Getting ready...

Tomorrow is the big day for Tom and Jean, so today everyone pitched in and helped get things ready.

We decorated...




We arranged...



We admired the river...



We played...



We laughed...





We served...



We ate...



We opened presents...



I think we are ready!!!

Tae, Tae, The CPA!

Nephew Tae has successfully navigated his was through an undergraduate and graduate degree and is now an official CPA at a firm in North Carolina! This would normally be exciting enough for us, but even better is the fact that he gets a bit of say in who he selects as his clients, and one that he chose is in Madison!

That means that 2-3 times each year we get a visit...and Tae gets treated to dinner and a movie (and other various forms of entertainment) the homestyle version (translation-cheap, home cooked meal, rented movie, and usually an ice cream run...) But that also comes with the loving company of Frank, Kristin, Ben, Goldie and Kitty...how could you beat that?!

Video, first draft...

Hi Tom and Jean,

I was trying to figure out a way for you to see this before the weekend...I hope you can view it without any trouble. Please let me know what you think and let me know of any changes you'd like.

A humble gift...

Just to keep me humble, my traveling buddies gave me this gift as a reminder of our trip...draw your own conclusions...

We're home!

We slept in a bit this morning and then hit the road for a few hours before stopping for breakfast at Waffle House. I love it because everyone says hi when you walk in the door!



Then on to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. It was great even for an old person like me! There was lots of great memorabilia...I thought the coolest things was seeing the initial song lyric scribbles from some of the musicians.







Despite having to go through a bit of a storm on the way back, we made it safe and sound. What a great trip and what a great daughter and niece I have!

Traveling home...

We arose in Freeport Maine early this morning and began our journey back to Wisconsin. We spent most of our time driving...



but we made time for a few breaks, and we saw some beautiful scenery...



We stopped for a nice hike in New Hampshire...



and a walk in New York...



before settling in for the night in Erie, PA. The plan is to be home tomorrow!

Four states in one day!!

We started today in Rhode Island...Becky and I returned to the cliff walk to start off the day with a little exercise.



Then we picked up Kristin and headed up the road. It only took a couple of hours to leave Rhode Island, pass by Boston, though New Hampshire and into Maine.

We stopped at Old Orchard Beach and had a great long beach walk...


A wonderful stop at Twin Lights State Park...



then up to Cape Elizabeth to see the famous Portland head lighthouse...



and then we visited Falmouth to see the Johnson's old house!



Here's a little test for the Johnson family. What famous Falmouth landmark is pictured below? (Scroll down for the answer!)

Rhode Island!

We made it! With our official presence in Rhode Island, Kristin now only needs one more state (CA) to check off all 48 contiguous United states before graduating high school (it's a bucket list item...)

We explored historic sites...



beautiful parks...





did some shopping...(check out this nautical theme, Deb!)



cliff walks...





mansions...



and tidal beaches...








before hitting the hay today. What a glorious day!

Travel day

We reluctantly left Debbie's today and headed down the road on our way to pick off one of Kristin's last two remaining states...Rhode Island. Our original plan was to stop in NYC and see the sites, but after a bit of discussion, we decided that we'd rather enjoy more of the local, off-the-beaten-track sights of the USA. So we followed a few smaller highways and byways as we began our journey to the northeast.

First we had to get across the waterways of Virginia. The civil engineers of this state have developed a bridge/tunnel combination that is torturous to those of us with claustrophobic tendencies...




But the views are sure worth it!



We also enjoyed a nice beach walk at Woodland beach in Delaware...



And the incredible views as we crossed the Delaware Water Gap...



One of the other benefits of traveling on the smaller roads is this kind of special treat...what luck!

Thanks Debbie, for a memorable visit!! We love you!!

Debbie...day four

Today was sort of quiet day, for us, anyway...

We started out early at the farmer's market...



Then down to the dock to check out the ships...



Kristin and Becky headed for the beach while Debbie and I visited an area farm to pick blueberries...they were beautiful!



Lunch at our favorite local spot...Pierce's BBQ!!



Then, of course, we had to shop!



And we finished off the day with dinner and a movie...at the same time...it was cool!



These people I am traveling with are so much fun!!

Debbie...day three

Today the forecast was for super high temperatures, so we sought an activity that we could keep us on the water. Our answer was a fishing charter on the Ocean Eagle with our captain and first mate Leann.







Of course, Kristin and Becky are old pros at the whole fishing thing, but this is a bit new for Debbie. She did a great job though and landed a bunch of fish! Everyone of us had good success and a terrific time!







We capped off the day with dinner at Joe's, where we wore classic crab apparel and just generally got messy while we enjoyed great seafood! Another great day!