On December 19th, the children and I hit I-80W with van packed and tunes blaring, our destination, Wisconsin. After a relatively uneventful trip, that included only one pit stop for gas, McDonald's, and a much needed visit to the restroom, where the little man attempted to pick a fight with me in a bathroom stall (minor glitch), we excitedly arrived in Milwaukee for a two week long visit. It felt good to be in Badger country once again.
One of the highlights of our trip was returning to Madison with the little lady for a day of mother/daughter fun. I could not help but hum Peaches and Herb's "Reunited" as we made our way around town. We spent the morning visiting our dear friends, the Bauers, and were treated to C's preschool Christmas program. The girls were beyond delighted to spend the morning together, enjoying one another's company picking up right where they left off - prancing, dancing, and chasing after each other. While our girls giggled away the morning, Mel and I enjoyed catching up on the past six months and exchanging status updates of our hubby's surgical careers. She also gifted me a stunning scrapbook of our family's final days in Madison, turning my "Countdown to Cleveland" into a priceless keepsake for our family to cherish.
Miss L (my godchild) and the two C's
After a hug-filled goodbye with the Bauer girls, the little lady and I picked up Panera soup and headed to our old stomping grounds, the Anderson's home. How strange it was to turn onto Starr Grass Drive after being away; waves of nostalgia filled my heart and mind as we pulled into the Anderson's driveway. The little lady was quick to recognize the familiar drive and the many toys that filled their garage, toys that she all but claimed as her own only six months ago.
Once inside, we were warmly welcomed by our long lost friends. The little lady and Cal retreated to their favorite spot in the house, the train set by the windows, and proceeded to share in the sweetest of exchanges as Amy and I looked on in what can only be described as a heartfelt motherly moment.
We were also eager to get our hands on the Anderson's newest addition, Padrig. I was so blessed to meet their little man, the timing of his birth coinciding perfectly with our arrival in Wisconsin (well played, little P.)
The afternoon passed all too quickly as we enjoyed a comforting lunch of soup and bread, constant conversation, the joyful sounds of Char and Cal as they ran about, and holding precious Padrig. The only thing that was missing was our little man.
As the little lady drifted off to sleep, utterly exhausted from the morning's activities, I enjoyed the peaceful drive, reflecting on the morning and the comfort of familiar faces that have filled our lives with such joy and friendship.
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