It was so nice to get back to the states to catch up with friends, get massive hugs from family, have home cooked meals and Mexican food and finally set sail on the Cutty Jark. 3 states in 7 days made it quite a whirlwind, but we did not miss a beat...jet lag and all.
First stop, Chicago for the college reunion of the century. I should have won an Academy Award for my performance at O'Hare airport. After beating the system by playing extremely ill, I was able to join everyone for a fun filled weekend of long nights/early mornings, endless chat, champagne poolside, plenty of dancing and a seat next to Tony Romo at dinner!
Sunday morning we were on our way to Madison. After far too long, finally we set sail on the beautiful Cutty Jark for a late afternoon dip and happy hour. We didn't get much wind, but after all of Josh's experience racing here on Guernsey in gale force winds, the relaxed journey was a nice change of pace.
Monday we headed north to La Crosse to have a quick lunch with my grandma and Aunt Diane. Uncle Scott was an added bonus. Grandma wanted A&W, so A&W she got!
On the drive back to Madison we stopped off to do what we Siegers do best...hike and happy hour!
Back in Madison, we enjoyed dinner out at a new hot spot on the square...Graze.
Tuesday my mom and I got to enjoy some much needed mother/daughter time walking, talking and shopping State Street. We met up with the boys at the Union for some beer and brats for lunch. Perfect weather!
Before a night out with my Madison friends, we had a quick happy hour to catch up with the Foleys, Bob and Debi and meet Frank and Karen.
Three days in Madison was not near enough, thankfully we had so much in Dallas to look forward to- our two nieces who have grown like weeds in the past year, my sister and brother in law, friends, SUN, wining and dining- plenty to keep us busy!
Immediately, Mollie got to show off her skills in the pool. While swimming, she was waving at us through the glass and telling her instructor "Annie and Josh are here!"
Happy Hour at Meddlesome Moth and Oak for the grownups, followed by books before bed for the little ones.
Thursday the sisters got some special time to catch up alone...the first time in a year and a half. And let me tell you, the four hours was not near enough. But we made the most of it with pedicures, shopping, baby bellinis and lunch.
Later that afternoon, we got to steel Mollie away for a treat. Josh over served her on ice cream, like all good uncles should do. Thankfully for the freezer, she was still eating it three days later. We wanted to make sure she didn't forget us when we left. Notice the rain boots. Yes, it was sunny and 100 degrees out, but once she found out we were going for ice cream, she didn't care what shoes we threw on her.
The afternoon never ended...dress up, school, house, coloring and dolls in the play room, which led to a pool/hop skotch party in the backyard.
Then a great night out with Dallas friends. We met little Layla and saw the now-walking James fly across the floor towards everything breakable. Then the adults snuck away for dinner at Neighborhood Services.
Our last day in Dallas was spent up in Plano at the Hanratty's pool.
And our last dinner out was a date night for the big kids, but not before reading the little kids a 120 page Snow White novel. Josh tried to turn 5 pages at a time, but Mollie quickly caught on.
CANNOT wait until all this time with friends and family is no longer on an annual basis! Thanks to everyone who make these 7 short days so enjoyable! We miss you.
