Saturday-Sunday, February 1-2

A great weekend with Mark's family celebrating the marriage of Richie and Theresa (niece).  Saturday was a BIG-time melting day with temps reaching into the 40's and everything turning into dirty slush but sure beats the brutal COLD.   We had a nice relaxing morning at the hotel and then off to the wedding at St. Alexander's in Palos Park.     7 bridesmaids in all-different styles of burgundy gowns and then the beautiful bride and handsome groom.

The reception was at our hotel in Countryside.....nice cocktail hour with many appetizers followed by a family-style dinner which was excellent.    Dancing followed and lots of chatter with the kin.

The NEW Mr. and Mrs.

Richie and Theresa 

Bride's parents Rich and Doris and Joan

  (Doris and Joan are 2 of Mark's siblings)

Rich and his baby.....last to marry

Sunday was another dreary, drizzly day....ate breakfast with several of the family and then had a unique experience going to mass.  Mark chose "Our Lady, Mother of the Church" in Willow Springs just a few miles from hotel.    They have 5 masses and we arrived for 10:00 Mass to a beautiful newer church still decorated for the Christmas season with many trees, red and white poinsettias, white roses, etc.    It was packed with standing room only and then it all began.....in POLISH.    We didn't read the fine print!   Oh well, we followed along as this very active congregation sang and said their prayers in Polish (a first for us, but also have done Italian and German).    

Hung out at O'Hare for a few hours before our flight back to Fort Myers.  

We arrived in Fort Myers at 7:50, got our rental car and then off to Sue and Jerry's where we're staying tonight.    Visiting and wine to wind down the day....tomorrow we will pick up Flo and settle in Lot #102.