Vacation!

Jim got two weeks vacation and we had a blast. We spent a lot of time hanging out as a family, traveling, and painting the upstairs bathroom (we didn't paint, Jim did). During his first week off, we stayed in town and got a lot of snow. We took Jack on a ride in the sled up to the neighborhood coffee shop for lunch. He was so bundled up he couldn't sit up or even move.

Jack loved eating someplace new.

Three days later the temperature was in the low 70s and most of the snow was melted! Jack and I went to the zoo while Jim went in to work to get a few things done (yes, during his vacation). I was able to wear short sleeves in early February!

I let Jack stand next to the hippo exhibit and his socks got dirty and wet. Here he is hanging out on a big pile of snow.
Last Tuesday, we drove to Geneseo, IL (near the quad cities) to visit college friends. Jim and I both have college friends who now live in that town.

Jack was quite fond of Evie, and would put his arm on her chair as they ate.

Everybody loves to play dress-ups.
After Geneseo, we spent a night in Chicago with my brother and sister-in-law. Then we drove to ND where Jim gave a talk to the chemical engineering students. Jack took his afternoon nap on the floor of the new fine arts building.
After ND, we drove to Milwaukee to see Jim's sister, Karen, and her family. They recently were pounded with snow. Karen and Lenny have a fun party, the WAO (Winter's Almost Over) every year. For the record, winter is far from over in Milwaukee, WI. A bunch of people get together at the party and play music. Jim and Karen played a lot of great songs.

Two of my brothers and their wives made it up for the party.
Jack missed the party but got to rock out with Aunt Karen's drums the next morning.
Luckily Jack was able to help out with the long drive home!