Ben has always been my most adventurous eater. He will happily take a bite of anything offered without hesitation. Today we were harvesting some things from the garden and he wanted a bite of a tomato (which he normally likes). I told him to go ahead. His reaction cracked me up. I’m not sure if was expecting it to be an apple or just didn’t like the taste today. Regardless his reaction in the second picture was unexpected, by both of us!
Month: August 2019
Thankfully my kids got excited about washing the car. It desperately needed a bath!
Tomatoes – yum!
Waffle House stop on the way home!
One of my personal favorite parts of a road trip is the food. We get to eat at all kinds of restaurants that we don’t have access to in the upper Northeast. My kids are pretty easy going when it comes to food so they get McDonald’s once on the trip and the rest of the stops I pick. Waffle house is always a favorite and the kids have come to enjoy it too.
We made it to Barrington and the beach!
Today we spent all day at the beach in Barrington. We got to see our favorite old neighbors and some of Teague’s old buddies – and one of my old friends! Every year, I fear that the weather won’t cooperate, but so far we have always lucked out with at least mostly sunny days at the lake and have been able to spend most of the day letting the kids play in the water. It’s kind of awesome that I can visit several cities and see so many wonderful friends we have made after living in so many places.
These are the coolest bikes and I love that all our kids just barely fit (and can power) one of the large ones.
We had the morning and afternoon today in Milwaukee before we were driving to Barrington. We spent the morning downtown at the lakefront riding the bikes. It turns out those kids are actually not bad at pedaling – it was quite a walk (in flip-flops) to keep up with them!
Then Amber introduced us to a swing park. It was the coolest thing built under an overpass near our first apartment in Milwaukee. I had no idea such things existed.
Amber had to work most of today so Nicki and I took the kids. Our first thought was a walk around a local nature trail. The kids were grumpy about it, but we persevered. Then it turns out the trail was flooded.
We reversed course and headed to the park instead. The kids spend hours on the Merry-Go-Round of all things?! Even Ben thought it was hilarious.
When the kids tired of the first park, we just took them to a second park. (That worked pretty well for everyone but the biggest boys. They were getting antsy for their video games.)
Playground kids.
Milwaukee State Fair.
The fair wore him out.
From the first year we lived in Tosa, Wade and I have loved attending the Milwaukee State Fair. We just happened to visit last year during State Fair week and although it made getting a place to stay a little trickier, it was such a fun activity to enjoy with friends. This year we planned our trip on purpose but made house arrangements far in advance. It worked out perfectly and we all had a great time at the fair. I know Wade was sorry to miss it. We had a list of all the best/new fair food and we tried to make it to every one. We didn’t quite make them all, but we got close. Fair food is my favorite!
Numerous late nights resulted in a nap.
Relaxin with snacks and video games.
My kids love our trips to Milwaukee. They would spend the entire time away from me and at either Amber or Nicki’s house if we allowed it. They simply want to see their friends as much as possible. Because it only happens once (or twice if we are lucky) a year, we are pretty lenient on rules. There are sleepovers most nights, lots of treats, and specials events. That also means there are less sleep and less rules. At some point we usually have to call a time out and let the kids all go to bed early or take naps or spend some time apart just to regroup. (They love this of course.)
What I find fascinating is how it’s not only the big boys that have maintained the friendship, it is the little ones – like Kaitlyn who wasn’t even born near these people. She is completely comfortable spending the night (or day) with our good friends that she barely knowns. This is the coolest thing! (Kaitlyn then gets home and doesn’t understand why her friends here aren’t yet doing sleepovers but that’s another conversation.) So here is a collage of sleepovers, naps, the Farmer’s Market with Nicki, mornings, and afternoon hangouts at Amber’s.
9 kids and Hoyt pool for the day.
When we lived in Milwaukee, the boys and I spent almost every morning at Hoyt pool. When we visit, we make it a point to spend at least one day at the pool. (The main reason is to get a picture of the three big boys for their yearly photo.) The pool works well for all ages and the sand area is still a hit with the younger kids. I’m not sure how long the pool will continue to be fun for the kids, but maybe they’ll still come just for the photo every year?
Then we had a little extra time before Amber could meet us and pick up her crew. This is when I feel the limitations of my car. (I didn’t have enough seats to transport her kids and mine!) Instead we all hung out at the playground outside the pool. It was mostly empty so the kids had the run of the place.
We are taking full advantage of Gram and her willingness to bond with Ben. (She of course loves every minute of staying home with him.) Melissa has one extra seat in her minivan which always comes in handy on these trips. It is my biggest regret when it comes to my car. We loaded up her car and headed to Tennessee for the day. Our first stop was the Drive Through Safari Park. My boys have been years ago with Granny and Pop, but I don’t think they even remember. Regardless we decided it would be a good adventure for the day and something new compared to last summer. We also promised them awesome milkshakes afterwards.
The Grind is a restaurant found in Martin, TN that is well known for its milkshakes! Today was the prefect excuse to stop in and try a few! We were warmly greeted by the staff and each child was found a small gaming console (Thank you!). The milk shakes definitely take while to make, but they are true creations. Mine was delicious! The boys finished theirs and Kaitlyn had three bites (which is typical for her). I can’t wait to tell Wade about this place and I wish he could still have traditional milkshakes. He would have loved to try one.
I always love to have “real” pictures taken by a “real” photographer. If nothing else, it usually means I get to be in the pictures!! Today I had the outfits planned. I had the bribes planned. I was a little hesitant on the weather, but knowing the pictures would be at the end of the day, I thought we’d be okay. WRONG. It was a 90 degree day with heavy humidity. My kids actually did pretty well given the circumstances, but it was brutal outside…
My kids love waterparks. Every year we take all the cousins (except Ben) to Venture River for a day. It’s always amusing to me to see who wants to spend their time where. This year we had one more adult, which helped considerably with keeping track of everyone!
Today we went out to B and Mary’s house. The kids love having a big pool (and slide) all to themselves. Teague loved the airplane he discovered with a built-in water gun – look out! Ben found a car and was happy as a clam. Kaitlyn was fascinated with the slide but couldn’t quite work up the nerve to get to the top of the ladder. Alex was crazy, as usual and loved it all.
Ben and I arrived fairly early today after a shorter drive. (I prefer to do my long drive the first day.) Judy and Jerry drove Teague and Kaitlyn over from Collierville and we had a short visit before they headed to visit with friends. Everyone was excited to see Gram and then they all wanted to spend the afternoon at the pool!