The Fam + Dad took off Thursday in our (now stinky) minivan for Chicago to attend the wedding of my Uncle Joe and my Aunt Debbie. We drove 800 miles north Thursday, hung out in the suburbs Friday and Saturday, and drove 800 miles back home yesterday (Sunday).

Before the wedding, we had to partake in the Eating of the White Castles ritual.

That kid can really pack ’em away …

For the wedding, Mason and I dressed as the Blues Brothers, a little Chicago homage we came up with. The outfits were a big hit and everybody recognized us instantly.

At the wedding, Morgan served as a flower girl. Her black and white dress matched the wedding party colors.

The wedding ceremony was the best kind: short. It was also the best kind because Aunt Debbie has been with my Uncle Joe for as long as the kids can remember. She loves them and they love her, so they were very excited about “officially” making Aunt Debbie part of the family!

After the ceremony, Mason and his cousin Pat whisked the newlyweds away in my Uncle’s convertible.

That afternoon, everybody met back at Joe and Deb’s house for dinner, cupcakes, and lots and lots of beer! (We are Irish, you know.)

Sunday morning, we packed our car with food and our bellies with eggs and breakfasts from the Big Apple Pancake House, and hit the road for what may have been the longest drive from Chicago to Oklahoma ever. The ride didn’t actually take any longer than usual (about 13.5 hours, about our average with kids in tow), but the trip just seemed brutally long.

At least we can all rest today, right? Wrong. In 30 minutes I’m driving to Kansas City, MO to spend a week there for work. Susan and the kids will be staying home this time.

As always, thanks to JJ for watching the house for us and taking care of Tessie the Mutt. And congratulations again to Joe and Deb. Welcome to the family, Debbie, Lisa and Amie!

EDIT: For more pictures … Click Here!