Ryan called me about a month ago and told me that GBN reached out to him to bring him back to get the distinguished alumni award. They actually scheduled him for this about 9 months ago, but he had kinda forgotten. I told mom about it and we started thinking, maybe we should go back with him. :) So we made it happen! We booked a flight for Wednesday morning May 23rd. Shawn was in town and I lined up babysitters for Lexi, so between babysitters and Shawn the kids were covered. Mom and I rented a car at O'hare when we got in and drove downtown. We got downtown at about 1. First thing to do, EAT!!!
"WE ARE IN THE CITY!!!! The elevated is being us!
Al's beef stake for a beef stake sandwich and hotdogs. Carsons Rib's is across the street and that was our families favorite after cleaning my dads building on Ohio Street.
Then across the street to Portillo's for a piece of Chocolate Cake in honor of my dad!
Shopping and then split a shake from Shake Shack. This was not here when I was a kid, but I wanted to try it.
More shopping on Michigan Avenue and then some popcorn to take to the troops.
Yes, there is good shopping in Chicago!!! :)
Getting in the cab at the John Hancock building. I love this old church across the street. It so reminds me of Chicago!
A late dinner at Lou Malnati's. You can't come to Chicago without getting deep dish pizza. But I have to say, the Lou salad was REALLY good too. At about 9:00 p.m. when we finished dinner we got our car and drove out to Deerfield (to the hotel). On the way, we stopped at my good friend Jenny Schwartz's house to see where she lives. She lives right off of Montrose and the express way so it was an easy stop. Hit that sack at about 11:00 p.m. Wednesday Night.
Mom and I slept in a bit and got up and got ready for the day. We started our day with food again :). Back to our old stomping ground. Walker Brothers Pancake house. We used to come here for "highlights" or "celebrations". End of school, etc. Good memories were made here.
Then we drove out to Lake and to our old church building. It looked about the same. The doors were open so we even got to walk through the church.
Mom and I had so much fun driving around going down memory lane. We walked through Northbrook Court and then drove past old homes, the Carpenters Neighborhood, and downtown Northbrook. We stopped by Marge Millers home who was a neighbor to the home below. She is not in good shape, we visited quick, but it was hard for my mom to see her friend in such poor condition.
This was the home I was brought home to when I was a baby. I only lived her a brief time before moving to 2649 Kingston and then on to Greenview.
My mom had called Stella ahead of time so we wouldn't surprise her to much. Stella is a one and only. She had called Judy Adams and Kim Ruiz to come say hi while we were at her apartment.
After visiting with Stella for a while we grabbed a quick bit at Little Louies. Complete with a Chicago dog, french fries, and a green river to drink. Mom and I went back to the hotel for a few minutes to freshen up before heading back to Northbrook to Maple Junior High. We happen to hit a celebration the town was having for the music teacher I had when I went to Wescott. After 37 years of teaching Mr. V was retiring. On the way in I saw my favorite teacher Miss Cuccio. Miss Cuccio was my special ed teacher (I struggled with dyslexia and reading difficulties) from 1st-3rd grade. In 4th grade she was my regular ed teacher. I loved her. I invited her to birthday parties and even to Great America with our family when we would go in the summer. She was the one person I really wanted to see at this event. I saw a few more fellow classmates.
Mr V - the greatest music teacher
I got a text from Kim Ruiz while at Mr. V's thing saying to stop by. It was her birthday but I thought she was going out with friends. When we went to the address she gave me it was such a surprise. Her friends had thrown Kim a surprise birthday party but it was the perfect place for mom and me to see lots of people. The Raddon and Ruiz clan!
Debbie Ruiz, Me, Erin Watkins, Kim Ruiz, and Dianara. After chatting for a bit we drove out to a steak house to meet Ryan and Naomi and their crew. They had just gotten in and were at dinner. Mom and I wanted to go even though it was getting late. We wanted to be able to chat with them. Thursday was such a fun filled day with seeing lots of old friends and old stomping grounds.
Friday morning we went to GBN by 8:30 in the morning. We got the royal treatment when arriving at GBN. We waited back stage and chatted until about 20 minutes before it was Ryan's turn to receive the distinguished alumni plaque and give his speech. Ry did such a good job delivering a power, inspiring message. I was really proud of him! After his speech we left the auditorium and then got a tour of GBN.
The Gym!!!
My picture from 1993-Best Female Athlete from my class.
My other claim to fame. 1993's Outstanding Girl
Rebecca got Best Female Athlete for her graduating class year too!
After a tour of GBN that really was crazy on how much it changed, a bunch fo GBN friends got together for a picture. Kim Ruiz, Ryan, Kristen Miller, Me, Erin Watkins (she graduated from GBS but is my friend), Jenny Schwartz, and Rob Taglianeti (Ryan's really good friend).
In front of our 2649 Kingston Home. It looks different than when we lived there too. The top was cream with Brown wood and they made additions to both ends of the home.
One more quick stop at Little Louie's before heading out of town.
This trip made me so homesick. I loved where I grew up. I love how beautiful Utah is but I have so many memories tied to Northbrook. In some ways it feels like a dream that I lived there, strange, emotional feelings but such an amazing trip.
