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| Maud Hart Lovelace's Home (Betsy's House) |
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| Frances "Bick" Kenney's Home (Tacy's House) |
I've asked the girls what they want to do while we're in Mankato and their answers surprised me! They said they want to do what Betsy did. They want to play in her yard, go to the library and walk up the Big Hill and sit on the bench where Betsy used to sit. I told them we'll have to find somewhere to eat, and one of my daughter's eyes lit up. She said: "Let's take a picnic up to the bench, just like Betsy did!"
I told her it is a splendid idea! We soon discovered what Betsy brought on her picnics. She brought a sandwich, a boiled egg and a piece of chocolate cake--so that's what we'll bring.
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| The Mankato Carnegie Library |
I can't wait to bring this story, and history, to life for my daughters. What better way to cement these books in their minds and hearts? I set out to read the Betsy-Tacy series to my daughters because it's my favorite series. But the rewards have been unexpected. The greatest reward so far is watching my daughters grow in their own friendship as they share a common interest. I also love how reading these books has strengthened my bond with them. It's the highlight of our day. It's also fun to find times throughout the day to say: "What would Betsy and Tacy have done?" or "Do you think Betsy and Tacy would have fought like that?"
One of my greatest dreams is to see my girls become best friends. I can't wait to bring them to Mankato and watch their friendship continue to grow through the wonderful life of Maud Hart Lovelace. It reminds me how important books are for all of us.
What about you? What fun plans are you making this summer? What books impacted you as a child?
Gabrielle,
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! Three years ago, when our youngest daughter was 8 (the other two kids are grown and married or soon to be), we (hubby, me, and Sammi) drove cross country to help move my husband's mom back home to Indiana. On our way back to SoCal, we went out of our way to spend an afternoon at Almanzo and Laura Wilder's Rocky Ridge home in Mansfield, MO, as we'd been reading the whole series together (both Laura's and Rose's) at night for the last several months. It was a trip we'll never forget, and not just Sam! In fact, I think Kevin got the biggest kick out of the trip as he's much like Almanzo, with farming and hard work in his blood. GOOD FOR YOU that you're taking the time to make the wonderful Betsy-Tacy books come to life this way!
Becky, that is a great memory for your family! I can't wait to read the complete Little House series with them next. I foresee another literary adventure in our future to Laura's home(s).
DeleteThis is a wonderful connection between you and your daughters and reading great books.
ReplyDeleteMy children are 17 & 19 and this year Ted and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary by taking a vacation without them for the first time. We have booked a cruise. But I have sweet memories of a visit to the Laura Ingall's house in Wisconsin (The House in the Big Woods), and the home in Burr Oak, Iowa.
Have fun making memories!
Good for you, Anne! My husband and I have gone on three cruises and they're a blast!! Have fun. :)
DeleteI loved the Laura Ingalls Wilder books and TV Show and still do! Two summers ago, my mom and I took a week trip and drove from Colorado to South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas and saw where Laura lived. We visited all the museums and everything! It was so much fun! My favorite place was Walnut Grove, MN because we got to meet Almanzo from the TV Series!
ReplyDeleteMarissa, that sounds like a dream vacation to me (but my husband says I don't "vacation" I go on adventures when I travel--there's usually little relaxation going on.:) Walnut Grove, MN is not far from where we're going in Mankato. They have a yearly Laura Ingalls Wilder pageant there. I hope to take my girls someday soon. :)
DeleteWe went to the pageant and it was wonderful! I'm sure your girls would love it!
DeleteI've never heard of the Betsey-Tacy books until recently, but my mom read all the Little House books to me when I was young. I couldn't get enough of those and loved reading them with my daughter. But I was too slow for her--she ended up finishing them herself. Love that she's a reader!
ReplyDeleteMy dad grew up on a farm in Minnesota (Rochester area), in a small area known as South Troy. The church he grew up in is just a few fields down the road and has been there forever with an old, old cemetery to go with it.
We recently learned it's probably the same area that Laura Ingalls Wilder's family was visiting when her little brother died of dehydration. In fact, there's a small gravestone that is believed to be where he was buried--and it's in the cemetery of the church my dad grew up in. And then I was born in Lake City, Minnesota--which is on the Minnesota side of Lake Pepin, the frozen lake Ma, Pa, and the girls cross when they leave their little house in the big woods. It may seem silly to some, but to me it's kind of special to have some geographical connections with a writer I've admired so much.
Very cool connections, Sally! I'm familiar with all the areas you mentioned. Minnesota is home to some fun history! I love that we live close enough to travel to them fairly easy. Thanks for sharing your information with us!
DeleteOh that top house is soooo pretty. I want to live there. Among my fun plans this summer is a trip up to Minnesota to see one of my dear writing friends. ;) And two other friends, too...yay!!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for you to come to Minnesota! I have some fun things planned. :)
DeleteWhat beautiful houses!! Like Melissa, I've got an awesome trip coming up this summer...late in June... :) Yay!
ReplyDeleteYay, is right!! Can't wait to have you visit!!!!
DeleteSomeday I'll make it to Prince Edward Island, Canada, to explore where Anne Shirley romped around! Been a dream since I was a kid and first read Anne of Green Gables :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to join you, Melissa!! ;) I'm looking forward to reading the Anne of Green Gables series to my girls, as well.
DeleteI want to come! Historic, literary houses and chocolate cake. Man, my mom and I should totally do this!
ReplyDeleteNo one is ever too old to go to Betsy & Tacy's homes!! :)
DeleteWhat a great trip that will be :) Ellie and I read the Little House series last year together. It was so much fun. I think she might love Anne Shirley too.
ReplyDeleteWe're also close to Walnut Grove, Minnesota! The girls and I hope to go there next year. My oldest wants to enter the Laura look alike contest--and I'm sure she'd win!
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