Once upon many years and a long time ago Jason became a huge Cubs fan. He follows them and knows their history as well as their current events, but the opportunity to see them play at the historical Wrigley Field has never worked out....... UNTIL Father's Day 2010.During our stay in Chicago, the Cubs had a series with their rivals the Cardinals (I'm from Alabama and I can only relate this to you as an Auburn and Alabama kinda rivalry, maybe?! Possibly?! I think so). So, tickets weren't exactly cake to find. So, with some help from a baseball fanatic co-worker of mine, I did some research, talked to the veteran Wrigley goer and got the cold hard facts. Consulted another friend who is also a baseball nut (What the heck is the deal with baseball? Sure, it's America's past time, but what about football?), and finally made an executive decision (I don't EVER make these without consulting JB because, well, that's just how I operate). So, I did it. My chest swelled with pride and every few days leading up to Father's Day I'd drop giddy hints and beg him to open his gifts early. To no avail. Such a stickler, that ol' Jason. Anyway, the day came, I was beyond silly-giddy and he began the gift opening......... My heart was racing........ VOILA! CUBS/CARDINALS TICKETS!!! So, it was set. He was BEYOND surprised and there it began....... The countdown for the man to live out his childhood turned lifelong dream. **was that dramatic and built up enough???***
Even I, the not so partial to baseball member of the family, got excited and was patiently waiting and looking forward to game day.
We got our attire pressed and ready for the big day. Wouldn't you know we woke up and it was pouring rain in Chicago. Panic ran through my body because we aren't from around those parts and I'll be darn they couldn't cancel that game. Not to mention, we couldn't be that close to Jason doing what he's always wanted to and it being RAINED OUT!!!! For the love!! He's the most selfless, giving person and I was hell-bent on this day being ALL about him. To spare you, just know it ended up being the most gorgeous [W-A-R-M] day.
After a thrilling ride on the Red Line leaving me desperately craving hand sanitizer, we arrived and there she stood, THE Wrigley Field. The rest is history, in this case, PHOTOS.
The boy and his dream. 
Taking it all in.
It's Wrigley. The place was packed out. Even the buildings across the street built stands on their roofs and sell tickets (Alabama fans aren't even that crazy).
They won in the MOST exciting, down-to-the-wire game. Truly. The traditions during the game, post-victory and in every other aspect, really did remind me (and got me QUITE excited) of Alabama football. I know. I know. 
It was great. I felt right at home.Since I keep mentioning my alma mater, it's only appropriate I show you this...... We'd been in a far away land. I could barely understand the northern accent. I was afraid to open my southern mouth to reveal my twang. The big city wore me slap out.... Then, as if I was sent a special sign, I saw something familiar that drew me in........
The CRIMSON TIDE flag!! Roll Tide! That's right, dead in the heart of Chicago. There's a bar there called Houndstooth Saloon (I think I was told it was established for the alumni around Chicago). It was so cool, but it was OH SO packed-see, Bama fans (or not) stretched far and wide. So, we got these photos and went about our way, sadly! Oh well, it was a sight for sore eyes!It (the game, not the bar) was by far the highlight of our trip. It was a blast. I may be a Cubs fan now- good thing since I have a shirt. I also live with a tiny Cubbies fan who thinks they are EX-CITING.......
There aren't "Deer Crossings" signs in the city, but there should be because I was a deer in the headlights pretty much from the moment our taxi went 90-to-nothing leaving the terminal at Midway. Pretty sure on our first walk to dinner ambulances were tending to someone who had been hit by a car. I'm not making light, but that's when reality set in, "This ain’t Kansas, Dorothy." I'm not so much known for being savvy, so at that point HB=0 and Chicago=1.
I saw lots of sights (remember, JB was at a conference and Yours Truly didn't wait around). Did lots of touristy things: 
Some things, on the FAR other hand, not so touristy that have become QUITE the butt of jokes for us. We were RIGHT there, in all of our southern glory, with the locals at this hole (in the wall, TRULY). I'm pretty sure had we done the Gangster Tour, this would be stop numero uno (that's Spanish, not gangster, but whatever). This place was a riot. I HATE SNL, but if you’re a loyal watcher this place holds value because of a skit they once did there/about this place/something. I can't remember. I was too enthralled in the corner that said "Wise Guys" and actually had two of them staking their claims to remember the significance of Billy Goat Tavern. 
And, the best part of leaving is looking forward to the sweet renion with this tiny face! Oh, how I missed her and I was like a wild bull waiting to pull into my parent's driveway to put my hands on this chunk of pure love!!
That was a short glimpse of our time in Chicago. It was a wonderful, much needed break. Stay tuned one or two more updates before I seal the deal on Chicago (yes, I did take pictures of my deep dish pizza). One hint: JB's dreams come true...... And I wish I had taken hand sanitizer.
She got a lesson on checking the brake lights. 
She knows how to use her cupholder. 
She even got a crash course on driving manually-with her feet. 
Evidently, she also got a lesson on cheesing for a cop?!?! 
If she needs to make a pit stop at the city limits, she’s golden. We are getting the whole potty thing down and she’ll now go on command-you just have to command/demand.
A brand new, hot off the shelf, 2009 Cozy Coupe! She chose red and “yeyyo” over the pink and “bwuu.” 
Have these things not evolved or what?! She loves these at school. I had a coupon. Therefore, we now own one. Of course, I feel like I now need a three-car garage. 
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I’ll be strong, I hope. I’ve never been away for that long, so I made JB promise to have me on the first flight back Sunday. She will be in GOOD hands while she plays in the creek, the ponds, breaks the rules, eats on the sofa, etc. etc. She’ll have to go back through “Mamma’s Boot Camp” come Sunday afternoon.
We have special, silly inside jokes. Really, I just think his two girls+wife always teamed up against him and he just wanted someone on his side. 
So, I grew up a Granddaddy's girl most of the time (knowing my grandmother was usually right and always had the upper hand).
They come to breakfast every Thursday morning with me. I think they've become the Wal Mart greeters of Corporate America for the early crew who walk past them. Every lady that serves us gets a peppermint and a Lifesaver wintergreen mint from my Granddaddy- Heaven forbid he forget the mints. 
I was told, "Holly Lynn, if I say it, you can write it on a rock." That meant serious business. 
He taught me to fish, but we always threw them back. Who taught me to float on my back? Well, him, of course. I would sit for hours while he would work and perfect his woodcrafts. Now, Evie plays with some of that very incredible craftsmanship. 
He was the first person to tell me my "giggle box was turned upside down" as I tried SO hard to be still while he "counted" my ribs.
I grew up going to the Barons game. I felt special because they knew/still know almost every soul out there.
It's a sweet, old fashion respect and admiration I have. While times have changed, he moves a little slower, she's still so young, they are making very special memories. Evie is so blessed to have my grandparents so actively involved in her young little life. She may not get to "walk his legs off" at Disney World like I did, but she is indeed making her own sweet memories. They waited for her with bated breath. She's named after her Gran Nan. I wouldn't trade these memories for a thing this world has to offer. 
Yesterday we celebrated his 79th birthday. What a blessing! 
I know this was a long post. Kudos to you if you're still looking through this window into our lives. We're simple. Often times boring, but we like it like that. 
