To Minnesota!

We started out with waffles in Cranston ...

... drove to Boston ...

... flew to Chicago ...

... and flew from there to Minnesota, at which point Madeline needed to run off a little steam.

After a lovely dinner in Eagan, during which Madeline was quite well-behaved despite having been cooped up all day and being out past her usual bedtime, we proceeded to Northfield, where we are now.  Outside, the sky is full of thunder and lightning -- very nice.

Tomorrow, Madeline should get to see all our old stomping grounds.

Angelo's

This afternoon I was sad from finishing my job, and hot and sweaty from running to the car to pick up Madeline before daycare closed. So we all went out for Italian comfort food, paying our first-ever visit to the Rhode Island institution of Angelo's Civita Farnese.

Madeline was captivated by the train that ran on a track suspended from the ceiling ...

... while I was captivated by my delicious pork chop that had been simmered in marinara sauce until it was falling off the bone -- mmm.

We were at Angelo's past Madeline's usual bedtime.  Instead of fussing, she let us know she was tired by announcing, "Sleep!" and doing this:

So we shipped out, pausing only to take a picture with Federal Hill's famous "La Pigna."

Backyard frolics

This evening at House, I grilled steaks while Madeline rearranged the houseplants (currently residing on the back patio) ...

... and played with sidewalk chalk (a gift from House's previous owners).

Madeline's been an enthusiastic hugger lately.

And that's all for today.