DAY 1 and 2 from DC to Chicago

It would have been better if I wrote this on the road or something, but I didn't so you'll get the short version, the one you wanted anyways.

We woke up at 5am and got on the road. Here are things I remember or saw the first day;

• saw a horse and buggy in Pennsylvania
• It's really really green in Pennsylvania
• I may  have slept a lot more then I remember

Then we arrived in Chicago around 6 and hit traffic, and the best part was Joe had to pee really bad. I find it funny because he can drink sooo much and be fine for hours. We were almost there, just 20 mins from our hotel and he had to stop and get out of traffic. He couldn't find anything so he stopped in a dark alley and took care of business. Luckily we made it out alive.
After we checked in and got Champ all settled in (our room was across the hall from the pool and spa, bonus!)
we went to go have dinner with a family Joe was close with on his mission. (p.s. Joe served Spanish Speaking in Chicago for 2 years)
This family was wonder and spoke english very well...except they never spoke it because Joe wanted to brush up on his spanish. I sat in outer darkness, guess what topic they were speaking about. I smiled and nodded a lot.

Here's their beautiful family!

Next morning was Sunday! We were doing sunday, missionary style....hit as many wards as you can! (oh, did you guess they were all in spanish haha) I think many people noticed this white girl (and yes, I was very white and had not seen the sun) and I'm sure I had that look on my face, but soon noticed a bit taller, fuller Elder Richardson standing next to me. It never failed for them to be so excited and come running over to hug him. He seemed very very loved by "his people" 

After our first ward we went out to lunch with this wonderful family. The man was a bit less active when Joe was there and Joe and his companion taught his wife the gospel and baptized her. They had 3 kids when Joe was there and added two more since. They were such a delight to be with. 

P.s. one day I'll have Joe go through and add names so we don't forget for our sake.

Then we hit up ward #2. It was a great ward with a lot more people there that Joe had no idea would still be in the ward. The family above were always helping out with missionary work. The couple above are engaged and we would love to go back for their wedding. She was always helping out the elders teaching, rides, food. Joe said she was an awesome member missionary. 

And then we had dinner. Joe had no problem asking her to cook a great Mexican meal. When we. were dating Joe went to visit his mission and stayed with them. They were so kind and wonderful to talk to. This was one meal we all spoke in English. (thank goodness, Joe said he was getting a headache from all the translation going on in his head). 

So we stayed 2 nights and then packed up for Day 3 on the road....