We are back from Chicago after a nice trip. As usual, we met lots of great new hires, sold lots of stuff, and laughed a lot with our buds from People. This trip included a fun diversion between the new hire luncheon and the meeting that night: an unveiling party for Illinois One, our newest themed aircraft. Like the other state-themed planes, it bears an interpretation of the Illinois state flag. I actually like the plane’s version better than the flag itself. Click here to see what you think. They let us see the aircraft up close after the unveiling, so I grabbed a friend and had him take a picture that I’ve wanted for years: me in the engine.

In about 3 1/2 hours, our “vacation” will officially begin! Jenny compiled a big list of activities and goals, possibly more than we can achieve, but it’s good to aim at something. Thursday night is the Stars game. Friday is “productive day” when we wail on BB’s room and assemble some or all of his furniture. Saturday is video game day. Sunday is open. Monday is Fort Worth day, when we go hang out near Downtown. We might go to the Botanic Gardens and take lots of pictures while the flowers are blooming or the zoo and see the animals. Monday night we plan to stay at the Texas White House, a cool bed and breakfast near the gardens. Tuesday we might play in Fort Worth and then return home to relax.