I have been trying to get to Wisconsin all summer long. My grandmother had a big birthday this summer and she has not met Alaina so I really wanted to visit. Then Randy announced that he needed to take some time off so he wouldn't lose vacation days. That sealed the deal and after some schedule manipulation we were on our way. There is always so much to do and so many people to see that the time goes so quickly. Our first stop was my cousin Kurt and his wife Mary's. We have both had additions to our families since the last time we saw each other. That made the visit even more fun! We enjoyed meeting Andrew and getting to play with Lexi.
The last time we went to Wisconsin was in August a couple of years ago and the weather was so awesome compared to Houston. It was great again this time. We went to the park and played kickball and collected maple helicopter seeds to throw and watch spin. We relaxed and watched the kids play and then we were introduced to pudgy pies. Kurt and Mary have the best backyard and they set up a tent for the kids to play while we assembled the ingredients for the pudgies. We could never cook over a campfire in Houston so this was a major treat.
I had never had pudgies so when Mary explained the concept I was ready to have a several course meal of various stuffed sandwiches: start with a PB and J, then move on to pizza, and top it off with a cherry pie. Travis was all about trying PB and J but Justin was fascinated that we could cook one of his favorite foods (a hot dog) over the fire. He thought Randy might need some help.
As with marshmallows, I am impatient and I want my food done quickly. I had to take my time since I was cooking for Travis and Alaina. Mary made a beautiful pudgy and it her efforts to show us how it turned out, she managed to dump it on the ground. So much for that pudgy.
But that's okay, her smore turned out perfect! and she got to eat the whole thing!
Mary also planned a really fun scavenger hunt for the big kids. And meanwhile Kurt managed to convince Alaina that he wasn't all that bad.
Then the kids threw their helicopters off the deck. And then they ran down to collect them and throw them off again. Too much fun!
The next day we went to the zoo. The coolest thing we saw was a giraffe drinking. We could see him swallowing the water. Going right down! All the kids were fascinated. I admit it, so were we.
In one of the exhibit halls there was a train club showing off its model trains. They set up a huge track and each member was responsible for decorating a certain section of the track. They were so amazing! This part was a church with a cemetery complete with hearse. All the kids enjoyed watching the trains.
And there was even a Weinermobile! Go Oscar Mayer!
Then we rode the real train at the zoo. It was so fun getting to see the animals actually move around and not be completely lethargic because it's so hot! And we even got to see penguins, something we don't have at our zoo. Go figure...
My aunt and uncle were so sweet and they invited us for dinner. The cousins' kids had a great time playing together. It reminded us all of growing up and playing at grandma's house. We love that our kids get to make good memories like we have.
And Randy got to do a little four-wheeling out to the deer stand. He said he ate a few bugs on the way. Yum!
The visits are never long enough but it was relaxing and a great change of pace. The adults got some down time together and encouragement all around. So glad we finally made it to Wisconsin!
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