These last few days in Illinois was all about seeing family, visiting friends, preparing to head home and attending a celebration event for ELCA Fund for Leaders. When we come here, we forget how much we love the Chicago area. Along with the beautiful green grass, trees and family, there is also the excitement of the city of Chicago and all there is to see and do. Perhaps we won’t wait two years to come back!

Visit with Mark, travel into the city and see where Mary is attending school. Then dinner at The Gage restaurant on Michigan Ave. Of course they are serving up an Oktoberfest menu.

I opted for the venison burger. And we all shared the Peach Cobbler for dessert. Quite tasty!

Did I mention Chicago is all about food? Well, the next day, in the morning we took our car in to the dealership for a 30,000 mile check-up and then out to lunch with my sister at the Greek restaurant, Nexos. You have to have Greek food if you are ever in Chicago!

My niece’s son Evan showing me his iPad and games 🙂 He is the same age as granddaughter Emmeline.

Friday night a banquet for the ELCA Fund for Leaders scholarship recipients. More time with our friend Mark.

And finally our last day here and a lunch with my family at my niece’s house. They are preparing for a trip to Disney and Mickey’s Not so Scary Halloween.

Of course, food – Portillo’s Hot Dogs – the best!

So glad to have had the opportunity to visit for a couple hours before we head back. Sorry we couldn’t see Brittany and Cindy because they weren’t feeling well today. Time to pack and then off we go to Florida tomorrow.