Mini Retirement Tour

After Austin, it was time to start making our way back to Georgia. BUT not before we had the chance to stop in Madison, WI to visit Scott's Uncle Rick and Aunt Kay. They live on Lake Mendota, technically Middleton, where the weather on that particular Thursday was perfect – sunshine and in the 80's. We were pleasantly surprised when family friend Larry Reuter stopped by to visit and share his world famous Marga-Reuters, a unique concoction that would make Jose Cuervo jealous – we were lucky enough to see him twice this summer!

We stayed two nights and enjoyed sampling local Wisconsin brews at Capital Brewery, boating, bike riding, a night on the town at local favorites The Old Fashioned and Brasserie V (loved their selection of Lambics, most notably Peche Lambic), kayaking and even pickling. Rick is quite the pickle chef and even shared his dill pickle recipe with Scott. Rick and Kay, thank you both for the fine Wisconsin hospitality!

From Branson, we headed back to St. Louis to spend some quality time with Mark, Susie and the kids. With the Midwest still on a hot streak, we were frequent visitors of their country club pool just down the road. Our first night back, we grabbed an excellent dinner with Mark and Susie at Cunetto's on “The Hill”, St. Louis' Italian District.

The next morning, Susie and the kids took us to the St. Louis Science Center. We took in an Omnimax show “Under the Sea” as well as the featured exhibit “Real Pirates”. That afternoon, we headed to the Cards - Cubs game at the new Busch stadium and took in a victory for the home team! Even though we melted in our seats, we loved the new ballpark.

On Saturday, the boys headed to the country club to battle the links and 90+ degree temps while us ladies and Tommy enjoyed the AC at home.

Sunday morning, Mark and Susie treated us to brunch before the guys headed to the Cards game, Susie took Nick to a school event and Tommy and I enjoyed some downtime at the house. Thank you for adding two more to your household! We really enjoyed spending time with you and the boys!

From St. Louis we journeyed back to Austin, MN, approximately 7 hours, for Grandma Bea's wake and funeral. We took the path of Huck Finn along the Mississippi River and up to Hannibal, MO, the home of Mark Twain before arriving in Austin. Our time in Austin was a truly a celebration. The stories shared at the wake were a testament to the strong life she lived. The music at the funeral was absolutely beautiful. Her legacy lives on through her five daughters and their wonderful families.

We bid farewell to Jim and Nadeen over lunch. Thank you guys for a relaxing time in B-Town!

The world's two most interesting men?

We then stopped over for a night in St. Louis with Scott's other brother Mark and family. They introduced me to Ted Drewes, the city's famous custard spot!

The next morning, Susie and the kids (Jack, Nick and Tommy) took us to Grants Farm, home of the Budweiser Clydesdale's.

Afterwards, we drove several hours to Branson, MO (southwest Missouri), home to the 2010 Majerus family reunion to meet up with Aunt Barb, Uncle Ralph and their entire clan:

Debbie - daughter Courtney (Kim & Megan could not be there)
Rick - wife Allie, children Kayce, Luke & Jake
Randy - wife Cindy, children Jake, Nicole & Holly
Sharon - husband Chad, children Katarina, Cameron & Mackenzie
Brian - wife Michelle, children Brandon & Drew

Branson was a late addition to our itinerary after Scott's cousin Randy invited us and claimed to have room for two more on top of their 23! What a great setup - each family had their own room / restroom. They even had a pullout couch for us crashers! We really enjoyed hanging out and playing cards with the whole family. The next morning, we headed to Table Rock Lake where we tubed (Cindy and Holly showed me the ropes), cliff jumped and swam. Scott and Brian jumped off a 40 footer. That evening, the Majerus clan held their annual Variety Show, where every child entertains / performs for the family. They are the definition of an awesome family and we would happily attend their reunion every year. Thanks for having us!

Figuring we had accrued enough miles thus far, we hitched a ride with Jim and Nadeen for the 8 hour drive to Pittsburgh where Scott's cousin Pat was getting hitched to his fiance Maureen. We crossed 4 more states – Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania – bringing our total to 25. On Friday night, their rehearsal dinner at The Common Plea, a restaurant downtown, was excellent. We sampled some delicious food and beers – notably the raspberry lambic!

Next morning, we grabbed breakfast and headed to the Duquesne Incline for a beautiful, panoramic view of the city. Pat and Maureen were married on a beautiful hot summer afternoon. After the ceremony, we had a few beers and our very own photo-op before dancing the night away at the reception – a fun wedding!

Next morning, we enjoyed a delicious Pittsburgh breakfast at Deluca's, in the Strip District before making the long trip back to Bloomington.

After dropping Dan and Nicole off at O'Hare, we headed south to Bloomington, Scott's hometown for my inaugural visit there. Jim and Nadeen, Scott's brother and sister-in-law, were our hosts and we began our stay with a dip in their pool. They are in multiple sand volleyball leagues and we were their cheering squad that Tuesday and Thursday night.

During our days, Scott showed me his favorite stomping grounds around town. Since it was hot and muggy with 90 degree temps, we sought relief in their pool every afternoon. On Wednesday night, we met up with Tony and Molly, Scott's good friends. They have two precious daughters, Cate and Meghan and a beautiful home. Another good friend, Angie and her daughter Caroline came over and we all caught up. I really enjoyed meeting everyone!