We are now in Winnipeg, Canada…crazy to think that 19 days ago we left Saipan. We spent 17 days at home in Illinois. We had lots of loose ends to tie up and things to sort out. I will attempt to catch you up with pictures.

We left Saipan at the ass crack of early, just as the sun was starting to rise…

My Step-Mom had cupcakes waiting for us when we arrived. One for each holiday that we missed while we were away. I see a tiny hand getting ready to snag some frosting…just like his Mama.

We walked to the 4th of July parade. I love small town parades. The fire trucks are my favorite.

We visited a local orchard and picked cherries.  At least something good came out of a wasted day of van shopping.

We spent a week in Galena, IL at one of the timeshare condo places that we have.  While there, we visited an alpaca farm.

This alpaca thought that FIL was the bee’s knees. I got another picture where poor FIL is practically pushing this alpaca away from him, but I will save that for another time.

Lovely Galena.  I adore this town.

President Grant’s house.  We got the nickel tour since they were closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

We took a walk and found BTH a walking stick.  The novelty wore off in about 30 seconds.

We ate fabulous popcorn from here, and BTH did his best Hollywood “It” Girl impression.  I recommend the Snickers popcorn & the peanut butter cup popcorn.  YUM!

BTH got his first haircut from my Dad.  Dad used to be a barber…this was his first haircut that he has given in 19 years.  I am a sentimental sap and thought that it would be sweet if Grandpa gave him his first real haircut.  The key to a successful first haircut…let the baby eat whatever he wants.

BTH & I pulled weeds and planted flowers in my Mom’s flower beds.  It was completely weird and considerably difficult for me.  But therapeutic in a way as well.

BTH got to meet and feed Lucy the chicken at Grandmama’s house.

And run around in his best farm boy get-up.  The grandmas bought him the boots and I swear, the kid didn’t want to take them off.  They are kind of cute.

We went to the local children’s farm and fed Freckles the Llama dandelions.

And then proceeded to try to milk Milly, the old Muller-Pinehurst cow.

BTH says, “Hmm…wonder what this duck is all about?”

Papa says, “I’ll show you.”

FIL thought that maybe BTH would like a short ride around the yard on the 4-wheeler…BTH thought otherwise.

BTH & Papa hanging out on the boat.

On the road again!  Our new van is getting a workout driving from Illinois to Juneau, AK through Canada.  Good thing DH has a trusy co-pilot to help him navagate.  She works cheaply too!

I will try to update as I can…and as free WiFi is available.  In the meantime, check out my friend Phoe’s rocking contest.  I am going to have to dig deep for this one.

Peace.