A little bit of family and a little bit of Mexico

A couple of weekends ago, Preston's three brothers came to Chicago for two nights. It was really nice to see them and spend time with them. It appeared that Preston and his brothers were mutually encouraged by one another. 

Photographer, Dean, took some nice shots from the Hancock Tower

 

Another nice shot by the lake 

 The guys had a good time going around the city and had Chicago hot dogs, which they liked, and deep dish pizza, which they were not very impressed with. Again, it was a joy to see them and to enjoy their humorous personalities! It's a great thing seeing the brothers interacting together...the Lord is good!

Forrest, Dean, Preston, and Derek

This past weekend was Cinco de Mayo. Preston and I live in a Hispanic neighborhood. We are two of the three Caucasian people on our street. We like that we are surrounded by Hispanic culture and often find ourselves talking in Spanish to those around us. Chicago really is diverse, and it tends to be pretty segregated (not necessarily in a bad way). The other day I was in the Indian part of town picking up some cultural foods. I actually felt like a foreigner. Most women were wearing wraps over their heads/faces, people were speaking a different language, and I did not understand most of the signs or labels. I love the culture around here. 

Back to Cinco de Mayo: 

Just for the record, Mexico's Independence Day is September 16th - not May 5th. Here is a piece I found from the History channel: "Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867).  

Anyway....
Our experience with this Cinco de Mayo (celebrated May 6th): 

I ran a 5-mile race on May 6th. I was very surprised and happy that I averaged 6 MPH. I did not expect that. The best part about running a Hispanic race - free CHURROS!!! Yummy to my tummy! After the race, I went by this luggage warehouse to pick up a bag for Preston -- kind of a shady place that only took cash...hmm...but it was cheap and I think a good deal! Great morning until I was on my way back home. Not only was the Cinco de Mayo parade happening in front of our house, but there was also a fair at the park near our home; therefore, a ton of roads were blocked off. After driving around forever, navigating around blocked off streets, and being turned away by a traffic cop, I FINALLY made it home.  Although frustrating, it ended up being kind of funny.  hahaha

Luggage Warehouse

Preston also had issues with roadblocks due to the Cinco de Mayo parade.  He got stuck for an hour in the rain on the other side of our street; but it was a welcome reprieve (even if forced).

That's what happens when you live in a Hispanic neighborhood ☺ 






A week from today Preston is leaving for Afghanistan....I will write a blog about that later. Preston and I have been quite busy as of late. He has a lot of work to do on his dissertation...but the end is in sight!! ☺ Praise the Lord!!!

Life is good and God is great.
Blessings,
Preston and Krystal 

We walked down to the park/carnival one night for "dinner" -- Mexican dish called Pambazo!

Preston starting to eat the churro we got...chocolate filled churro. Mmm, mmm good!