Lakeside

 You can rarely go wrong with spending time at a beach -

and, for me, it doesn't matter whether the beach is in IL or WI.

(Although truth be told, 

I prefer a beach on the Atlantic Ocean but, 

when you're stranded so far inland, 

you take what you can get.)

We celebrated my brother in law and his wifes 80th birthdays this weekend,

with family gathering both in their hometown (Evanston)

AND at their second home in WI (Algoma);

both locations on the shores of Lake Michigan.

The weather was perfect -

even a bit chilly in WI.

 

There was laughter, some tears, lots of family

and more food than any 12 people needed!!

 It's been so chilly in WI that its still basically spring -

and it was incredible to see plants in the garden flowering

so far behind our season in St Louis.

 

 

But being together was the main focus -

and sharing space for an extended period of time 

gave us lots of opportunities to enjoy catching up.

I loved everyone that joined us -

and love and missed those who couldn't be there.

THIS is what family looks like.

Meanwhile, back home, a little girl discovered her big brother - 

and it was magic.

Be still my heart!