Chicago Fire Game

FINALLY...we have taken a vacation as a family. However, with the economy how it has been, we decided we could only do a stay-cation this year. Not really a good thing when you run a business out of your home and your husband is within driving distance to his job -- we both ended up working. I finally decided not to check my e-mail or even bring my cell phone with me. This was a vacation I needed to take and was determined to erase thoughts of business from my mind.

We were lucky enough to get some tickets to a few events and actually left the comfort of our own backyard to go enjoy some real vacation time.

Our first excursion took us down to Chicago to see the Chicago Fire game against LA Galaxy, and we were able to get enough tickets to bring my brother and his family. Unfortunately, Beckham got himself a suspension in an earlier game and was not playing. LA definitely did not miss their all-star player as they ended up winning. It was still a very enjoyable evening away and spending some time with my brother and his family. Not to mention, our son particularly enjoyed watching his favorite sport - soccer.

Chivas USA vs Chicago Fire

My son is a huge soccer fan and has played soccer since he was five years old (he is now 10). He claims he wants to be a professional soccer player and social studies teacher when he grows up. Unfortunately, dad knows nothing about the sport and only understands football, so has convinced our son to try football this season. The good news, if he does not like football we plan on having him tryout for a team like the Red Stars. Personally, I am crossing my fingers, and dad is holding on to hope, but also coming to the conclusion he might have a soccer player instead of a football player. I think if dad would have been able to come to the professional soccer game last night at Toyota Park outside of Chicago, he would have a new appreciation for the game of soccer. My brother knows Jesse Marsch of Chivas USA and was able to get some great tickets for us. My son was in his glory watching the game, but the best part came after the game. We hung out with Jesse's parents and friends after the game and later Jesse came out for a visit. Ian had his very used soccer ball ready for signing with grandma's ballpoint pen (we needed a Sharpie). Later I took a photo of Jesse with our son and Jesse was kind enough to sign his ball again with a Sharpie. The funny part about it is that my son has always been a huge fan of Beckham, and of course for you soccer fans, Beckham and Marsch had that huge fight some time back. I think my son might have a new hero. He is grinning ear to ear and has retired his old, worn out soccer ball to the football display stand. The football has been thrown aside. Thank you Jesse!