Travels of Mark and Pat

Mother's Day - 2013

I had a beautiful Mother's Day and hope all you Moms enjoyed yours, too. It was chilly (50's) and windy, but lots of sunshine!

Mark and I went to 10:00 Mass and then met Anne, Patrick, Liam and Connor at Station 220 for a delicious brunch (what a spread)!!! Mark and I drove to Danville (1.5 hrs) and celebrated our niece Megan's high school graduation from Schlarman Academy. Megan is the last of the 38 grandchildren in Mark's family to graduate and she was salutatorian. She gave an excellent speech full of humor and emotion!

Stopped at Steak 'n Shake for some yummy old-fashioned shakes on the way home and enjoyed good visits with the kids - we were riding in high style in the new truck!

Memories from Mother's Day - past and present

2005 - 4 generations

Pat, Anne, my Mom with Liam

2013 - Pat, Anne, Liam and Connor

Our niece Megan

Mark's brother Tom, Megan, Beth and Matt

Aunt Pat, Megan and Uncle Mark

Saturday - May 11

Beautiful sunny day, but windy and chilly! Leisurely morning and then off to pick up tulip bouquets for our 3 tables at bridal shower/luncheon Sue and I co-hosted at her home for Kassie.

13 family/friends of Kassie gathered and what a grand time - food was very good (had it catered by Pat (NOT me) who is theeee best . Hot chicken pie, strawberry/spinach/pecan salad, asparagus wrapped in bacon, mini blueberry, walnut with maple glaze muffins and cinnamon rolls. Then after Kassie opened her gifts we had selection of 6 mini desserts to choose from with tea and coffee

Good to be home with the feet up and glass of wine in hand!

The Bride and Mother-of-the-Bride (Brenda)

Kassie and her 100-year old Great Aunt Ginny

Pretty centerpieces

Wedding cake favors that Pat made (mini sugar cookies - yum)!

Kassie (who is Ryan's age and both "surprise" babies) and Kyle are getting married June 9th on

Santa Rosa Island, FL (destination wedding). Mark and I will be there!!

Mark took Patrick and the boys for a ride in his new truck and then they were off to shop for

Mommy!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

to all you MOMS out there......

Friday - May 10

Chilly and dreary today - a few nice days and then rain yesterday and rest of weekend is to be cool!!!

I exercised and then loaded up the car with dishes, table and stuff to take to Sue's for bridal luncheon/shower we are co-hosting tomorrow. Got things set up and then ordered tulip centerpieces for our tables and off to meet Claire and Kathy for lunch at A. Renee (belated birthday celebration for Claire - May 1st is the real deal).

Good to be home this afternoon with sweater and sox on!!! Our neighbor is having his roof torn off and new one put on, so lots of activity next door.

While I was out and about, Mark was out of town and then driving back in his brand new truck - a 2013 GMC crew cab with lots of bells and whistles! Spiffy!!!

Bye bye little red truck

Mark's new toy

Ahhhh Luke is growing up...

Daddy teaching Luke to hold his own bottle

My weekend was off to a great start when the doorbell rang at 5:30 and there was a gorgeous bouquet of spring flowers from Ryan for Mother's Day!

Thanks Ryan

Thursday - May 9

Rainy day but that didn't stop 4 good friends from having a ball together in Galesburg. We've known one another since the late 60's as classmates at Midstate College of Commerce. Allie, Jane and I rode together and met Barb who came from Moline. Non-stop chatter over a great lunch at The Landmark Café and Creperie in historic Galesburg.

Love shopping in this little town and Grandma did some damage at "Mother Goosebumps" children's shop! So much fun, sooo many laughs!

Pat, Allie, Barb, Jane

Landmark Café and Creperie

Allie, Barb, Jane, Pat

"Together We So ROCK"

at The Calico Cat

On our way home, Annette did face time with Luke and Grandma....

Uncle Ryan and Luke hangin' out by the pool

Found out this afternoon that Ryan and the 6 other Blue Angel pilots have had their tour extended one additional year - YEAH!!!

Little Man at ONE month

Wednesday - May 8

Happy ONE MONTH to Luke.....gosh, how can that be! His Uncle Ryan came to meet him today and staying a few days!

Little "Mohawk" Baby

Started this spectacular day off by exercising, then to 8:45 Mass at Liam and Connor's school for the 2nd grade First Communicants all dressed up in their white dresses and suits. Then they changed clothes and enjoyed a play day! I ran a bunch of errands and had lunch with Exchange Club.

Mark and I went for a walk - it was 81 today, sunny and with all the blooming trees, just awesome to be out and enjoy God's beauty We have not been walking or biking in eons, so....

.time to get ship shape!

Several neighbors and friends gathered tonight for Norma's birthday party - big surprise (not only her birthday, but celebration of her successful recuperation and return to good health after

a difficult winter)!