Mineral Point

We met Todd and Julia in Mineral Point, Wisconsin -- about 45 miles west of Madison -- for lunch over Memorial Day weekend. We then followed them back to Gov. Dodge State Park near Dodgeville (see next entry). Mineral Point is a town on the National Trust for Historic Preservation, deservedly so! It's one of the oldest communities in Wisconsin with many buildings dating back to the mid-1800s. "Why do they call it Mineral Point?" asked Anna. Well ...

"During the 1820s, prospectors were swarming over the hills of Southwestern Wisconsin looking for lead. After lead, or "mineral," was discovered here, a "lead rush" began and the mining camp that formed around the diggings eventually was called Mineral Point. Tradition dates permanent settlement by Europeans to 1827." -- from http://mineralpoint.com/

So it's full of history but also an artist community full of art studios. I know that we will be back to check it out in more depth this summer.

Horses and carriage with a twist --
the driver had two colts along with their mothers!

The Bauer gang in Mineral Point.

Graduation

Congrats to Mary Jane on her SECOND graduation from Middleton Preschool! She'll have another one next year. :)

Receiving her diploma from Teacher Joan and Teacher Sally.

Teacher Sally, we love ya.

This was taken while the kids had their arms around each other,
swaying to a song called Friends Forever.

More Cousin Love

Heather is an amazing mom. (Of course, she was raised by the best.) Her instincts are spot-on. She is so calm, gentle and loving. That's one reason why Charlotte is such a good baby. And Heather is enjoying all her moments with Charlotte. I am SO proud of my sister (and Chuck, too!) for the fantastic parenting. And I'm so grateful she made the trip to Madison. We ended up doing quite a bit of fun stuff -- going to the Union Terrace on the lake, a picnic, soccer game, shopping and out to eat. Charlotte, we can't wait to see you and cuddle with you in August in your new purple dress. (I didn't get a picture of Uncle Scott and Charlotte. He had to travel for a good part of the time when Heather was here, but check out Heather's blog for a pic of Uncle S. and more good shots of the trip: http://www.themalcomsons.blogspot.com/.)

We celebrated Charlotte turning two months old at our house.

"Tickle, tickle!"
An example of the constant flowing cousin love. :)

Charlotte fit right in with the gang.

Our happy cousin/niece.

Cousin Love

The cousins met for the first time when Aunt Heather brought Charlotte to Madison for a visit. First of all, Charlotte traveled like a pro. And we were all cheered by her smiley disposition -- and amazed at the resemblance to her dad! She does look like Heather, too. But her cousins just loved her to pieces, even at times when she wasn't really wanting to be loved to pieces. Anna and MJ doted over her, talked to her (and she cooed back!), tried to pick her up as Heather and I advised against it, brought her toys and books and just generally admired her. They loved her so much that when she left, they were both in a funk. In fact, I found Mary Jane crying on the couch one afternoon when they were gone. I asked her what was wrong and she replied, "I miss Charlotte." Thank you so much for visiting us, Aunt Heather and Charlotte!

The cousins, united.


MJ: "Every time Charlotte cries, I know what she wants
because she's my cousin."


Anna: "Charlotte is the cutest baby that I've ever seen.
I couldn't find a cuter baby!"

Preschool Family Day

We celebrated the end of the year at preschool at a potluck picnic. It was cold outside! But we still had fun.

The ever popular hot dogs are always a hit!


Anna and MJ doing the "Tootie Ta" song on the Karaoke machine.


The highlight -- MJ won the raffle! She got to come home with a pot painted by her and her preschool friends. (She won last year, too!!)


Aunt Heather and Charlotte joined us at the picnic.
Charlotte was so good!!

Piano Recital

Anna in her Chinese silk
from Chicago's Chinatown,
Played her heart out
for a crowd
on a $100,000 Baby Grand.

You should have seen her eyes
light up,
her confidence,
her grace.
You should have heard
her tap those keys
with a smile upon her face.

A Song about Cats and
My Hamsters --
delivered to perfection.
She practiced hard all year
with her signature conviction.

Thanks to Grandpa for our Kimball,
Thanks, Mrs. LeCount, for all you do,
Thanks to God for fingers nimble,
We're proud of you Anna Sue!

Anna with her teacher Jane LeCount.

Family Portrait

It ain't perfect, but it's us ...
on our way to Anna's piano recital, May 15, 2008.