Wisconsin Trip Summer 2012

 

Oh me oh my-- what a fantastic, jam-packed, wonderful two weeks we had back in Wisconsin this August. Rachel/"Tia" and I took Will and Ada back to the motherland for our Grandma Braun/Oma's birthday where we had a bridal shower for Rachel, had many an awesome cousin get-togethers, aunts, uncles, Grandpas, Great Grandpas and mas, all the way down to Milwaukee, over to Madison, and up to Door County. We had so much fun and I was so proud of the kids for being so flexible and outgoing for the entire two weeks. They got so used to being in a new place pretty much every day that toward the end of the trip we arrived at a get-together at Aunt Diane and Uncle Herbs and Will got out of the car saying "HIIII! My name is Will". Yes, dear, they know.

Kids did great in the airport getting through security, checking bags, walking on their own like big kids. Will packed his turtle backpack and Ada had her ladybug bag. Here, a preboarding shot with Tia, Will, and a special new airplane Dino for helping mom so well in the airport.

Ada reading up on her aircraft.

Two seats. Two headphones. Two iPads. A whole different flying experience. I even read a magazine. Ill admit it.

And straight to Nana and Papas house, where they felt right at home.

Kids and Tia cheering for momma as I leave for a run (a run outside?! squeal! was so happy!). "Momma, momma, go, go go!".

Wills reading buddy, Nana equipped the house with new books.

Annnnd baseball bats! Blow up variety, turns out, perfect kind for toddlers. Two points Nana!

The coolest surprise waiting for Ada and Will however were these dope Schwinn trikes with bell and faux leather streamers! We spent most of our down time hitting the streets in our new WI wheels. They were in heaven!

They still have a special place in their heart for their stroller too. Often we had one on a bike and one in the stroller when we went for walks.

So much biking, we sometimes left our helmets on between rides.

Impromptu Great Grandparents visit.

Backyard bliss at the Simons on Aunt Lauris birthday.

I am certain Ada took this picture. Cheese birthday girl!

There is a lot of awesome happening in this picture.

Family life.

Ada trying her hand at some ancient civil war relic horn. Aunt Lauri has the coolest toys.

We showed ourselves off at Nana's work.

Nana and Papa have compete-able coolest toys...paper plates....

...foamy stickers.

Kids were really in their element at Nana and Papas. Here, Ada mid wardrobe change, going through infant clothes to pass on to "Auntie" Sara in NYC. The purple stripey shirt is actually a size newborn pajama with footies and buttons. Notice her "tails" down both legs. Also, those boots don't fit her, and the goggles are Tia's.

Will also caught in his element.

Tia snooze.

Grandpa! Had lots of Grandpa Brian time too which the kids always love. Ice cream for lunch anyone? Stick collecting anyone?

Grandpa also took us to the WI state fair where we got to meet many new animal friends. Also, thank you Grandpa from mommy for renting overpriced car strollers. 

Moo. Happy cows live in Wisconsin.

Ada liked the bunnies.

Mom liked this crazy-eyed chicken.

BBQ at Aunt Diane and Uncle Herbs (sans Uncle Herb) to catch up with some Schmitz's. My amazing aunt has shelves and shelves of kid toys that I remember playing with at her house as a toddle (And all three of her "baby" girls are out of the house!). Don't know who had more fun--Will and Ada, or ME, reliving my childhood. 

Kids were so enthralled with Grandpa and Julie, mom sat down and had an old fashioned.  Score for all!

Ada teaching Aunt Diane how to use the iPad.

Moose lodge fish fry anyone?

Its tiring being so popular.

Homemade pizzas at Cousin Jake and Kellys! Ada and Will loved having an afternoon with Cian and Zoe. We even got tag along to swim lessons!

Isn't a WI summer without a double-fisting, watermelon afternoon.

The cousin popsicle line up.

Cheers!

Seriously, what kid does not LOVE this girl?!

This is what a road trip looks like on vacation with two year old twins. 

Door County living!

Breakfast outside in our sweatshirts. I was in heaven. Also, Will wearing Ada's jelly-shoes.

Boy still loves himself a good sweep.

Must be nap time!

Still sleeping?

Now nearing bedtime, I get nervous and start trying to wake him up. Blankies off, shirt off, hang upside down, no luck. I gave up.

Will and Papa jamming outside.

Nature walk right outside the trailer.

Stick collecting, of course.

What can be better than a day at the beach? Kids in complete joy...

Ada sick of driving? She actually fell asleep like this.

And we woke up in Shawano, Oma and Opas cottage, the "home" in my heart!

There are literally generations of pictures of kids doing just this.

Will "fishing" (no hook) with cousin Gabe's pole for most of the day.

Ada, how many popsicles did you convince Oma to give you? The answer is five. Back to back. Grandma looking like she is enjoying sugar-izing my kid a little toooooo much.

Will finds the snack bar within approximately five minutes of arrival.

Shawano pirates.

Cousins!

A familiar scene.

She doesn't snuggle up to just anyone, this one.

Cousin, PJ, sunset shot. I mean, Leah's sunglasses, come on with the ridiculous cuteness!

I was there too :)

Tia, the bride, at her shower.

Did we mention Aunt Lauri has the coolest toys?

Happy Birthday Oma, surrounded by great grandkids singing.

And Will, how many pieces of cake did you convince Oma you needed? The answer is also five.

Great grandkid shot--even missing some! Notice a crazy mom at the top of the stairs, forcing her two year old to be in the picture entirely against her will.

It's the simple things we love the most.

The last picture of the trip--please compare to the first at the top of this entry--during a layover in Denver. I call this "Delirium". As wonderful as WI was, we were all happy to get back to our AZ life- including daddy :)