The Nonagenarian

Saturday, April 2

It's April in Chicago, so that means spring weather, right?

If by "spring weather," you mean cold, wet, and possible snow, then you'd be right!

After we landed at O'Hare, we picked up the rental car and hit the drive-thru at the Steak 'n Shake nearby, since they still don't have dine-in seating. (Note to self: next time we are only going to the Oakton location, since this one has been repeatedly subpar.)

After dumping off our stuff in the hotel room, R and I went to Party City in Niles to pick up some decorations for R's dad's 90th birthday open house. Unfortunately the temperature changes between the store, outside in the car, and back in the hotel room were not kind to the balloons. The ideal gas law, PV = nRT, works in real life because one of them popped. Boo.

Our co-conspirators, R's aunties, were essential to pulling off the plan. They told Dad they were taking him out to dinner at Renga Tei for his birthday. R and I arrived early and were already seated when they walked in to the restaurant. SURPRISE!

Who thought shocking an almost 90 year-old would be a good idea?

Afterwards we went back to the store to buy a replacement, this time asking them to leave it a bit underinflated. And then we brought everything over to Dad's senior living community for tomorrow's open house. Even though we antigen-tested in the hotel room before dinner, we tested again at the front desk before we were allowed to enter the building. I definitely appreciate the measures they have in place to protect the residents.

Sunday, April 3

Happy 90th birthday!

The staff of R's dad's building were great to work with in arranging the open house. We reserved an activity room for a family gathering, but considering that family from both sides equals about 40+ people, it wasn't going to be small. No problem!

After church, we ran over to Mariano's to pick up the fruit and veggie trays and to Starbucks for coffee. R's aunties also ordered sandwiches and the cake. By the time we arrived, the staff had already set up tables and chairs in the room for us. 

We were so busy visiting with everyone that we didn't take any pictures with those who came to celebrate with Dad. He really enjoyed seeing so many folks from both sides of the family for the first time in a long while! 

Decorated cookie favors from Little Sunshine Bakery

Monday, April 4

This morning we took the birthday boy out for breakfast. Instead of one of our old stand-bys, we decided to try a new place on Lincoln Avenue, Savanna Restaurant. The dishes were beautifully presented! And they tasted as good as they looked!

Red velvet pancakes, blueberry banana crepes, and vanilla waffles