Crystal Lake, IL

A good family friend, Vic, passed away on January 29th...he was Al Capone's nephew. My parent's met him and his wife (Dee) 40 years ago when they lived in Phoenix, AZ. My mom (Melanie's mom) flew from Colorado to Chicago so Kevin, Madison, and I drove to Crystal Lake, IL for the service and to see my mom. Kevin and Madison actually did not go to the viewing or service (Kevin met them at our wedding and we haven't seen them since). We thought it would not be good for Madison especially since she didn't know him. So, she hung out with daddy most of the day on Saturday at the hotel. After the service, Kevin picked us up and we went to Bull Valley Country Club (invite only) for dinner. The food was so good. Of course, it was around 8pm by the time we all went to the Country Club......I was starving! After dinner we went and grabbed my mom's suitcase (she had been staying with Dee) and all went back to the hotel. My mom and I looked at pictures on my laptop, chatted, watched television, and basically whatever since we hardly see each other we didn't really want to sleep but we finally did. Madison, of course, was awake the entire time and Kevin was out. Today (Sunday) when we got up Madison was ready to go swimming again (she had gone twice the day before for long periods of time-she is like a fish). So, daddy took her swimming and Grandma and Momma watched. We went to IHOP for breakfast......finally I can say that I have been. I know I know......there is one in Appleton. lol My mom and Madison had never been either. Yum! Than we went over to Dee's to hang out a while and than Kevin, Madison, and I headed home. It was hard to say good-bye but at least my mom will be back in May. So even though it was a very sad weekend...it was also good.