Milestone Birthdays

Happy 40th to this handsome guy!

We’ve celebrated some major milestone birthdays over the past two weekends.  Last weekend, we tore it up with our friends at the Emporium Logan Square to celebrate Mark’s crossing into his next decade of life. (And by “tore it up,” I mean drank beer, ate pizza, and screamed over music that “was too damn loud!”) It was a low-key affair for a low-key guy—no singing, no speeches, just all our friends in one spot. Mark was very happy and that is all that matters to me! But, I failed miserably at taking any pictures!!! I used to be the one who got all the snapshots to commemorate an event, but in recent years—when it’s easier than ever to have a camera at the ready—I’ve really fallen off my game. Luckily the birthday boy thought to at least get a shot of the two of us. 

The old guy and his much younger wife

Thursday was the official day and we celebrated Mark’s 40^th at home with tacos and rhubarb pie, which I let the kids help prepare—which took a lot of will on my part. I had to shove my hands in my pockets, while I let them have a go at crimping the edges and was beyond tempted to reshape it after they left the kitchen. But, I didn’t. And, yes, I want recognition and congratulations for this accomplishment.

But, it was made with love...

Saturday we loaded in the car and headed to “the heart of it all” (aka Ohio) to celebrate Sharon’s 70^th with a surprise party. We had a hiccup in our travels when, as we entered the Sky Bridge, the car jerked and the engine indicator light popped on. Not knowing what the issue was, we turned around and headed back home to switch cars, putting us almost 2 hours behind schedule. But, we made it to Greenville and, with Chris’s help, managed to get into our hotel room, change clothes, and get over to the party in time for the big surprise. And it was a BIG surprise—she had no clue! 

SURPRISE!

Sunday morning, we had breakfast with some of my cousins, whom we hadn’t seen for ages before jumping back in the car and headed home. Lots of driving, but well worth it for a very special lady!!!

We’ll just about be getting settled in from this weekend, when it will be time to pack again and head to Lake Geneva for our final trip of the summer!