jealous, I love frank Lloyd Wright. You are looking fabulous, any post baby getting my body back tips feel free to share.

Ryan and Rikke said...

I'm definitely jealous, and I have to agree with everyone else - you totally look like a model. Speaking of which, do you remember how our auditing teacher would always comment on how you looked like a model? Yeah, that wasn't weird. Thanks for the encouraging comment on my blog. I definitely need it, especially from someone as stylish and creative as you. And don't you worry - I won't be doing anything with the backyard anytime soon. I can talk a big game, but I know what'll happen. What's sad is that sometimes Chubbs gets lost in the weeds back there, so I'm thinking your little girls might too. Horrible. I need to do something about it.

kenzie said...

So jealous! That looks like it was so much fun.

The Hodsons said...

Man, I wish I lived a skip away from the windy city to visit. Looks like a great weekend!

Tristie hearts Dax said...

EASY, with those poses woman. You look so gorgeous. SO fun to get out with the ladies. You deserve it. Didn't you come home SO refreshed and ready to dive into your domestic duties again? Gotta love girl time. Good for the soul.

Christin said...

I am so glad you had such a great time. I love girl weekends. I am so glad your family is doing well and your party looked awesome. You could be Martha Stewart.