Wonderful Wisconsin: Part 5- Playdates II

[Welcome to the final posting in our series 'Wonderful Wisconsin"]

We always have so many folks to catch up with when we come up North, and often can't see everyone. This trip was a tad longer, so we got in some wonderful visits. Here is a final recap:

Visiting with Grams and Grandpa Jim
My grandmother and her husband enjoyed seeing how much Lauren has grown. I guess they liked visting with me too, but she was definitely the Main Attraction!




The Young's
My friend Liz invited Lauren and I to join her husband and two daughters (ages 4 and 6) for pizza at their new house. They were so sweet and got out many of their old "little girl" toys from the basement so that Lauren could play. And play she did! Thank you Sophie and Isabel for being so kind to your new friend. Liz, I had so much catching up with you, and Jon, bless your patience with all us gals!! You must be a saint...



Lauren REALLLLLY liked this play kitchen (hint, hint Santa).


Isabel, Lauren, and Sophie enjoying the backyard play set. Isabel has the most beautiful blond curls...wonder if Ladybugs will stay that curly??

Story Hour at the Racine Library
My brilliant mother did a little research to discover that the Racine Library had toddler Story Hour on Tuesday and Wednesday while we were in town. This is a favorite memory for my siblings and me, and I was so excited to share it with my buddy Book Girl! My friend Clare and her kids joined us, as did her sister Alicia who's son is just one day younger than Lauren.

They start off each session with finger plays and rhymes, then read the various stories (usually 2-3). Lauren was a little shy on Day 1, but by Day 2 she was really into it, as you can see below!

The best part is that if you notice the woman and little girl sitting behind us...it's Katie, one of my sister's BFFs from high school! That was such a nice surprise and it was so fun to catch up with her.

Dinner with the Garchek's
On our last evening, my parents, Lauren, and I went over to the Garchek's house. They were our neighbors for close to 25 years before building their dream home on the other side of town. They had three daughters all about the age of each of the Huck kids, and we've all remained lifelong friends. Bridgette and I have been friends since we were 4, so over 30 years for those of you keep ing track (ahem!). Bridgette and her son Jack were in town from DC, Abby lives in Racine with her three kids (including newborn Elle- 8 weeks!), and Beth's 3 children were in town from Kentucky. It was so wonderful to see all 8 children playing and laughing together while the adults spent time catching up and visiting.

{SPACE SAVER FOR PIC OF BRIDGETTE, JACK, KATE & LAUREN from Britt's camera!!!}


Just like the old days on Park Avenue, dessert came from Dairy Queen and was (of course!) DILLY BARS.


A special thank you to Britt for re-arranging her travel plans so that our paths could cross. I loved spending time with you again, old friend.

At Mitchell Field...Bye Y'all!!!

[Thank you for your continued interest in our lives. I hope you enjoyed our Mom/Daughter mini-vaca. We had a fantastic trip and made lots of great memories. Looking forward to a White Christmas....until then, see you on the blog trail!]