St. Charles

Mom with Muzzie's dear friend Ellie and her son Steve

Beautiful "Dream home" on Uncle Ronny's property

Well, here we are in Muzzie's old house on RonSu lane in St Charles, IL. I'm laying in one of the 2 single beds next to Parker in the super quiet. There are fire flies flickering outside and the air is warm and humid. It's been such a wonderful time here with mom. The red velvet express has been so incredible. She has been such a loyal vehicle for us. I'm so grateful to Monte for sharing his gifts and talents with us so freely and getting her road trip worthy.

We rolled into Illinois yesterday and went straight to the Little Traveler for lunch and shopping. It's not a trip to Geneva without a stop at this quaint and charming destination. We got tea sandwiches and fruit and thought and talked a lot about Muz and Papa and our memories of them. Parker was able to pick out a toy and a treat. I remember getting a Russian doll from the little traveler which i still have and treasure dearly.

We drove around Geneva and saw moms old stomping grounds. We drove by her old house where she grew up and her old schools.  She told me about her friends and boyfriends from high school and it was so fun seeing the glitter in her eyes as she remembered such fond memories.

We went to Uncle Ronny and Aunt Marie's house and it was so fun seeing them. They are the best! Uncle Ronny helped Parker put batteries in his new plane and Aunt Marie showed us around her beautiful home. Muzzie and papa would be so proud of how nice their home and property have been kept.

We went to the Hotel Baker for a delicious dinner and had a fabulous time talking and enjoying the evening. There was a roaring wedding going on. The Hotel Baker is for sure a happening place now a days! We were lucky to get a room over looking the river and had a nice stay there that night. We walked around the gardens and mom recalled more precious memories. She showed me Papas old office and the room they lived in when she was just a baby.

Today we woke up late (we are still a little jet lagged) and enjoyed a nice breakfast before leaving the hotel. Mom made a visit to her dear friend Ellie who is actually Muzzie's really good friend. Mom said its priceless to visit someone who knew both her parents so well and it's fun when that person still thinks of you as a kid. Mom used to babysit her kids and one of them was even there. He hadn't seen mom in about 45 years- probably the last time she went there to babysit. :-)

We went back to Uncle Ronny's house this afternoon and cousin Ron and his family came for a BBQ. The kids had a blast playing in the huge yard and Uncle Ronny even took them for a ride in the tractor! To us California kids this is like the highlight of childhood! We walked around the property and saw the huge mansions being built on the land. It's just incredible! We played cards and ate dessert and even saw some fire flies tonight! Parker was a little too tired to appreciate it so I'm sure we'll have more fun times with fire flies in PA with tanner. :-)

Its so fun being here at uncle Ronny's house. He and aunt Marie are seriously just the best! They are so fun to talk to and play with! Ive been spoiled being here with mom, hearing all her stories, and soaking up as much as I can with her. It really is a blessing to have these special times with her. I'm sure she's glad to sleep on her own bed and OWN room tonight, though! ;-)

Love you!!!