Well, I'm back from my week in Chicago, and fitting in a quick update before heading off to Washington D.C. I was in Chicago for a training class on a data mining software package called Clementine. I'm using it in my teaching now. My classes were held in the Sears Tower, which is right in the financial heart of Chicago.
Today we had a baptism in our ward. I took my turn in welcoming them to the ward during the baptismal service. As I was speaking, I shared with those in attendance the fact that as I walked around Chicago this week, I saw many wealthy people, people getting in and out of limos, staying in fancy hotels, and eating in very expensive restaurants. But what I also saw was that very few of them looked very happy. I then shared with this newly baptized family that I believed that this was because money cannot buy happiness. The father of the family was so happy after his baptism that he could hardly sit still. I told him that happiness only comes from our Heavenly Father's plan, and that families are central to that plan. We can't take our money with us, but we can take our families, and that is what brings us true happiness in our lives.
Part of my trip to Chicago was supplemented by some time with Joanne. Her mom arrived at our house on Monday, and on Wednesday afternoon, Joanne flew out to Chicago to spend the last two days there with me. I had surprised her by buying tickets to see the musical Wicked!, which I highly recommend if you can catch a performance of it (click the pic).
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Grandma was setting the bar high for summer entertainment. In addition to taking the girls back to the Children's Museum, she also took them swimming.
And the girls had a summer day camp at Mingo Creek Park. Madeline waded in the stream with Grandma while the older two were at day camp.
Joanne even got in on the action before leaving for Chicago.
They also spent plenty of time on the swing set too.
Tomorrow we'll head to Washington D.C. for some meeting I have there, followed by some time with Jerry, Danae, Karl, Jolene, Rebecca, Jeremy, and all their kids. It'll be good to see some family, even if they are all on Joanne's side of the family ;-)Best wishes to all,
Matt, Joanne and girls
