Avitar at the IMAX

Hubby, Gaston and I finally saw Avitar last night at the IMAX. The movie really was amazing, I won't go into more detail given that we're probably the last people in the world to see it. Seeing it at the IMAX made it even more awesome.

The experience did remind that I generally avoid large crowds of people at tourist traps like Navy Pier, it really brings out the worst in me. And I momentarily felt sorry for Ben who may likely never visit this place or any like it, since both hubby and I feel the same way.

But the movie was worth it, and of course the large bucket of popcorn didn't hurt either :)

AcroCats

I'm not even really sure where to begin on this one...but the Acrocats act (UPDATED with URL) has been prodding us for quite some time. I think Gaston first discovered them, and we all cried foul. Performing cats? No way.

Periodically an article would pop up, or a notice in TimeOut. They continued to sneek up on us when we least expected it, just like our own cats. Well, for xmas hubby bought tickets to the show and Sat we finally went to check it out.

There is no way to do the experience justice - and it was an experience from start to finish. It's hard to say whether the cats were actually the most interesting act -the host, event organizers and audience members really gave them a run for their tuna.

As for the show, it really did feature performing cats. And other animals too. But the cats were the stars, about nine of them in total, doing everything from ringing a bell on command, to balancing on an exercise ball as it rolled across the floor. The performance culimated with a concert - cats on electric guitar, drums and piano as seen here.

Sadly I didn't remember my FLIP video (getting new phone this week w/video, camera - it is going to revolutionize my life) - but this picture gives a little taste of the excitement.

I can promise you it was the best $15 we'll spend all year...check 'em out.

Run Hubby, Run

Congrats to hubby who finished another amazing marathon yesterday (this picture is actually from last year but he looked just as fresh post-race Sunday). It was a cold start, his least favorite conditions, but he was fast and consistent throughout.

And he and Gaston raised more than $3K for the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), which they supported in memory of Ryan.

The in-laws came to town to watch the race, their first marathon experience, which is always fun to share with new fans. They loved it, as did Ben, who was bundled up so tight he couldn't find his fingers or move his arms. My sis and her friend Tracy also came out which made the day even more fun overall.

And congrats to all the runners out there. I'm so proud of all of you!

Happy Belated Birthday

Happy belated birthday to uncle Gaston who turned 21 on Saturday. We've been celebrating for about 10 days straight. Here's to you and many more 801 sandwiches in the coming year. XO.

HTC more highlights

There are some really great shots from the race...here are a few more of the group off the course. Our full team out to dinner before the start; Ade and Gaston; Blaine and Courtney; Carrie, Courtney and me; me can Carrie.

HTC highlight photos

A few highlights from the race: me geared up befor my night leg; carrie bringing it home big on her last leg; hubby and Courtney at their transition going into the night; carrie and blaine at transition; and hubby, ade and gaston with our team time sheet.

One more set coming through...

Just drove Gaston's "Hard" course, holy s*#$ we are toast. Toast. Thank God my first leg is "easy"

Gaston out on the course. I'm next up. So excited!! More to come.

As mentioned, we made another trip to Angels and Mariachis on Saturday night. This new Mexican restaurant is on Division, a short walk from the house. We've been habitually hitting a different Mexican cantina on Chicago Ave for the past several months once or twice a week - Chris has a new-found love for margaritas. So when A&M opened its doors a couple weeks ago, we went on opening night. It was packed and we had to abandon the mission without even a drink but headed back the following weekend to see if it was worth the hype. It was packed and we ate outside, though it was really too cold to do so comfortably. The food was great, excellent chips and salsa, queso fondido and guac.

I've also unofficially begun a hunt for the best fish tacos in town and theirs are pretty good. That night, for reasons I'm still unsure of (blame the delicious margs) the manager comped our meal. Something about packing up the patio furniture while we were eating, though it hadn't bothered us. Needless to say, it was a nice touch.

We visited last night with Gaston and enjoyed it again. The scene is great - a nice mix of the eclectic old neighborhood style with the new, trendy crowd. It is officially in the running to take over the old favorite. The patio will be great once the weather gets a little warmer. And back to the margs, they are fantastic!