Summer 1984: Chicago

My Mom and Dad took me to Chicago in 1984. I had never been to a big city before, so it was pretty neat driving along Lakeshore Drive. The traffic was bad. I think it made my dad nervous driving around the city.


Little did I know in 1984 that I would eventually be living in Chicago as an adult.

My 3rd grade teacher at Lincoln Park was Mrs. Emig.  She was the coolest teacher.  I learned alot in her class.   One of my funniest memories was of her moving her wig around her head, as it itched so bad.   We all thought it was so funny.     We used to have contests in class with our work which was fun.  I was glad I didn't get Mrs. Aardema, as I heard she was a tough teacher.    Angela Balcom, Mike Keith, Kristen Vogas, Eric Anderson, and Bill Daugherty were my buddies this year.       I hung out once in a while with Julie Fitzpatrick, Amy Heckle, Lisa Walters, and Cathy Ayers.

Summer 1983: Ohio

This summer, my Mom and Dad drove me to Ohio to see Sea World, Cedar Point, and Lion Country Safari. They were all fun places to go. Again, I don’t remember a lot about the trip, except feeding the animals from the car at Lion Country Safari. I was always scared of animals, so feeding them out of our car was a bit unnerving for me, but still a good experience.

September 1982: 2nd Grade

My 2nd grade teacher was Mrs. Murphy.     Eric Anderson, Kara Filius, Carrie Cornell, Jake Messinger, Angela Balcom, and Sue Arnouts were some of my good friends in my class. I remember being so jealous of Sue as she had all of these cool gadgets.  Her mom would buy her these toys to help with her addition and subtraction.  I always wanted those.   I met Carrie this year, who used to live on Seminole.  We were inseparable.  I was sad when her family moved out of town.    

Summer 1982: Mackinac Island/Mackinac City

Mom, Dad, and I took a trip to Mackinac Island and Mackinac City again this year. They loved coming up there and checking out the fudge shops and the famous Grand Hotel.
My mom has always provided me with a nice vacation every year, for which I am truly blessed to have been given.

September 1981: First Grade

My first grade teacher was Mrs. George.      She was a good teacher.  Back in the day, your parents could request a specific teacher, which my mom did for me each year.   My neighbors, Eric Anderson and Bill Daugherty are in this picture.   

July 29, 1981: Princess Diana and Prince Charle's Wedding

I was almost 7 years old when Princess Diana wed Prince Charles. I remember sitting in my living room on Lawnel Avenue in such amazement at the gown that Princess Diana wore for her wedding. I had never seen anything as magnificent as that in my whole life. I told my mom that when I got married that I wanted to have a dress just like that.  The wedding took place at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.    After the ceremony, she and Charles took a carriage ride around London.    It truly was a fairy tale wedding.