Travels of Mark and Pat

Sunday - October 6

Nippy and breezy today.....went to 8:00 Mass and then both of us had a productive day getting stuff done around the house Went for a walk in the afternoon when it was nice and sunny. That didn't last too long and the clouds rolled in!

Went to Liam's last baseball game at 5:30 - COLD and BLUSTERY out at the ole ball field bundled up in sweatshirts, jackets, gloves, and blankets!

Little slugger at bat

Catcher

And the folks trying to keep warm!

It was 51 degrees with strong winds.....hot chocolate hit the spot. Grandpa and I didn't stay for the whole game - we wimped out but left our blankets with Anne and Patrick!

Liam's team lost 9-4 and next up - hockey season begins tomorrow!

Saturday - October 5

Quiet day at home....exercised, did some packing, ran a few errands and luckily we dodged any major storms which had been predicted for the Midwest.

Met Paul and Margaret at Rosie's for delicious dinner and great fun catching up! So much to chat about....elderly parents, health issues, kids, grandkids, travels! Life is Good!!!

And now......heeeeere's Luke....

Just 3 more days till we see our sweet boy!

Friday - October 4

Mark and I went to the homecoming activities starting with 9:00 Mass and then the assembly.   Bob and Julie who are very influential citizens and owners of 10 McDonalds in town and 2 day care centers filled in for our Blue Angel   They did a great job, but sure missed Ryan.

Got a few groceries and stopped at Barnes and Noble.   Picked Liam and Connor up from school with the sailboat in tow and off to Lake Evergreen for an afternoon sail. Our friend, Jane stopped by and so good to see her - been a long time.   It was very buggie on shore and not much wind, but the boys had fun and Jane and I had a good visit.

Then off to Kicks on 66 for supper and so pleasant sitting outside (with no bugs).    Anne came at 7 and they were off to the homecoming football game!    Grandpa and I are in for the night!

Here are a few pics of our sailing outing

Grandpa and Connor

Jane and Pat

Liam waiting his turn

Chowin' down at Kicks on 66

Wednesday - October 2

We are home! Rise and shine at 3 AM, drove a rental car to Charlotte for 6 AM flight. And driving home from Chicago, we heard from Ryan that he would NOT be coming this weekend and speak at his alma mater, (Central Catholic High School) for their homecoming assembly

Friday morning.

Several months ago he was asked to be the guest speaker and was going to fly in on his Blue Angel jet. The past few days have been iffy with the government shutdown and so...no coming in on his Blue/Gold jet. But we talked about purchasing a commercial ticket and the "show could go on". This morning, however, he was told by an admiral that there is to be no visibility or public speaking from the Navy or Blue Angels. We are sooo disappointed as is Ryan!

We are tired but all worth it after a very enjoyable week with the NC kiddies. Thanksgiving till we see them again and Blair will change so much! So thankful for technology to see pictures, do facetime, videos, etc.

Here's a few more pics of my little Dolly

Another sleeper from TEA in lavender and yellow

New wall hanging in her nursery

Last but not least.....Grandma and Blair

I went to lunch with Exchange Club and then home to take a nap! Mark took one, too! Had a package waiting for me from Doodlebbugs - cute baby outfits I bought when we were in Georgetown, SC. One week ago today, that wonderful shop and 7 others destroyed by fire.

Not sure what is going on with my knee....during the day, not bad, but when I'm lying in bed, really hurts and when I first get up in the morning? Taking Ibuprofen, so.....Brooke's Mom, Judy is having knee issues, too! Cannot think of a single thing that caused this.....getting older perhaps?

Had a great dinner and conversation with Paul and Kathy at Medici. 4 weeks from now we'll be on our Windstar Cruise from Barcelona to Lisbon, so lots of planning to chat about!

And now....we are oh-so-tired and ready for bed!

Nite nite

Tuesday - October 1

Lovely fall day - I exercised (very minimal as something is wrong with my right knee)??? Worked on some computer projects, Brooke ran a bunch of errands and I started packing. I'm having a hard time thinking about leaving tomorrow.....such a fun week with these boys and Blair! The time has flown by and I've got oodles of pictures to take with me and enjoy! Brady came home from school and comes up to me at the kitchen table and says "I'm so sad you're leaving tomorrow" - what a sweetie!!!!!!!