Guess what? One year ago today, we left the state of Arizona and headed across the country to our unknown home. It's hard to believe a year has gone by so fast.
Once again after another vacation it's good to be home, but as usual I have mixed emotions. It seemed like our trip to Illinois and Wisconsin went so fast. I loved seeing my family and my kids getting reacquainted.
First we stayed with my sisters' family in Rochelle, Illinois. We were only there for a couple of days, but we were still able to enjoy quality time together. Although one morning my sister talked me into going with her to her Zoomba dance class. My body was still wiggling and jiggling after I stopped dancing. If you have a Zoomba class close to where you live, you need to try it out, it was a blast. We also played a bunch of board games with the kids. Dawson and Daniel played catch, Lacrosse, soccer and video games. Brian took Keegan for a ride in their new Jeep with the top off, she enjoyed her time with her cousin and a quick tour of their town. I always, always, always, love catching up with my sister Linda. It was also nice visiting with my brother-in-law, Dale. Thanks Dale, for letting us overrun your home again and allowing my dog Luna to come with us this time.
We then drove to Wisconsin where the rest of my family lives. We stayed with my brother Dick and his wife, Cindy. Oh, and of course Zip their fun loving dog and a million cats!! Okay, okay I'm exaggerating a little. Still there are a lot of cats. My kids were so excited to get to their farm. Each year they fall in love with a new set of kittens. Always anxious to get back to see how they look and how they have grown up. Now that the kids are getting older you would think they wouldn't be as interested. That is so not true. All they talked about after leaving Illinois was seeing a new batch of kittens. (Sorry Dick and Cindy!) Now that we are home they are still talking about the kittens. I was afraid their favorite kitten "Mini" would become a stowaway. Several times on the way back to Kansas they would tease me and talk to Mini as though she were in our van! I told them they were allowed 1 cat, so if they brought back a kitten from Wisconsin they would have to get rid of their cat "Nike". Thank goodness they decided to keep Nike. (I'm sort of attached to her!) ;D
There is nothing quite as relaxing as staying on the farm with Dick and Cindy. All you can see for miles in all directions of there home is lush green fields and the rolling hills. They have no idea how nice they have it there. Every morning was cool with the dew and fog low to the ground creeping up from the alfalfa fields. I would wake up early to spend time with my brother Dick before he headed outside to start his daily chores and milking the cows. He would always have a fresh pot of coffee ready to drink. Later Cindy and I would always have such nice visits. I know we take up so much of her time when we visit. I'm afraid her business probably suffers every time we stay there. I am ALWAYS inspired when I visit my family. I come home with new ideas and wanting to treat myself better physically and emotionally. It is just so refreshing and rejuvenating.
I loved having time with Mom and Dad. It never seems like I can spend enough time with them. Both of them looked so good. Dad would come over to the farm each day, so I could have that special time with him. Later we would drive over to Mom and Dad's home so we could spend more time with both of them together. During our visit we were able to get together with my other brother Steve and his wife Nancy and my Uncle Dave and Aunt Janet.
The biggest difference from this trip to any other trips to WI was Keegan attended a Creative Writing workshop, taught by an Iowa State College Professor. It took place at beautiful "Shake Rag Alley". She was in a class with 8 other students. It was such a great opportunity for her. Keegan had a lot of fun and had many unforgettable experiences during the week. Without going into too much detail, I think it's safe to say, Keegan has a gift in writing. I'm so glad she enjoyed herself and has such a passion for writing. Who knows, maybe an author one day, huh?!
During her classes Dawson and I did many things. We drove down to Platteville. I showed him my first apartment I lived in, then drove around the University. We went to a couple of parks and practiced his soccer ball stunts and shot some hoops, while I sat and watched. :o
One day Dawson and his Uncle Dick went to the golf course at the shooting range and Dick gave Dawson many helpful tips on how to hit the ball and what clubs to use. Now he has been challenged, his uncle told him if he practices what he learned, they will play a game of golf next summer.
By the way, the reason I have toads/frogs on my blog border is in honor of Cindy. If you don't know her toad story you need to ask her about it. She is the most kind hearted creature lover I know. She saved a generation of toads. Her story should go in Readers Digest. I'm serious.
I can't say enough good things about our trip. The hospitality was so fantastic. Everyone was so generous to us. Since we had just spent 2 weeks in Phoenix, our funds were low, so we mooched off of everyone when it came to meals. We are so thankful to everyone for letting us bring our dog along, it really helped David out not to have to take care of her while we were gone. Hopefully we can re-pay all of you when you come to Wichita to visit us. I know it won't be as good, but I'll give it my best shot! :)
The drive back was long and thankfully uneventful. We didn't think Iowa was ever going to end. It was so nice to see David when we got home late Monday evening. Good thing we brought home Wisconsin Cheeezzzz! Otherwise he might not have let us in the house! LOL
The next morning I had to be at work at 7am. Only 3 hours sleep that night. ugh. When I got home from work I crashed. The next day everyone informed me they were out of clothes to wear. Wow, just like that, the vacation was over!! :(
Another reason to love Kansas, right? This is the first time in my 27 years after leaving my home state of Wisconsin, that we were able to drive back instead of spending around $1000 to fly our family back. I absolutely loved it and can't wait to do it again. Although next time I hope David can go with us and share the drive, or one of the kids needs to get their license!
The kids very quickly have been catching up with their Wichita friends. I haven't seen Dawson too much, he's always finding someone to hang out with or somewhere to go.
This week is registration for school. I know 2 kids not looking forward to it. Keegan still has to read several assigned books and has some homework to do for her upcoming Literature class.
This blog is getting too long and I know none of you have extra time on your hands, so bye for now. I'll keep you posted on anything new. Please keep in touch with us, plus we would love any visitors to windy Wichita!
Be sure to scroll down the side bar to check out new pictures from our trip. They go down further then the new post. Naturally I did not get a picture of everyone. Dale and Brian did not make it up to Wisconsin so I didn't get their pictures. (Sorry guys)
A note to my Facebook friends, I have temporarily taken my blog off of Facebook.
Have a great rest of the summer. Hope you are not too hot in Phoenix, I sure don't miss that heat. Miss and Love all of you.
God be with you always.
Marjie
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