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Chicago Auto Show

Even though we had just purchased a new car in the fall, we still could dream, so we went to the Chicago Auto Show to look at all the new cars.

Valentine's Day

Janie was traveling for Valentine's Day, so we celebrated at Eddie Merlot's on the weekend.

March Birthdays

The Party Planning Committee went all out for Rebecca's 17th birthday with a banner and everything, followed by dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. For Janie's birthday, it was dinner at Hugo's Frog Bar in Naperville and an evening showing of Captain Marvel.

Surgery

Becca had been diagnosed with a tear in her labrum in the fall but wanted to get through her junior year of water polo before having surgery. Finally the season came to an end and she went under the arthoscope.

Last Day of School

As usual, J. R. and Rebecca celebrated the last day of school at Red Robin.

Fourth of July

Our tradition continued with Fourth of July at the Bolingbrook Golf Club. Luckily the rain stayed away this year so we were able to see the fireworks. The next night, J. R. and Rebecca went to Naperville Ribfest to see Brantley Gilbert perform.

Cubs Game

Alex flew into town for a few days in mid-July so the boys headed down to Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play the Pirates.

First Day of School

Becca started her senior year at Neuqua Valley High School in August.

Apple Picking

We made our annual pilgramage to Jonamac Orchard for apple picking in September. Unfortunately, the weather turned sour after we finished picking our half peck and we couldn't do the corn maze. But we did pick up some fudge and cider donuts and Janie found some wine. We also found a new lunch place nearby which had some pretty good food. Janie and J. R. would return later in the month to brave the corn maze.

Soccer at Soldier Field

The U.S. Women's National Soccer Team concluded their World Cup Victory Tour at Soldier Field in Chicago in October. We drove downtown and stopped at Grand Lux Cafe for brunch. The service was slow and Rebecca's waffles tasted bad. The manager told us "we should have complained sooner", which we would have, if our waiter had been anywhere to be found. So we will need to find a new brunch place.

We took the Red Line to Roosevelt station and walked down to the Stadium. After a little time at the Fan Fest, we settled into our end zone seats. The game was exciting and ended in a 1-1 draw, even though we thought the USA had won in the final minute, but the deciding goal was called offside.

Halloween

Rebecca celebrated with an homage to the Roarin' 20s (just a few months away) and we headed to Schaumburg for dinner at Rainforest Cafe and some browsing as there was snow on the ground and it was a very cold Halloween.

Tampa

Janie headed to Tampa in November for a work function.

Thanksgiving

Since Rebecca's retail job meant she would be braving the crowds at Old Navy on Thanksgiving Day, we chose to celebrate the holiday on Wednesday with roast turkey and all the fixings.