The Chronicles of Tadpole and Little Cub: Wisconsin

What a whirlwind of a trip! We just got back from traveling to WI for Andrew’s grandma’s 85^th birthday. I have to say I had a lot of first experiences. It was my first time to WI, our first time to flying with both girls, and my first time meeting the other half of Andrew’s extended family. We all had a great time and are currently recovering from change in time zones again.

Highlights in order of occurrence:

How excited Kayley got to go on an airplane. She laughed and giggled with delight for both landings.

Ready to fly!

OoOoO! WOW!

Seeing the differences between WA/CA and WI: The architecture, amount of snow, and that the roads are clear even though there’s snow everywhere (doesn’t happen in WA the way it does in WI. I also learned that people in WI are given 48 hours to clear the sidewalk of snow outside their house, or else they’re fined). We also had a beautiful sunset on our drive from the airport.

Milwaukee

Farm in the snow

Beautiful sunset!

Playing in the snow as a family our first morning in WI. The snow is different than the snow that we get here. We thus made “stack snowmen.”

Sisters in the snow

The stack snowman enjoying the sunshine in the freezing temperature

Meeting Jerry, Mary, Laura and Jeremie, and seeing the girls warm up to them all.

Shilo loved Mary's necklace

Playing with Uncle Jerry

Fishing with Grandpa and Grandma V

Grandma’s 85^th birthday party! So great to celebrate her, and also meet so much of my new family. Kayley took some time to warm up to everyone, but then she was running around with all the kids having a blast. I’m proud to say that I was able to name all family members I met without looking at their name tag. Now let’s hope I don’t forget any.

Grandma cutting her cake

So many people came to celebrate Grandma's birthday

Photo time!

The cousins and most their kids.

We had dinner as a family at a local place called 7 Angels. I believe this is when Kayley decided to turn into a picky eater for the rest of our trip.

Lunch at Marv and Annie’s was fun too. Grandma, Rick and Andrew’s folks joined us. The girls had fun making everyone laugh and smile.

Hnaging out with Annie

Laughing at Kayley's answer to "Who's the cutest"

Hanging out with Uncle Rick (not to be confused with the WA Uncle Rick)

We took a family trip to Lake Michigan, and stayed in the car 95% of the time. The only time we got out was to buy some snacks from Piggly Wiggly, and snap a few photos. It was freezing outside and the wind was blowing strong. We didn’t want the girls’ colds or mine getting worse.

Lake Michaigan

To prove we were there!

The next morning we went to see a memorial for veterans of foreign wars. A few family members are recognized, including Andrew’s dad and grandpa. Then we went to Green Bay to visit Lambeau Field, home of the Packers, and had lunch at a local fast food joint called Culver’s.

It was so cold we didn't even want to uncover Shilo

Outside the stadium

Kayley gives it the thumbs up approval

Our last big family event was dinner at Grandma’s. We arrived late due to the girls napping, but it was worth it because we had a tone of fun playing in the snow again. This time Kayley was more into it and excited to play. Uncle Paul had a blast pulling Kayley around on a sled, and I even got to pull our giggly Shilo around on a saucer. It was great being able to see almost everyone one last time.

Let's go, Shilo!

Uncle Paul giving Kayley a ride

Some of the family spectators

Hanging out in the snow

Learning how to use a snow shovel

Hanging out at Grandma's

Getting love from Aunt Nancy

The girls with their great grandma!

Our flight home went well. Again, Kayley didn’t nap at all, and this time Shilo only cat napped. It was longer flying back due to the wind not being in our favor, and Kayley was done when we had about an hour left. Good thing we had Disney finger puppets as our “last resort” toy!

So sad to leave

Disney Princess finger puppets!!!

Shilo was tired of us holding her, so I sat her on the tray

Now we’re back home and trying to adjust to the time change. There is so much more I could say, but I hope the pictures help to tell the story. I am so glad we were able to go on our trip. I’ve wanted to meet the rest of my new extended family ever since I married Andrew. I still need to meet a few cousins, so hopefully next time. Happy 85^th Birthday Grandma!