A week ago, we had a memory-making day in Milwaukkee, our son Mark's new home. After a journey for doughnuts led to a walk along the shore of Lake Michigan and a late breakfast, we were ready to check out the downtown area. Keith and I had traveled to Milwaukee fourteen years ago to attend a NCEA convention, and had loved the riverfront area that runs through the heart of downtown.
Our daughter Coby had been tagged our driver, as she does a great deal of city driving for her job. Leaving Mark's apartment, we were soon driving through Marquette University campus. The campus was very attractive and much larger than UCM in Warrensburg, Missouri. We followed my phone app to immediately and easily find the Skylight Theatre where Mark would be working the next day.
Around the corner was a charming bar and grill called Charlies. We ordered a snack and beverage and just soaked in the energy and sites of the city. A large group of bicyclers, mostly children, traveled by with laughter and determination. A group of six sitting next to our table had just finished up an Alzhiemers walk and were very friendly. I felt very positive about Mark working in this area with a pretty little park across the street and a bus stop just blocks from the theatre.
A long term parking spot was our next priority, so Coby and Keith headed out on the search, and Mark, J.T., and I began walking through downtown. We all decided on a meeting spot, but with the modern technology of cell phones and texting, there was no anxiety about getting lost or not meeting up later. After two blocks of refurbished buildings and lovely landscaped parks, Mark saw the boardwalk along the river and guided us to the water front.
Micro-breweries, restuarants, quaint apartment patios, and boat slips run the length of this amazing riverfront through the city. By the time all five of us met up, we all had ideas about what we should see next. We continued to explore as much as possible until 2:30 p.m., then found a wonderful place for a late lunch: Milwaukee Ale House. We sat on the patio and continued to watch the boats pass by. The food was excellent, and the service was even better.
Several people along the boardwalk were taking photographs, so the kids weren't too bothered by my insistance to record nearly everything with my phone camera. Everywhere we turned, people were walking their dogs. In fact dogs were welcomed at the patio restuarants. We noticed that that dogs were served water before the owners were served! All of this added to the "welcoming" atmosphere we enjoyed throughout the day.
After lunch we drove back to the lake shore, and spent some time just watching the boats and soaking in the sun. I wanted a picture of the three children, and prepared for the struggle that always brings on. Theses three adults were much better behaved as children. After several pictures, I came up with a couple of "keepers".
We worked in a WalMart run for kitchen necessities, and then headed back to downtown. Mark met with his employers as the rest of us held a table outside Charlies. Mark joined us shortly and we watched the first half of the Packer game. J.T., being a Packer fan in a Chief's family, was happy to enjoy the game with other fans who enthusiastically cheered and celebrated every scoring play.
The day was one of the most relaxed and enjoyable days I can ever remember having with the kids and Keith. We were all exhausted as we said our good nights, but we were all smiling and talking about the next day.
Mark started his new career on Monday, and we met him that morning in the park across from the theatre. After a few jokes, some laughter, and tears from all, we drove away as he walked into the theatre. A bittersweet end to a glorious weekend, a weekend we will all cherish.
Micro-breweries, restuarants, quaint apartment patios, and boat slips run the length of this amazing riverfront through the city. By the time all five of us met up, we all had ideas about what we should see next. We continued to explore as much as possible until 2:30 p.m., then found a wonderful place for a late lunch: Milwaukee Ale House. We sat on the patio and continued to watch the boats pass by. The food was excellent, and the service was even better.
Several people along the boardwalk were taking photographs, so the kids weren't too bothered by my insistance to record nearly everything with my phone camera. Everywhere we turned, people were walking their dogs. In fact dogs were welcomed at the patio restuarants. We noticed that that dogs were served water before the owners were served! All of this added to the "welcoming" atmosphere we enjoyed throughout the day.
After lunch we drove back to the lake shore, and spent some time just watching the boats and soaking in the sun. I wanted a picture of the three children, and prepared for the struggle that always brings on. Theses three adults were much better behaved as children. After several pictures, I came up with a couple of "keepers".
We worked in a WalMart run for kitchen necessities, and then headed back to downtown. Mark met with his employers as the rest of us held a table outside Charlies. Mark joined us shortly and we watched the first half of the Packer game. J.T., being a Packer fan in a Chief's family, was happy to enjoy the game with other fans who enthusiastically cheered and celebrated every scoring play.
The day was one of the most relaxed and enjoyable days I can ever remember having with the kids and Keith. We were all exhausted as we said our good nights, but we were all smiling and talking about the next day.
Mark started his new career on Monday, and we met him that morning in the park across from the theatre. After a few jokes, some laughter, and tears from all, we drove away as he walked into the theatre. A bittersweet end to a glorious weekend, a weekend we will all cherish.
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