Justin and I are hoping to do monthly “mini-getaways” in the year ahead.  Just a few days away during the week, that won’t affect the bakeshop too much.  This month Justin had to do a Wisconsin Payments install in Benton, Wisconsin, just north of Galena, Illinois.  As the install only takes about 30 minutes, we decided to take some extra time and drive down the day before, stay a couple of nights in Galena, and also visit with our good friend Angie and her girls (poor Kurt got stuck at work).

It has been a little while since we’ve spent time in Galena, and it is very different in the middle of winter, versus Crafter’s Weekend in October.  Namely, there aren’t a gazillion women wearing appliqued pumpkin sweatshirts or husbands carrying around bags and garden birdhouses on sticks.  It is quiet and very easy to find a parking space.  We were able to walk in and out of the shops we wanted to, grabbed a bite to eat for lunch, and headed on our way.

Monday afternoon and evening was spent in Kieler, with the Snyder gals.  Julia, for whatever reason, felt she needed to stick her tongue out whenever Justin came close.  Not sure if she was hungry, of if that is just the effect Justin has on girls under the age of 1.  Absolutely hilarious.

Justin also figured out a game that had Katie entertained for quite some time.  Katie would lean over onto the exercise ball, and Justin would then bounce it again and again very quickly.  This elicited tons of giggles, and Justin definitely got a work out.

Even Julia couldn’t keep the smiles and giggles at bay with everyone else having such a silly time!

As is typical, this visit was too short, but still very sweet.  It was fun to get out of dodge for a couple of days, relax, and catch up with such a great friend.