Wisconsin, Part 2

We did do more than just hang around the house. So, here is a little bit about what else we did...

On one of our first days, we went swimming at Fox Brook Park with Tarra and Chase, Uncle Brian's significant other and son. The kids really had fun, especially trying to catch fish. Allison and Chase really had a great time, and Chase even let Allison hold him. She only dunked him a few times, but he was a good sport about it! We'll have to spend more time with Uncle Brian, Tarra, and Chase on our next visit! Ohh, and Uncle Brian the girls say that if you don't wear a helmet that your really being a bonehead. So, anyone looking to get Uncle Brian a birthday gift can get a motorcycle helmet for either Brian or Tarra...

We spent lots of time visiting with Grandma Mary. We went to kid's club at her fitness cluba bunch of times and went swimming twice there. We also went to the Wisconsin State Fair and had our very first Cream Puff. There were pig races, duck races, goat races, and chasing Matthew races. We went out to eat a few times, and just had fun. We miss you Grandma Mary, but we'll see you again soon.

We visited Great Aunt Kathy one Saturday morning. She was going to clean her chimney that day, but when I offered to use the kids to do the job she graciously invited us over. Actually, she also invited Aunt Becky, Great Grandma Phyllis, and Uncle Corky over. Plus, our second cousins Angela and Mike (and a friend) came by for a visit. It was a great day with great food, great company, and the gentle melody of a lawn mower blaring at about 100 decibels for what seemed to be hours (followed up immediately by a leaf blower). We had to tackle Uncle Gene a few times as he started down the driveway with a gun and a shovel (he claimed to be "just getting rid of some bats"...but everyone knows you kill bats with tennis rackets!) Anyway, a big hit that day was the little red tractor the Gene spent several months restoring. You might think this ends badly, but it doesn't. It's quite durable! The kids liked it, especially Allison. Just before we left, Allison said, "Umm, excuse me, Kathy? Can you please put this in the trunk for us?" So shy... We never did get around to cleaning that chimney. Thanks again for the great day Kathy, and we'll be sending you a replacement tea set soon...

We stopped into Alexian village one day to visit with Aunt Nancy. We were able to spend some time there probing all corners of her room, and meeting and greeting everyone we saw. There are a lot of very nice people there and the kids felt right at home. Too much at home, in some cases! They also now want us to get birds (as there is a little atrium at Alexian that is very nice!) But, mom, I'll take care of it I PROMISE...

An exciting day was our trip to Madison. Our first stop was the Vilas Park Zoo. We then did some strolling down State Street and took a short, unguided tour of the Capitol building (the damage was not as extensive as the paper described, and the nudity was brief!) We did some shopping on State Street, had a nice lunch, and then relaxed down at the Terrace. Afterwards, we were able to visit with "Mr. Matt" and son Connor. Connor was such a brave and gracious host to our gang. They had such a good time that they asked to come back the next day, and also to crash Mr. Matt's birthday. They're so shy! Thanks again to Mr. Matt for the hospitality, and we look forward to meeting Tracy and the second little Doeppers in the near future!

We also were able to spend some time with Miss Debbie and Ashley when we went swimming at Pewaukee Lake. There were plenty of dogs to play with there too. Again, the debate of getting a dog is in full swing since seemingly EVERYONE has a dog but us. And, the dogs at Pewaukee Lake can all swim too. Can't we get a cool dog like that mom?!?!?!? Thanks again to Debbie, Ashley, and the Schieble's for the swim :)

We had a surprise visit from Rina one day. In town for an interview, she went swimming with us and spent some time socializing with mom. It was a great surprise and we look forward to meeting up with her again.

On our last day, we visited with Great Grandma Phyllis. The organ was the center of attention for a long time (a fist fight erupted later, and the organ was turned off...and then turned on...and then off). The girls also decided to give Great Grandma all sorts of suggestions for birthday gifts by trying to get her to give them all her nice stuff! Amanda managed to get a few crystals, and even left a reminder note to send her a crystal every month. Seriously, she asked for a piece of paper and wrote the note out complete with her full name and address. Grandma thought it was quite funny and said her kids had done that (but I'm thinking she was just trying to make me feel better because I'm pretty sure they didn't do that!) We walked with Great Grandma to a church where she has lunch, and then we headed out. Actually, she sort of wanted us to leave and I swear that the minute the door closed that I heard KC and the Sunshine Band song "Get Down Tonight" start playing... We had a great visit Great Grandma Phyllis. Don't forget about the crystals...

Our next adventure was the log cabin. It was finally time to go!!!