As they say, all good things come to an end. The end of my travels this year brought me to my hometown of Chicago, where I spent Christmas with my family and old friends. I got to sleep in the same room I grew up in (where I spent countless hours of my youth listening to music and dreaming about travel while being grounded), and was surrounded by the entire Gill Clan, which was nice, as we are only all together once a year nowadays. I celebrated the holidays with both of my 94-year old grandparents, went to the German Christmas Market in Daley Plaza, met grade-school friends for a pint at my local Irish pub, and enjoyed all the lovely cuisine Chicago has to offer, including Lou Malnotti’s deep dish pizza, All Beef Vienna hot dogs, Garrett’s popcorn, etc.  I also watched the Bears pull off a win over the Packers! All in all, a great time.

So, as this year comes to a close and the circle closes, I hope your good memories of 2009 carry forward, and that you have a spectacular new year.

Thank you for reading the “Catchin’ Up With Kristen”  blog during 2009, for your comments and inspiration, and your encouraging kind words. I look forward to catchin’ up in 2010!

Adventure on!

Kristen

I took this picture of trees in NYC’s Central Park, turned them into black & white, and then added an orange filter for a spooky effect. I’ve always been fascinated by trees, and I think that scene from The Wizard of Oz, where they come to life is pretty scary!

Then, I . . . oh my gosh . . .  what the heck?

Aaaaaaaaaaaah! It’s a GHOST!

OK, enough of the tricks. Now, on to the treats!

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Kristen

These kids from San Ignacio, Belize, are not afraid to take the plunge into the warm waters of the Rio Macal.

Enjoy these final weekends of summer, and let the kid in you come out!

SPLASH and adventure on,
Kristen