Via Chicago

Actually, before we can discuss Wisconsin, I need to point out that we (the kids, my mom, my dad (whom we picked up in st. louis) and I) took a little detour to Chicago so that Carlyle and Luella could meet their Uncle Dan, Aunt Katie, and Cousin Gates. We did stay overnight, but the visit was much too short. I l-l-loved getting to see Dan and Kate as well as their new house in Bucktown! The kiddos seemed to enjoy the experience as well. I didn't know how they would respond to a big dog like Gates. Luella, especially, gets frightened pretty easily (wonder where she gets that from?). But, no, no-- they seemed to look up to Gates as the cool older family member, just as I looked up to Danny when I was a wee little lass. They liked watching him and even reached out to pet him a few times (Gates, not Dan).

Here are a few photos...sadly, I didn't get any of Katie...I like how Luella is looking at Gates in the first one...oh, and the cute sweater on Lu and sweater vest on Car were made as going-away gifts from our favorite babysitter and friend, Jessica...isn't she talented?