On Saturday we attended the ILLINI vs Arkansas State football game at Memorial Stadium.  Prior to the game, we tailgated with the St Charles Townsends and Will.  In spite of the hot, Hot, HOT temperatures, we enjoyed watching the ILLINI beat the Red Wolves 33-15 in the season opener.

Saturday evening we gathered at the Sampsons to celebrate Jakey's 3rd birthday.  We had dinner and cake and watched Jakey open his gifts.

On Sunday we traveled to Belvidere Park for the 13th Annual "There is no reason, 'tis the season" Picnic.  We enjoyed the food and fellowship of seeing old friends and family.

On Sunday evening a 40th birthday party was held at JT's for Derek's 40th birthday.  It was quite a bash with lots of food, drinks, and partying for everyone.

 

Gracie and Kathleen at our tailgate prior to the game.

Will watches John perform pyrotechnics with the grill.

Brian eating cookies, while Patti relaxes.

We enjoy tailgating, but don't do it very often.

Derek and Will at the game.  Note Will's ILLINI cap; no "mama cap" for him!

We gather to sing "Happy Birthday" to Jakey and have cake.

Claire loved the bow in her hair and enjoyed showing it off.

Jakey and Deven are learning to share, and this photo finds them sharing a book.  Good choice!

Jamie and Colby relax at the party after a busy day of sanding and painting.

Kenna is a "rare smiler", but she shows a little smile while sitting on her mother's lap.

Claire, Kathleen, Jakey, Deven, and Tiggie share a new birthday toy.

Can you guess what has these kids' attention?  Well, it's "Toy Story" of course!

Lucille Dorn (center) and Theo Hildebrand (right) with a neighbor (left) at the picnic on Sunday.

Lu Hill and Mike Lee share a laugh.  They have been friends since the 1ST Grade.

Elaine and Joe Rubeck spend their summers in Belvidere, and the colder months in Florida.

Florence and Chuck Klinefelter.  I have known Florence since grade school.

On the left Monica and Daren look over the lists of songs for Karaoke.

Derek and Aimee at the party.

Rick Minick, David and Amy Glenn, Derek, and Lindsey Minick.

Derek with the youngest party attendee, Macy Albert-less than 2 weeks old.

Brad Blair performs a little Karaoke.

More Karaoke with Doug Wolters and Derek.