Brinks, Hofer, Gilson, and Lione Homecoming

So before the great recession started Rick's work would hold a Prom every other year and invite all the attorneys and their spouses/dates to a formal event in Chicago.  We went to one of these when I was 7 months pregnant with Rachel.  It was hard to find a dress to fit then.  This year they again had an even that found me prego looking for a semi formal event.  The thing is Rick is a lawyer and so is everyone he works with.  This makes a semi-formal event FORMAL.  I looked everywhere for a dress but most stores have put their pregnancy section online.  You can't see them or try them on.  And because I knew I'd probably only wear this dress once I didn't want to spend a lot of money on it.  So after looking every where I found one online.  Mom helped me look for a dress and drape.  I ended up getting my hair and makeup done professionally as well.  I felt all dolled and pampered when we left. 

We decided to spend the night in Chicago so we didn't have to drive home late.  Diane and Dennis spent the night with the kids while we were gone.  So as in true tradition for me the commute took us 2 1/2 hours to get into Chicago and to the hotel.  We quickly checked in hurried over to the event.  We made it to the last few minutes of cocktails and then we went to dinner.  The tables were arranged for us to sit at certain ones.  We found our places and sat when I noticed an older couple sit right next to us.  Older couple in lawyer term means more seniority.  These people look like they could have retired a long time ago so very senior.  When they started they acknowledge Gerry Gilson for helping sponsor the event.  Guess who was right next to me, Gerry Gilson and his wife, Jamie!  It was a little overwhelming to be next to such an important person.  His wife is also an author of some 20+ kids books.  We had a lovely evening with them.  It was a great night out, a little scarey but it was nice to get to know the people Rick spends so much time with.