Whirlwind Days With the Family

(Joliet, IL) Hi 86  Lo 76 -- The trip from Indiana to Joliet, IL was smooth, and as usual there was a lot of truck traffic on I-80. We're at the Hollywood Casino RV Park, where we always stay while here in Chicagoland. We wanted to get settled before the holiday weekend, thinking the traffic would be worse. We're surprised to see that wasn't the case during the weekend. Traffic has been relatively light. I think everyone has left town for the weekend.

After getting set up on Thursday we went to son Rick's house in Homewood for a quick visit. It was great to see him and his wife Laura. Saturday morning we all went to Bolingbrook to watch our grandson Jack play in a soccer tournament. His team won both games.

Jack and Rick

Here's Jack in action (No. 7 in blue).

We went to lunch with the team and parents, then went to Rick's for his 40th birthday party. Our other son Frank and his family drove up from O'Fallon, IL and arrived about 3:00. A dozen or so of Rick's friends arrived with their families, and the party was on!

Our step grand daughter Ellice with her fiancee Chris, and their pooch Dixie.

Jim watching as grand son Kyle and I goof off with selfies.

Laura taking a break before guests arrive.

Rick's ready to party.

Angie and Frank made this poster. The number 40 is made up of photos of Rick from infant through high school.

The catered dinner was excellent. There was fried chicken, pulled pork, corn coblets, and mostaccioli.

Grand sons Kyle, Jack and Kendall.

For dessert we had Rick's favorite chocolate cake from Portillo's, a local restaurant chain. Their chocolate cakes are legendary... so moist and yummy!

Shelly was the kids' babysitter many years ago when we were stationed at Travis AFB, CA. She lives about an hour and a half from Rick's, and we've stayed in touch all these years. She's like the daughter we never had.

Kendall, Frank, Rick, Joe and Kyle












This morning we all went to IHOP for breakfast. Unfortunately Jack wasn't with us. He lives with his mother in Aurora. Here's some of the family members waiting for our table.

Kendall, Kyle, Rick, Laura, Joe

After breakfast we took one last photo of everyone before Frank and his family left to go back to O'Fallon.

Kendall, Angie, Frank, Laura, Rick, Kyle, Joe

This afternoon we again went to watch Jack play soccer. His team won their semifinal game, but lost later in the championship game. Jack scored several goals for us during the weekend though!

We had a great weekend with the family. Rick is off this next week so we're looking forward to spending some time with him.

See you in a few days.