Weekend in IL - May 7, 8, 9, 10

(Red Ox with Debbie & Brian)

(Grandma Peggy with Grandchildren) (Grandma Darva with Grandchildren) (Debbie with Shelley, Brian and Tyler)
(Katie and her Bridesmaids) (Rookie's) (Medieval Times) (Brewski's)

We flew home to IL the weekend of May 7th for a mulititude of wonderful "events." However, Dave ended up having to take a different flight because of his Pole Vault Regionals. Shelley flew out on Friday afternoon, with Meggie - and spent that evening at Red Ox in Hampshire with her Brother Brian and Mom. For some reason, Shelley's Mom didn't expect Brian to be home that evening, and when she saw him - got super emotional about having all of her children under one roof :) We had a couple drinks and a few appetizers at Red Ox, a staple of the Hampshire Weekend Scene. The next day, Saturday the 8th, was a busy one for Shelley. She picked up her Grandma Darva in Sycamore and took her to her Grandma Peggy's for a Mother's Day Brunch. Her Uncle Roger, cousins, Cooper and Wyatt, brothers, Brian and Tyler, and her parents, Jim and Debbie were all there as they had a special Mother's Day version of the Christmas Casserole and Cheese Coffee Cake, and all sorts of delicious goodness! After brunch, Shelley headed to her friend, Katie's, bridal shower at the Royal Hawk Country Club. All of her bridesmaids were able to be there. We played a really fun game identifying television couples. For example, if Rachel & Ross were the option, you would have to identify that they were from Friends. It was so much fun, and Shelley won!! Shelley, again, wrote out the gifts (that's what you end up doing when you have nice teacher handwriting) - and she's getting good at it, this was the second time this year! After the shower, Shelley headed out to O'Hare to pick up Dave - he flew out Saturday morning and after a stop in Long Beach, made it into Chicago. He flew on Jet Blue as was incredibly impressed...note to self!! After dinner with Shelley's family at her parent's house (yummy fish filets), we headed out to Rookie's and met up with a group of Shelley's friends...Sarah, John, Taya, Melissa, Bob, Ashley and Brian managed to eventually get a table (there was a UFC Fight) and were able to hang-out and catch-up. Ashely just returned from her deployment through the National Guard, and it was wonderful to see her! And, everyone else, of course! On Sunday, Shelley was up bright and early to head out to Monroe Center to meet up with Melissa and head to her alterations lady to meet about the needed alterations on Shelley's Bridesmaid Dress for Katie's Wedding. It was a great excuse to get a little extra time with Melissa as well! Shelley Aunt Pat & Uncle Allan had driven up from Champaign for Mother's Day, so we spent a little bit of time with them at Grandma Peggy's - until it was time to go to Medieval Times. Dave's Dad, Roger, celebrated his 60th birthday on May 5th, and we took him to Medieval Times - his choice - as celebration! Shelley's parent's were also able to go! We were the Red Knight, and Shelley was so excited (because the Red Knight always wins!). We got there early enough to see some of the knighting ceremonies, and see the horses, etc. We had an upgraded packaged which enabled us to get a souvenior photo, front row seats, a cheering banner, commemorative DVD, etc. We had excellent seats and they had changed the show since the last time Shelley had been there (she was the veteran). We saw the knights perform specific tests, and then they began batteling each other. The Red Knight was in the lead, and he beat the Yellow Knight without any problem...which left him to battle the Black & White Knight for the championship...much to Shelley's dismay, he lost :( There goes her theory about the Red Knight always winning!!! Everyone enjoyed Medieval Times, and it was a wonderful way to celebrate Roger's Birthday (they even made a special announcment) - as well as something special to do on Mother's Day! That evening, we headed out to Rockford and met up with a group of "Rockfordites" at Brewski's for an opportunity to catch-up. Nate, Jonica, Chad, Kayla & Scott all were able to come out for a drink or two. Monday, we headed to Sunrise for breakfast with Roger - it's our usual haunt for breakfast in Rockford... and then out to Sycamore/Dekalb for lunch with Grandma Darva - we took her to Portillo's (she really likes that place, and their cheese fries are AMAZING). We eventually made it back to Shelley's parent's house and hung out there for a little while before it was time for Debbie & Jim to take us back to the airport...with a stop at Denny's for an early dinner. Our flight back was varly uneventful - and much easier without a cat carrier! Our weekends home are always so busy, but they really rejuvinate us until we make it back for the summer. We miss everyone so much - it's great to get a little bit of a pick-me-up!!!