An Old World Wisconsin birthday

When the influx of modern technology and the storms of mass media take their toll, my daughters’ love of Little House on the Prairie always reminds me of a simpler time ~ a time where safety was found in the loving arms of family and happiness was found sitting around the fireplace, listening to the fiddle, telling stories and singing songs.

So, when a friend suggested we visit Old World Wisconsin, we took his advice!

Our trip happened to be on my oldest daughter’s birthday – what a great gift!  We went with our friends who proved to be fabulous tour guides, making sure that we saw all of the best parts and also bringing with them a lifetime of memories and historical anecdotes.

Our first stop was St. Peter’s Catholic church; it had been moved three times, but the structure originally was the first Catholic church in Milwaukee. At one point the building served the campus of St. Francis seminary. Amidst the functional prairie homesteads now lies this church filled with rich religious history -- intricate paintings, delicate bells and a unique thurible held just beyond the ornate communion rail, tucked within the sanctuary. 

The grounds contain several villages and settlements spread out across several acres. The Norwegian village holds a one-room schoolhouse set in 1906 where my girls sat in school benches for class, took a history exam, used slates and examined a fourth grade copy of McGuffey’s Primer. My girls were fascinated by the washing up area of the schoolhouse - everyone had to drink from the same glass and wash in the same basin of water!

Coming from Polish and German heritage, I took a lot of photos of the Polish settlement and the German settlement. Look at these gorgeous herbs drying on the wall! And these chickens roaming wild! The houses were so simplistic and rustic and yet so clearly full of abundant love and life.

Our birthday girl mastered the high-wheeler. This little girl changed my life and made me a mommy ~ and my life has never been the same. Today we celebrated her smile and her love of all things Laura Ingalls Wilder. Just look at the joy on her face!

Often I  am behind the camera and there aren’t many photos of me, but here I am walking down the dirt road taking in the fresh air! And, yes, it was a bit chilly for early October, but the day couldn't have been better. 

Nothing compares to the modern conveniences, however I do enjoy taking a little break from the seemingly endless barrage of distractions. I am thankful for a day well-spent with friends and family. I am thankful that our oldest enjoyed her ninth birthday. I am thankful for the peace that comes with enjoying the nature around us and being able to experience history - not just read about it! My wish for you is a day – or even a moment – of true peace.