Congrats Dawn and Doug!

Doug popped the question Sunday night over a ribeye at Texas Roadhouse. No, he didn't send the ring out in an order of mashed potatoes! He got down on one knee (even with all the peanut shells on the floor).

Dawn and Doug are also moving to Kansas City in January for her new job!

The Bucket List (by Rob)

Things we did with Mom and Dad
1. Made awesome apple pie
2. Made awesome chili
3. Got steps in at the mall
4. Watched the Bucket List (Jack Nicholson/Morgan Freeman)
5. Buy apples at Curtis Orchard
I chose TBL. It looked good - old guys doing all the stuff they always wanted to do.
In reality, it's terribly sad! They've got six months to a year to live. At the end of it all, Mary and I were bawling, although I didn't see Mom or Dad shed a tear.
I give the movie a B, but if you see it, be prepared!

Mmm...Apple Pie! (by Mary)

Rob and I made Dutch Apple Pie tonight to share with Arnold and Wilma. The house smells great!

Indy Marathon and Tailgating (Rob)

Do you see that smile? That was before the pain kicked in. I swore at mile 19 that I would never run a marathon again (which I say after every marathon). Today, I think I could do another (which I say after every marathon) and I think I could run it faster next time (which I say after every marathon). I finished in 4 hrs, 23 mins, and 11 secs. But that includes my two minute potty break.

After the race, the ride home, and a hot tub, our friends Dot, Brian, Jill, and Josh came to tailgate and watch the Illini game. We stayed until halftime - the Illini were up 21 to 7 (they won 55-13). We played a Battle of the Sexes like-game and The Newleywed Game, hot tubbed (again) - and Sunday we picked apples at Curtis Orchard.

Cup for the Illinois Marathon! (by Mary)

Rob and I had an eventful, fun, and exhausting three-day weekend. We woke up at 5am on Friday morning, and had an extremely long day working the Chicago Marathon Expo at the McCormick Place. We stood for 11 hours, and distributed over 8,000 cups. Needless to say, but I'm going to whine about it anyway, my feet still ache!
Rob is convinced he persuaded every person he gave a cup to to run the marathon.

We slept soundly at Jill and Josh's on Friday night, and it was nice to visit with them, even though it was brief. We worked the Expo another six hours on Saturday morning, then took off for Lafayette, Indiana.

Did I mention I've been promoted from the Aid Station Coordinator to the Volunteer Coordinator? Rob saw it coming once the Race Director wanted to talk to me in person about something. I thought I was in trouble! Haha, I have always had such a fear (respect?) for authority.

Saturday evening in Lafayette, Dot and Wally hosted some friends for an Italian themed dinner, and we viewed their beautiful pictures from their recent trip to Italy. Another short visit, but time well spent.

We returned home this afternoon, just in time to watch the most depressing Bear's game. I don't want to talk about it.

Then, a little yard work to fill our $2 Halloween decorations with leaves.


Now, time to hot tub (ahhh...) and catch up on some DVR.

I Do, I Do (by Rob)

This weekend, Mary and I saw a musical at church: I Do, I Do. It starts with a couple getting married and follows them through their life/relationship. Highlights included the songs "My Daughter is Marrying an Idiot" and a song about the little things the other person does that drives you crazy.

The downside... it was SO LONG! At least two and a half hours in folding chairs inside the church parish center. They could have cut at least 30 minutes.

The upside: There was a "cake intermission." The couple married the longest at the performance (56 years) cut a three-tiered wedding cake and we all had a slice.