On Wisconsin!

We had a wonderful 10 days of visiting with my family in Wisconsin over the summer. We had plenty of cool lakefront breezes, warm, sunny afternoons in my mother's beautiful garden, lots of visits with family and friends. The best part was that we didn't have a super strict agenda, but just planned each day as it came...nice and relaxing! I was worried it would be hard on my folks to have a houseful of guests for that duration, but I think everyone really enjoyed spending time together.


One of many afternoons when Davy was crashed out from too much fun!

Lauren loved helping Nana plant flowers and work in the garden, but Davis was just a bit too young to be of much help. He could pull weeds, but might also pull things we didn't want him to, so we tried to keep him entertained near by.

Curly "Sue" on one of trips to visit with friends!

Lauren had so much fun helping Nana decorate for the 4th. In the box of decorations she discovered the crown Nana bought just with her in mind. Our 4th of July Princess!!

After about a week of hanging out, going to story hour, and watching Umpy work baseball games, my siblings came into town for the 4th of July weekend. It was great to have everyone home! Sarah and Allon arrived first from NYC, and while we waited for Paul and Kelly to arrive from Minneapolis, we took the kids to the Racine Zoo, picturesquely situated on the shores of Lake Michigan. It was one of the last remaining free zoos in the United States until relatively recently. It's a beautiful small zoo, and we love to visit it when we are home!

Lauren loves her Aunt Sarah. Here they share a quiet moment while looking at the duck pond and water fountain.

Davis really just sat back and took it all in. He liked to see the animals, but I think next year he'll really be excited to recognize the animals and make animal noises!

Sweet Lauren, checking things out!

Nana loved showing the giraffes to Lauren. They sure seemed taller than the last time Nana took her to see them!

Aunt Sarah and Uncle Allon took Lauren for a ride on the Zoo Train to check the place out! Nana, Umpy, Davis and Mommy took a break on the near by bench and just enjoyed the lake breeze.

They have a beautiful bird exhibit where you can go in and feed the birds off of a stick. They'll fly right up to your hand. Lauren was so intrigued...

Allon holds Davis to rest Mommy's weary back.