Susannah

Dem recently auditioned for the spring opera, Susannah, by Carlisle Floyd. She got the mezzo role of Mrs. McLean. She's also been signing quite a lot with the university quartet, which is her TA job. The quartet sings are university fundraisers and other promotional events. As always, Elliot and I are proud of Demaree.

Chicago: Post Wedding

So, the day after, Cantone's wedding that is. I had until 5 p.m. to sightsee before having to make my way back to Midway to catch the 7 p.m. flight home. After finding a parking spot in downtown Chicago (for which I paid a pretty penny), I made my way up to Michigan Avenue (i.e., the Magnificent Mile).

While on Michigan Ave. and on my way to Al's Beef for a dipped Italian beef sandwich, a guy came up next to me and offered me some cocaine. First time in my life that's happened. When I said no (and, yes, I said no), he moved on to the guy ahead of me, then the lady ahead of him, etc.

After the Magnificent Mile, I made my way back down Lakeshore Drive to the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. I'm a sucker for this sort of things, and I couldn't resist buying a ticket. The artwork was, almost by definition, interesting. From live performances by Japanese artists, to surrealist exhibitions, complete with rooms that explore space strategically placing iron rods, toaster ovens, florescent bulbs, and other quotidian items around at indiscernible intervals. Honestly, the most interesting piece was an examination of broken concrete rods of all different circumferences and colors.

Leaving the museum, jaunted to Northwestern's law school and noticed an Edmund Burke quote I've never seen before.

The rest of my stay included working my way back downtown, checking out some parks, buildings, going to a very nice and well stocked public library, and eating Chicago mix popcorn (cheddar and caramel mix). Here are a few pics.

I caught the flight home with Andy and Olivia. They were coming back from their Fall Break visit to Chicago. It was nice to sit next to friends on a flight. Dem picked us up at the airport, and we all went home and slept. Great day.

Cantone's Wedding

For the first time in my life, I flew to attend a friend's wedding. I've driven to many (including ones twelve hours away), but never before flown. Thankfully, my friend was getting married in Chicago, so it wasn't like I was flying to Odessa, Texas where there ain't nothin' to do.

Anyway, the day (Saturday) started with a three-hour flight into Midway, followed by renting a Kia Soul and navigating Chicago's arcane tollway system (they don't take credit cards; amazing). And then there was the wedding.

After the wedding was, you guessed it, the reception. Started at six and went until, well, I'm not sure. I left around midnight. In that time, I was able to spend some time catching up with old law school friends and meet a slew of new people. It was great to see Cantone and his new wife, who, by all accounts, is incredible nice. In all, it was a great day.

Timpanogos Cave Hike

It's Columbus Day, so we went hiking this morning. We decided on Timpanogos Cave in American Fork Canyon. The 1.5 mile hike to the cave takes a while, but it's well worth it. Elliot did pretty well on the hike up the hill, until about 1/2 way up, then there was a lot of walking with him on our backs. On the way down, however, he was running all over creation. The caves themselves were among the most beautiful I've seen. Now, enjoy some photos.

First U of U Football Game

It's official, we've turned to the dark side. And how have we accomplished this feet? Why, by going to a U of U football game (and wearing the corresponding apparel) of course. But, when a client gives you front row tickets, it's hard to say no. The U played the University of Washington, and they lost pretty badly in the end. The result was a bit of a relief, honestly, since Steve Sarkisian (a prior BYU star quarterback) is Washington's head coach. In any case, we had a good time, with the exception of the profuse profanity and smell of stale beer. Funniest moment of the night was when a guy held up a sign that read, "My Wife Thinks I'm at Conference." Also, Dem and I learned a very important lesson at the game: we look better in blue than red. And with that, let's move to pictures.

Soccer Anyone?

Elliot began soccer about two weeks ago. He's taking part in a league of three-year-olds, which means the kids huddle around the ball and kick each other until the ball pops out and the group runs to the ball and repeats the above exercise. Elliot's doing pretty well. He's quick as a whip. He has even learned (1) how to flirt with the other kids' moms, and (2) how to slap a female referee on her rear and tell her "good game." He still needs to learn about kicking the ball in the right goal, but that'll come.

Here are some photos for your viewing pleasure.