Surprise!!!

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When my parents were not able to make it to Phoenix for XMAS I started talking to Ryan about how we needed FOR sure to go to Chicago for my niece's baptism. He said that we should go and told me to buy tickets and let the family know. Well I am one for surprises. I like the excitement that leads up to it and then to see the person's face that I am surprising when they get whatever it is. So I called my mom and told her we were coming but to not tell my brother, sister in law and the kids. Tuesday Makenzee called me to tell me about her birthday and she went on an on how sad she was that Ryan and I were going to miss it!! She told me they were going to have a party afterwards and that she would call me and tell me how she felt that day, how her baptism went and espeically the look on her mom and dad's face when she came out of the water! It was so sweet and I was so excited cause I would be there to see all of that and she wouldnt have to tell me over the phone!!!

We took off for Chicago Thursday night and we went into Chicago Friday morning. It was 20 degrees mind you and Ryan and I are used to 80 so it was quite an adjustment! It was well worth it though. We took the EL from my dad's work and spent a few hours downtown. Ryan waiting for the EL to come and pick us up
Here comes the EL behind meI laughed at this sign. I dont think about ice falling from skyscrapers in Phoenix. I then thought twice about the sign since they were all around and it could be really dangerous!!
Ryan came here right after he landed from the MTC and after eating was encouraged to go talk to people! I love that he served here!
Navy Pier. I so hope we can come sometime in July and enjoy the Taste of Chicago and see the 3rd of July fireworks

The new TRUMP tower. So high!!
Sears Tower
Ryan and I with the Sears Tower behind us

We then headed back to Oak Park and had lunch with my parents. We went home and then went to my brothers for the surprise! I have it here on flim!!!


The baptism was wonderful! She was so excited and so happy.My parents talked and was like flashback time for me. Hard to believe that it was 21 years ago that I was in that very room getting baptized ( still in the same building as I was growing up). Ryan got to be one of the witnesses and stood in the circle. I got to see some old friends and families from when I grew up. Ryan and I with my friend from childhood and his little girl
Makaylee wanted a picture with us too. She was feeling a little left out with all the attention focused on Makenzee
My brother's family
The kids all together
Ryan and I with Makenzee on her big day!


We headed back to my brothers house for a party all for my niece! As I talked to my brother and sister they told us that they were so happy that we had come. He said that he thinks the trip meant more to them than Makenzee just because of the knowledge of the task it was to come for just a short time. Both Ryan and I felt that it was so important and dont regret not being there. It was perfect timing for me too since Tuesday night I miscarried again and I wanted nothing but to be around family for hugs and loves and to keep my mind occupied on other things. It was a great trip and one that we will always cherish. We are both so happy we didnt miss it!

Comments

The Webber's said…
Looks like you guys had a great trip and lots of fun! I am SO sorry about your miscarriage! I don't know how you handle this so well and stay positive! Hang in there!!! I love you!!! Call me if you want to talk sometime. I miss you girl!
February 9, 2009 at 3:22 PM
wendy and brig said…
I am sorry to hear about your miscarriage. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I am glad you were able to go see your family. I loved the video. It was so cute to see everyone so happy. Let's go have lunch soon. How are your new tasks at work?
February 9, 2009 at 4:06 PM
Amber said…
Mike is sooooo jealous that you guys got to go to Chicago. He wants to move back now. I keep telling him that he is crazy it is way too cold there.
February 9, 2009 at 4:44 PM
Jo Lynn said…
Karm, my heart stopped beating for a minute when I read your title!! I thought I was about to read fabulous news and now my heart is aching for you in hearing about yet another miscarriage. I am so sorry. I'm thinking the relaxation and seeing the doctor is doing some good right?

I'm so glad you got to be with family and how special of a surprise, it sounds like you and your bro are pretty close. You guys look like one hot couple and Ryan looks like a stud in his suit!!!! After seeing your pictures I so want to go out to Chi town and eat some yummy deep dish pizza from Giordano's! Mmmm, so good. Hey, how about we meet out there this July and spend a week together?

I love you Karm and I'm here for you! You can call me anytime and hey, if I need to fly out there to take your mind off things, you let me know and I'll be there. I'm not kidding either!!!!
February 9, 2009 at 8:37 PM
D'On Marx said…
That's so fun! I love the pictures. Your nieces are sure cute. Glad the trip went well. Can't wait to see you guys in a couple of weeks. SHHH!!
February 9, 2009 at 9:43 PM
Julie said…
Oh Karmann, I am so sorry to hear about your miscarriage! I will be praying for you. I'm glad you had a fun time in Chicago, what a nice surprise to do for Shawn's family! And how fun that Ryan served his mission there, I'd forgotten that. I hope you have a great week! Love you!
February 10, 2009 at 1:05 PM
Hayley Nelson Potter said…
How fun Karmann, i love suprises so next time make it to Idaho & suprise me!
February 10, 2009 at 3:38 PM
Deanna said…
I freakin miss you girl!! You two are quite the jet-setters! How fun that you two got to go out to Chicago to be with family and surprise your cute niece! Mike and I have been watching prices for flights to Chicago and I'm hoping we can go soon, but we'll probably wait til there isn't danger of falling icesicles piercing our skulls. But I heard the taste of chicago event is awesome. Seriously, if we're not too poor in a few months we should all go.

SO sorry to hear about your sad news. You're in our prayers and if you need anything let me know!
Love ya!
February 10, 2009 at 11:06 PM
Bryn said…
What a great weekend! Even if your niece didn't realize this past weekend what a great surprise and wonderful sacrafice it was for you guys to be there, she will one day. And I'm sorry about the bad news! I know you must be having such a hard time. It's hard for me to know how to be ther for a friend when they are going through trials, so please, call if you need to talk, or want a buddy to do some therapy shopping, or anything.
February 12, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Brittany said…
Wow! That was an awesome post! I'm so glad you did that too! I'm sorry to hear about the miscarriage. What a bummer. I hope you're doing OK. Have you tried progesterone shots?? Just curious. Talk to you soon!
February 13, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Blanchards said…
Karm ~ You are so beautiful! I am so glad you had the chance to go to Chicago and surprise your family. I bet Makenzee was the happiest little girl ever. You deserve to take trips like this because you are such a hard working girl...too bad short trips are not very relaxing. You are amazing Karmenn, I am so lucky to know you. It says a lot about a person when they are so caring and thoughtful to everyone else in their time of trial. I am a lucky friend. I hope I get to see you at our girls reunion. Hang in there. Love you, Rach
February 14, 2009 at 8:55 PM
Julia said…
I'm so jealous you got to go to Chicago. I haven't been back in 8 years! My goal is to make it back for my 10 year reunion in 2010. Hope things are going well for you and that you start feeling better.
February 27, 2009 at 3:54 PM
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