No hyperbole here. My immediate family made the trek to Illinois for the first time in nearly two years.

Perhaps I’m making this sound more grim or gloomy than it really is; I’ve flown home to Wichita numerous times during my 2+ years in Peoria. We see each other at least 2-3 times a year. But this was my chance to show them the good and bad of my life here in Lincoln-land. Sadly, my sister Rachel couldn’t make the trip due to work.

We spent the better part of last week sampling the finest dining that my city offers, taking cool walks near the Illinois river, and spent time browsing various stories but rarely making a purchase. We even rode up the 20-story red observation tower in Peoria Heights, an activity that never before crossed my mind.

The visit culminated Friday in a day-trip to Chicago, a chance for my family to finally see the city I often pretend to reside in. We made the most of the day, mixing lunch at Sultan’s Market in Wicker Park with a touristy stroll down Michigan Avenue into Grant Park. It was all familiar to me, but somehow made better by actually doing it with someone instead of alone. It was exhausting, yet adventuresome.

I spent almost zero time on the Internet during their visit. I slept early and woke even earlier. And the whole experience calmed me in a way that I haven’t been in quite sometime.

Thanks to my mom, dad and Nick for dropping by.