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It’s not every day an older sister has the chance to toast her little brother and his new bride. I thought about telling the story of Elsworth’s favorite outfit as a young child, which was made up of one- and only one- item: a rainbow-striped ribbon, tied in a bow around his little belly. I considered describing Elsworth’s first day of middle school, when he announced to the family during breakfast that he intended to become known as the “master prankster.” But given the geographical theme of today’s festivities, the following seemed the most appropriate. Many thanks to my husband, Karl, who helped in the writing. Apologies, of course, to Dr. Seuss.
Oh, the Places You’ve
Been!
Long ago, in a ball pit, our story starts,
When Lia met Elsworth and soon won his heart.
It was Ohio- the tavern, not state- When Lia met Elsworth and soon won his heart.
Where Lia and Elsworth went on their first date.
Working girl Lia was busy with clients;
Elsworth was studying Library Science.
In the Dairy State, they felt their love growElsworth was studying Library Science.
While indulging in bratwurst and David Bacco.
Despite Wisconsin’s fickle weather,
The couple found lots of time together.
Lia’s synchronized swimming was simply the bestThe couple found lots of time together.
And kickball put Elsworth’s skills to the test.
State street, the zoo, and the capitol dome,
They loved their cozy Madison home.
But graduation day drew nighThey loved their cozy Madison home.
And Bucky Badger waved good-bye.
Oh, the places you’ve been!
There are more than just one.
In Wisconsin, your journey had only begun.
With a new job for Elsworth, the situation changed; In Wisconsin, your journey had only begun.
The Jersey shore was calling their names.
Near plenty of beaches lined with sand,
Point Pleasant was a fine place to land.
An East coast-style old-fashioned boardwalk for strolling
While watching the Atlantic Ocean waves rolling.
A tiny, adorable house was their placeWhile watching the Atlantic Ocean waves rolling.
It was perfect and cute, despite shortness of space.
Life was just peachy until the day
When Elsworth was appointed to BBYA.
Best Books for Young Adults, the committee reviewsWhen Elsworth was appointed to BBYA.
A bajillion or more books, then they pick and they choose.
The books came in the mail, seemingly with no end;
The mailman quickly became Elsworth’s best friend.
Soon all of the closets and all of the nooks, The mailman quickly became Elsworth’s best friend.
Every shelf, every corner, was filled up with books.
But Lia was patient and ever so kind.
She said, “I don’t care how much shelf space is mine!”
Their time in New Jersey didn’t last longShe said, “I don’t care how much shelf space is mine!”
Before they knew it, it was time to move on.
Oh, the places you’ve been!
There are more than just two.
Good-bye, New Jersey. Now what’s next? Where to?
A D.C. job offer was all that it tookGood-bye, New Jersey. Now what’s next? Where to?
The house was packed up (except for the books).
And then they were off- they didn’t need a map at all
To find their new home in Our Nation’s Capital.
There was so much to do and so much to see
Once they had settled in Washington, D.C.
Cherry blossoms lined the streetsOnce they had settled in Washington, D.C.
And cupcakes made delicious treats.
Rubbing elbows with the Prez-
At least that’s what Elsworth says.
Famous memorials and monuments,At least that’s what Elsworth says.
The subway took the couple wherever they went.
Lia and Elsworth met a new friend
Her name is Libby, she’s a Japanese Chin.
Darling and perky, lovable and pretty, Her name is Libby, she’s a Japanese Chin.
Libby brought joy to the capital city.
The happy new threesome took it all in,
The White House, the mall, the Smithsonian.
While the District of Columbia was all the rage, The White House, the mall, the Smithsonian.
Before long it was time to turn the page.
Oh, the places you’ve been!
There are more than just three.
So long, farewell, Washington, D.C.
Across the country with a skip and a hop,So long, farewell, Washington, D.C.
Oak Park was Elsworth and Lia’s next stop.
Perfect for a girl, a pup and a boy,
Nestled in the corner of Illinois.
Indian, Thai food, coffee and wine,
Architecture and design.
Folks afflicted with Frank Lloyd Wright feverArchitecture and design.
Flock to Oak Park seeking out cantilevers.
Prairie style, wood and stone,
Taking tours of the architect’s home.
Birthplace of Ernest HemingwayTaking tours of the architect’s home.
A farmer’s market on Saturday
Features donuts freshly baked
Sprinkled with sugar, dense little round cakes
Libby loves the dog park bestSprinkled with sugar, dense little round cakes
And all three adore living in the Midwest.
Close to Chicago, this cute little ‘burb
Provides a life for the lovebirds that’s truly superb.
Oh, the places you’ve been!
And the places you’ll go! Provides a life for the lovebirds that’s truly superb.
Which place will be next? We all want to know.
While there’s no telling where your next stop will be,
Please in your hearts remember that we
Wish all of the number one best things to you,Please in your hearts remember that we
We love you and we’re glad that you said “I do.”
Before I give this rhyme a rest
I have a question for all of the guests.
Do you believe- be honest with me- I have a question for all of the guests.
That Elsworth and Lia are meant to be?
(Cue dudle-udle-udle-udle-DING!)
