Chronicle of a Summer Road Trip: Part IV

The Professor spent a magnificent week or so in Chicago visiting the organs and churches. But, the children and I headed north to visit kinfolk. We stayed with Cousin S and her husband, M and had our own adventures, albeit a bit less sublime than the tones of the King of Instruments.

The first day, Grandmama and Papa took us to a real major league baseball game: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds. We all had a fantastic and most memorable afternoon. Unfortunately, those photos are all states away in Papa's camera still, so I cannot share any of the images. But, we all enjoyed it and the Brewer's came away with a last minute victory just to make it exciting. Go Brewers!

Tuesday was the Fourth of July. Another day, another adventure. The five of us got to ride in a parade in Uncle D's 1926 Model T. It was a fun time, though the children were reluctant to wave and play the part, so to speak.

After the parade, we headed over to Cousin K. and R.'s house for dinner and a lots of playtime. In the evening, the children were exhausted and all fell asleep before there were any fireworks. I was talking to the Professor on the phone during the display that could be seen from S and M's yard, but thanks to this site*, we can have a little fireworks fun any ol' time.

Wednesday, we headed out to my Uncle D. and Aunt N.'s lake property for riparian diversions. The most notable part of this day was that Little Queen, who was edging on one year old at that time, had always refused a bath or anything that involved touching water. I mean refused. From the core, blood curdling screams if even the tips of her toes felt a gravity defying droplet rise up from the water in a tub. Well, she was playing in the grass and with a sudden and inexplicable determination crawed to the banks of the water, turned around and backed in toes first. For the following hour, I was left with no choice but to sit with her in that chilly fresh water while she splashed, picked up rocks, giggled, and kicked her feet about. Her only cries came when I finally removed her from the water.

Thursday, we hung tight around Aunt S.'s just having low-key fun, reserving our energy for the Big Surprise Party. That night the Professor came in on the train and we drove to the Party Room. After a short wait in the parking garage, the guest of honor arrived: my Mother, aka Grandmama. She was genuinely and, most pleasantly, surprised.

The following day we made a daytrip to visit a couple of lovely friends I have made online. Coincidentally, one of these friends I met online, but soon discovered was married by the same priest as the Prof and I and exactly two weeks after we were blissfully wed. Small world.

Finally, on Saturday, we said our goodbyes and pressed on further to the north. We stopped in the middle of the state and spent the night. Sunday morning we had the privilege of assisting at Mass at the very beautiful St. Mary's Roman Catholic Oratory of the Immaculate Conception. There we met up with another lovely internet friend, a widowed mother of ten beautiful children. After catching a quick lunch, we journey further to the north.

We are now at the halfway point of the Road Trip Chronicles. Hope you are enjoying the ride. Tomorrow, I hope to update you on what we have really been busy with back here at the ranch. Then we will return to the Chronicles.

*HT:Kristina