Nine days in the city. Nine full, busy, wonderful days.

We went back to Milwaukee last week to visit my family and help my mom with cooking, cleaning, and laundry while she recuperated from knee surgery. To break up the time (and keep from driving my mom crazy with too much togetherness) we planned one special adventure each day.

A festival with my sister. A day in downtown Milwaukee. The library. The museum. Swimming. Dinner with dear friends.

And filling the week with lots of free time and one activity each day was a just-right balance. No overstim, no cabin fever. Perfection.

Our non-outing time was spent in the suburbs enjoying my parents quiet yard and quiet house. (Well, quiet until we arrived anyway.)

Last night there was a message from my mom on our answering machine. "My house is too quiet and too tidy. And I'm lonely." I guess the week was good for her too.

And as always, coming home the very best part of going away. We returned with our pockets full of pebbles, our car trunk full of treasures and our hearts full of stories. And we were met at the door with Papa hugs, puppy kisses, and fresh chicken eggs. What could be better than that?

Oh my. It's so good to be home.

Love,
Rachel

P.S. The burgundy shoes I'm wearing in the three photos above are my lovely Aurora shoes. Handmade in the US and amazingly comfortable. Sustainable, family-owned, foot-healthy, re-soleable, and sweat-shop free. What's not to love?