A Quick Stop

Our our way to Milwaukee, we stopped off mid-point in Winona.  One of my favorite places in our state.  I couldn't believe it when I was talking to Andy and I figured I hadn't been back since graduation SIX years ago.  How did that happen?  We figured this was the perfect place to stop, take a stretch and get some lunch.

We immediately headed up the bluffs to Garvin Heights.  The ultimate look out point in Winona.  The boys braced themselves in their seats for the drive up the "mountains".

Beautiful Winona

Once we got to the top, we had some fun looking around and exploring.  We took a candid family picture with the timer in the spot Andy proposed over 7 years ago.

There were a few more paths than last time, which were also fun to explore.  Once we saw too much poison ivy though, we turned around.

After leaving the bluffs, we headed down towards Winona State University campus.  It was fun taking my kids around the college.  We didn't look around too much, but Alex was amazed at how Big Mommy's school was.

It was definitely bittersweet visiting my old campus.  The city and college seem the same as six years ago, but it is definitely a different place.  During my time there I made such wonderful and lifelong friends.  We will have memories to last a lifetime.  Although we don't talk as much as we used to, are not able to get together as often and have a few little ones to the group, I know I will forever be able to call them "friends".  

Here are two quick glances into my college life. I look forward to seeing them next time and my kids learning about them and what a huge part they have played in my life.

Playing around in the infamous 178 house.

The gang at the menard's cabin 2008.

As we were leaving Winona I experienced feelings of sadness for leaving those years behind me and feelings of joy for the life I have now.  Andy and I talked about stories and memories we shared during that time.  

"Let's have a good night tonight, guys"