Ted and I took a quick trip up north in mid-June to get cheese and hard rolls for the kids’ visit the following week–and also to visit family. On the way to the cheese factory and the bakery, we stopped in St. Charles, IL to spend time with Tom and Jo, my brother and sister-in-law. When we checked into our hotel, we discovered that the light bulb in the bedside lamp was burned out. The desk clerk didn’t know where the extra light bulbs were stored, so she upgraded us to a suite with working lights.
We had a very nice visit with Tom and Jo. Getting together in person is always more fun than emails. They celebrated their 39th anniversary on June 10, and our 48th anniversary was on June 14, while we were at their house. The four of us paid tribute to our wedding days with a delicious dinner.
The anniversary honorees.
During our visit, the four of us spent an afternoon at Cantigny. In the early 1930s, Col. Robert R. McCormick, owner of the Chicago Tribune, established one of the most successful experimental farms in the nation. He named the property “Cantigny” in memory of his fellow soldiers with whom he fought in Cantigny, France during World War I. The property now focuses on horticulture, rather than agriculture, and provided us with a very nice afternoon of walking around the beautiful grounds. We were also able to take a guided tour of the Colonel’s home.
A pretty, shaded path.
One of the beautifully planned and colorful gardens throughout the property.
Potted plants along a walkway.
Ladies posing for a photo shoot before going to their dance exhibition.
We had time to visit with Tom and Jo at home as well.
AJ joined us for a few hours before Jay picked her up to take her home. Vroom! Vroom!
Tom gave Ted and me a ride in his restored T-bird convertible.
We had a personal tour of the plane Tom is restoring. This is a view from the back. The wings will be attached above the cockpit.
It’s always good to get together with my brother and his family. Thanks for a memory-making visit, Tom and Jo.