Friday - Patrick died exactly 3 months ago tonight.....our hearts remain very sad and still seems so surreal.
Mark and I checked out of Eastland Suites at 10 after he made one final trip to storage and dropped off one last bin. We sure enjoyed our 5 weeks here - the staff are extremely friendly and accommodating. We met Bob (brother) and Linda in LaSalle at Uptown Grill for a delicious lunch and nice long visit. Linda and I browsed a few shops, we said our good byes (we'll see them in FL in January) and were on our way.
Bob, Linda, Pat, Mark
Next stop was to visit Judy, Mark's grade and high school classmate and a friend of both of us from 4-H. Judy's husband Duane passed away this past June. We cried, laughed and reminisced. It was a really good 2+ hour visit and hopefully we'll be together again in 2020 at Judy and Mark's 55th class reunion.
Mark and Judy
Onward to Dixon and the start of the Chamberlain Christmas - pizza party with mostly siblings and a few nieces and nephews. We have the party room at hotel for 2 nights. After supper, we played cards and games.
Saturday - Mark and I had a card to mail so drove to downtown Dixon, mailed card and stopped at "Books on 1st" for coffee/latte. We walked around Mark's hometown - some nice shops and felt like we were stars in a Hallmark movie - here's the scene....strolling past the shops with our coffees, Christmas music coming from outdoor speakers, the light poles and stores all decked out in holiday greenery and ribbons, etc. The only thing missing was snow!
Back to hotel and more visiting , lunch from Arthur's Deli, more games and cards. Changed clothes and off to St. Patrick's for 4:30 Mass which was said for Mark's parents and sister Carol. Then we enjoyed a bountiful potluck (including Italian beef and Chicken George). The sides were prepared by the sisters and nieces who live in the Dixon area. Sooo much delicious food. Ryan was with us this year! He drove in from Indianapolis where he's been flying in and out this past week. Annette's parents joined us, too and a great time was had by all. We were 103 strong with around 33 absent. Back to the hotel for more games, cards and visiting. A very chaotic, crazy, loud, fun celebration!!!!
4 new babies born this year and 2 came to meet the family.
Riley, Samm and Tommy from Fairfax, VA
James and Kathy from San Francisco
There are always a few beautifully wrapped packages that go above and beyond. This was one of this year's.
Sunday - Mark and I were up and leaving the hotel by 7:15. The sun was just coming up (this entire weekend has been wonderful weather - sunny and pleasant temps and dry roads)! We shared the driving and traveled 496 miles stopping in Shelbyville, IN for lunch, Steak 'n Shake is within walking distance tonight, we are tired and so...we took a little stroll over there for some Chili 5-ways (both of us) really good. Then for some yummy chocolate chip cookies in hotel lobby!
Anne was busy being a "Hockey Mom" over the weekend with 4 games (2 out of town - Springfield and Mt. Prospect and 2 in town). She and the boys were missed at our big holiday gathering!
Blair spent part of the weekend with her Gram and GrandBob - here she's waiting to go on a buggy ride!
We have around 300 miles tomorrow till we are back with our little munchkins and NC kiddos!
Enjoy these last few days before the real
"Reason for the Season"
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