Haley slays at Lollapalooza 2012

[Himm2]

What a nice surprise to finally make it back to my room to see a vid of a new song performed Live in Minnesotta. KCB was definitely not one I thought she would perform but seeing it now, it makes sense for the venue and Haley will really rock it on the Lollapalooza stage.

I finally got to meet Himm2 and Mrs Himm2 () at their humble abode. He's quite the handyman and a very nice house.

Wheeling was bigger than I thought, and all the places we visited were spacious clean and really well kept. Calling it the 'village' of Wheeling is an understatement. It's growing but still has a lot of 'neighborhood charm' to it.

We ate lunch at Bob Chinn's, a place where Haley has said she enjoyed the 'surf and turf'. Very friendly people greeted us who know Haley and Himm2 . There are a couple of pics of Haley on the wall from when she visited there. The place is huge, and Steve (Himm2) said they held a record for 3rd most patrons served (If I remember right).
Then we went to the aquatic center where Haley worked. It's located in this large, spacious community center. There were families and small children running all over the place having a good old time. Again, very well kept, clean and very family friendly. Steve pointed out the top of the water slide where it was Haley's job to tell people when it was clear to go down the slide. Perfect place for a young person to earn money and be outdoors. I took video, but should have opted for photo's. For $9 each it's a bargain for a family to enjoy a beautiful day as the one we had today.

The Reinhart's house was only a few blocks away. We drove by it, a nice, unassuming house, in a quiet neighborhood.
Next we went to the Arlington Horse Race track where Haley held her Idol 'homecoming' performance. Again, ultra nice and clean. It was packed today despite the sweltering heat (indoors was very nicely airconditioned, thankfully). We hung around to watch a few races. I had never been to a horse racing track before. We decided to place a couple bets, and I actually won on the last race we saw, betting for the horse to win. We based the horses we chose on anything that might have a Haley tie to it. I don't remember the whole name of the horse I chose, but it had 'rock' in the name, I won a whole $9.20 on a $2 bet .

Finally, we went by Haley's high school. Like all the other places I went, Clean, large (not overly so) and obviously proud of their alumni and accomplishments displayed in a common area with comfy couches in the middle. Steve proudly showed me some of the members of the girl's basketball team that made the playoffs despite starting 1-14,
They had newspaper clippings up on the wall of Haley, but she had not yet made their 'Hall of Fame' yet, but then again, no one that was up there were from the 2000's , so maybe in time. This was where Haley greeted her hometown fans with 'Erin' her bodyguard, then cried from happiness on her Dad's shoulder.
We finally ended up back at Steve's home where we watched a few of the vids he made during Haley's homecoming. It was ridiculous how much FOX didn't show of this. Haley had quite the turn out and enthusiastic welcome. Still wonder why they had to 're film' Haley announcing "You Oughta Know", as we rewatched the actual reveal, not the one they finally showed of her reading it in the limo. . Rewatching some of the vids, visiting the places where they took place, put a nice perspective to the event.

Overall a very nice visit to Haley's hometown. We made tentative plans to meet tomorrow (joined by Babbs), my room being six blocks or so from the event gives us the option of using it as a break to what will be a long day if need be. (Walking being the best option as I was told the traffic will be ridiculous for Lolla)

Seeing these places where Haley grew up, I got a better understanding of how her environment (and close family) contributed to the upbeat, positive, life loving person she has become. Each place had a positive, family oriented and community feeling to it. Many thnx to Steve for the hospitality

(BTW gps is way overated in a big city with tall concrete buildings...what a challenge to find the drop off area for my rental car...luckily I had the foresight to mapquest directions so I finally got to where I had to go)

Next ... Lollapalooza

Great recap of a very fun day...it's almost like I was there! Oh, I guess I was!!! See you soon, Lolla awaits!...I got my walkin' shoes on! "Dancing Rock" was the Haley Horse that you got the big payout from. Silly me should have taken your lead and bet big on that one instead of "Real Power". What was I thinkin'!??