MAS*H Quote of the Day–6/2/26

“I’m tired of death. I’m tired to death.” Captain Hawkeye Pierce, “The Late Captain Pierce,” season four, episode four

10 Years of Combo Breaker Family Photos

I didn’t know what a huge part of our lives Combo Breaker would become back when we went for the first time in 2016, but we still took a family photo while we were there, and we’ve taken a similar photo every year since. There are two less images than there should be, since the event was cancelled in 2020 and 2021, but we took four pictures at the old Pheasant Run, and this year broke the tie, with five at the Renaissance in Schaumburg.

These pictures rival our Christmas and Easter photos for the ones that mean the most to me every year…Combo Breaker has become a huge part of all of our lives, and one of the top events on our yearly calendar!

MAS*H Quote of the Day–6/1/26

“My guts are not here for you to love.” Major Margaret Houlihan, “It Happened One Night,” season four, episode three

Markel Family Combo Breaker 2026 Getaway–Day Seven

Last Monday we had to get all of our stuff packed in the car so we could head home…but first, Chickadee and I had one last Red Bull toast:

It was hard to say goodbye to the place we had called home for almost a week!

I had one short detour planned for our trip home…we stopped by the Umbrella Sky Project in Elmhurst. It was the first time we all got to see the umbrellas in the open position, and the first time any of us had seen the installation in sunlight instead of clouds and rain!

Just like we did on the way up, we stopped at Wally’s on the way back:

And of course we had Portillo’s for lunch:

We even stopped at a Jewel in Normal…it’s funny to me to see one so far outside Chicagoland!

The rest of the trip was quiet, and soon we found ourselves back home, with our memories of Combo Breaker 2026 fresh in our minds!

Mani Monday

To celebrate the beginning of June, this week’s mani features the sunniest, summeriest combination I could think of…Holo Taco “Box Office Bomb” topped with “Picnic Party Taco.” Totally ready for fun in the sun!

MAS*H Quote of the Day–5/31/26

“He’s got a suggestion, but I think it’s physically impossible.” Corporal Radar O’Reilly, “It Happened One Night,” season four, episode three

Markel Family Combo Breaker 2026 Getaway–Day Six

Last Sunday was the last day of Combo Breaker, but that didn’t mean we could slow down…Chickadee and I were up super early yet again to get breakfast ready and the coffee going (I seriously don’t think I do anything more important throughout the event than make sure that coffee pot is always full!)!

Chickadee did a fantastic job of keeping the water and snacks stocked all weekend…she takes hydration very seriously!

We worked hard in the Crew Lounge, but we were also treated very well, and even spoiled a bit…we were treated to Stan’s Donuts (a first, but hopefully not last, for me!), popcorn from the Popcorn Baron (I got to have my favorite, root beer, which actually fizzes!), and a sample of the cookies Finuccio & Sons, the sandwich shop we patronize during the event, serves:

The only moment we had out of the Crew Lounge was our daily trek back to our hotel room to do dishes:

But we did finally make it outside for the first time since Thursday morning after the sun went down!

After helping with some of the packing that had to be done in the Crew Lounge (and a good laugh over a pair of “hallway underwear”), we headed down for the grand finals:

And after the games were done, had our annual Combo Breaker family photo taken:

Hard work pays off!

Up next…our last day in Chicagoland and the trip home.

MAS*H Quote of the Day–5/30/26

“If you had any brains you’d be scared.” Colonel Sherman Potter, “It Happened One Night,” season four, episode three

Markel Family Combo Breaker 2026 Getaway–Day Five

On Saturday, we were all once again scattered across the event doing our various jobs. Chickadee and I were back in the Crew Lounge, but we did get a moment to walk through Artist’s Alley, where I found my favorite booth, Splendid Treasures, and added a new bracelet to my Eeveelution stack…I only have a few more to go before I complete the set!

We served more meals…Saturday is always pasta night, and there was also a really good Cesar Salad.

And we summoned up all of our energy to do a more thorough walkthrough of the event, including another visit to the artists, and a stop in our favorite spot, the Combo Breaker arcade, where I got to play Pokémon pinball!

The arcade is right next door to the Crew Lounge and we could hear music while we were working…we quickly found out why, and we really enjoyed it!

Up next…how is it already the final day of Combo Breaker 2026?!?

Sartorial Saturday–A Sunny Playsuit

Dresses may be my favorite style of clothing (and the most common item in my wardrobe!), but I love a good playsuit. Miss Candyfloss makes them well, and the Zena-Naia from this year’s spring/summer “Legendary Liz” collection is the perfect piece for summer.

I love the sunny color, the gingham on the bodice, and the fact that it’s sleeveless, which is great for warm days, but easy to throw a cardigan over when it’s cool.