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.)
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!
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.
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.
Watching all these kids playing together in the driveway, it definitely doesn’t feel like a year has passed. In fact, it feels like we live just down the street and all gathered together for the afternoon. My heart is happiest here.
Today was a birthday party day! After a quick nap for Kaitlyn we loaded up and drove to Milwaukee for a bouncy house and cake.
Today was a pool day in Milwaukee. I always forget how much I have missed Hoyt until we return. The kids had a blast and played the morning away.
I always love a good comparison. Here are the big boys in 2014 and then again in 2016.
We had the coolest birthday party to attend today! Grant is turning 5 and celebrated with a ride on the East Troy Railroad.
These three big guys were thick as thieves and even let me get a couple of pictures.
With a week free of anything scheduled, we headed to Milwaukee to see some old friends!
But I think Kaitlyn was there only for the snacks.
Picking up Alex from a sleepover always turns into a day of fun. We had planned a morning at the pool, but the weather didn’t cooperate. Instead we played at Amber’s house and the kids ended up in their bathing suits anyway!
Today was the FARE Walk in Milwaukee. The kids and I drove up to walk and support Iris. She had a great group!
Then it was back to the Stroud’s house for food and fun. Iris and Kaitlyn shared a plate and tried to feed each other. Teague and Grant rode everything on wheels all afternoon. (Grant wearing his new conductor outfit.) I barely saw Alex or the other big boys.
We spent the day in Milwaukee with friends. We ate, we laughed, we played. It was a perfect Memorial Day.
I convinced everyone to get together for a group shot this year!
The boys (and I) were so excited when they realized we were now close enough to return to Milwaukee for our traditional Easter brunch and egg hunt on the Saturday before Easter. We loved spending the morning with old friends!
I’ve been into comparisons lately. So here are the last few years in Easter Brunches (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, no 2015 due to living in KC, and 2016).
Alex spent last night in Milwaukee so we drove back up to get him and loved the idea to join in at Yo Mama’s story time. We used to go all the time and haven’t been in so long!
And just for fun. Below is a picture of one of the first times we attended Yo Mama story time with Riley (or roughly in the March 2012) and one taken today (February 2016). It’s crazy what a difference 4 years makes.
(I kind of miss the pink old lady glasses they used to provide at story time!)
I managed to get everyone dressed in Valentine’s appropriate clothing but getting a picture was quite a feat!
Then Teague had a birthday party he didn’t want to miss. I braved the sudden snowstorm and we made it safely.
Wade and I figured the snow couldn’t be too bad on the interstate so we bundled everyone up in the MDX (the minivan would never make it up the driveway) and drove to Milwaukee for a night of games and fun.
I wrote a few weeks ago about Wade helping Nate and Amy unclog a drain. They offered to buy us dinner and we told them that wasn’t necessary. Then someone brought up a trip to Racine for Chick-fil-A (the closest one to us and the only one for hours). We all agreed that sounded yummy and tonight off we went. We all had chicken, waffle fries, and a milkshake. The boys also had some sweat tea. Yum! I didn’t think to take a picture at dinner, but I got one of Wade and I and our authentic Chick-fil-A cups. Thank you Nate and Amy!!
I woke up this morning to this:
It continued throughout the day. I did some work and then Madison joined me for a nap:
I finally got motivated to start working on my last big painting project – the small guest room. I moved the last few things out of the closet and began stripping shlack with the heat gun. I have mentioned before how well it works, but here is a picture:
I didn’t realize the walls and ceiling need as much work as they do. That part generally falls to Wade so I’m not sure exactly when I expect to complete this project. I think my goal of Christmas is a little unrealistic – especially with our travel schedule.
We woke up to a couple of fresh inches of snow on the ground. Wade and I were a little lazy and didn’t get showered till almost 11 – when Dad and Laura arrived. Wade went outside to clean the driveway and sidewalk – and play with his new toy. The snowblower did great – until Wade ran over my rubber mat. It was buried under the snow and he didn’t know I had moved it. Ooops – he gets to start the repair work early on this one!
We went out for lunch with Dad and Laura and then gave them a driving tour of downtown and the lake. The rest of the afternoon was spent napping and watching football. Do we know how to entertain or what? For dinner we tried a restaurant Christin suggested, The Envoy. We were also pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant was in a cool hotel, the Ambassador Hotel. We asked to see a room and we were all impressed. I think Dad and Laura will stay there next time they visit.
Wade and I spent the evening with the young couples from church – cookie decorating. There was also a gingerbread house which we attempted to decorate. Don’t look too close or you might notice the roof slipping!
We got another round of snow today – about 4 inches I think. Wade decided to tackle the shoveling when he got home from work and I cooked dinner. He came inside quite cold and decided the warmest room was the downstairs bathroom. He could turn on a space heater and really warm up. Madison decided that sounded like a good idea too. I got a kick out of them hanging out in the bathroom.
Wade and I always seem to end up in crazy situations. I think hunting for a tree was more than Wade’s knee could take. He spent most of Saturday in pain and decided to completely stay off of it today. (We are hoping he didn’t re-injure it, and he is going to try to see a doctor on Monday.) He decided the only useful thing he could do was string popcorn. Madison never left his side – hoping for a missed piece or two.
The problem with all of this is our tree is still on top of my car. We decided we needed reinforcements and Kyle and Christin came to the rescue. Did I mention we also bought a really big tree?
The four of us got up and had breakfast in time for church – a great accomplishment compared to the past two lazy mornings. After church we had lunch at one of my new favorite restaurants – Claim Jumper. Karen wanted a rematch in Spades and we never turn down a game. Then we decided to round out the afternoon with a little more Mario Kart (Karen kicks everyone’s butt).
Today we had some fun. We spent yesterday playing Mario Kart and today we decided to race real go karts – the fast kind. We drove almost to Chicago and had two races. Good luck on guessing who is who with our suits and helmets on.
Then we returned home, loaded Karen up with caffeine, and played Spades.
I finished up all the things on my list yesterday so tonight we get a nice relaxing evening before Daniel and Karen arrive. Wade made a fire and we spent most of the evening in front of it.
Wade and I have slowly been accumulating new (and sometimes old) furniture. Today I found a downside. I no longer have a place to sit in my paint clothes. I used to be able to take a break at the kitchen table without changing clothes or worrying about the paint touching furniture. I was working on the trim in Wade’s office and as I looked around I couldn’t find a single chair (or coffee table) that I wouldn’t mind a touch of paint on. It’s a good thing I am almost done with this painting stuff.
And a new goal for getting my painting done – before my stomach outgrows my paint jeans. At 24 weeks I can still wear them, and I only have one more entire room to go….
I think Madison is a little embarrassed by her new favorite toy – a pink elephant. She doesn’t often play with toys and rarely seems attached to one in particular. A few weeks ago she was bored inside and I wouldn’t let her out because of the rain. I tried to entertain her with a new toy – a pink elephant that squeaks. She loves it and often carries it around, but she immediately drops it if I pick up a camera. The only thing I can figure is she is embarrassed.
For once I am not the lazy (read as sleep the latest) one in the house. Madison has decided she doesn’t want to get out of bed in the mornings. She always gets in the bed with me when Wade leaves for work and now stays even after I get up. Today she came downstairs at 11:45 – what a lazy dog I have.
Wade had his ACL surgery today. His surgery time was 7:30 am so we had to be there by 6 am – very early for me these days. He was joking and happy before the needles started:
I would have taken a picture of the groggy Wade, but I wasn’t sure he would like that. He had a lot of trouble waking up, but we eventually got him home and into bed. The doctor said everything went well and to keep him on the pain medication at least until tomorrow.
One of Wade’s favorite holidays is Halloween – mostly because he can carve pumpkins. This is the first year we ventured out to a pumpkin patch. I think I was most excited to find a carmel apple.
Although it was fairly late when we got home from dinner we all carved pumpkins at Wade’s insistence and had a great time.
Wade has often wished he could find a pick-up soccer game like the good old days at Tech. He finally found enough people that were interested and organized one himself. Ethan and I watched and provided orange slices at the half.
Milwaukee is the city of festivals. Every weekend this summer has an ethnic festival full of concerts, food, and shops. Wade and I caught the tail end of the French Festival – Bastille Days.
Wade and I seem to spend most of our time in work clothes and respirators. Cute aren’t we?
We have a race track (Milwaukee Mile) within walking distance of our house. It might be a long walk, but we considered it. Wade’s friend from high school, Matt, is currently working on a pit crew for the 71 team of the Nascar Truck Series. They were racing at “our” track and Matt got us tickets and a pit pass. We were a little late arriving due to Wade’s delayed flight, but we got there in time for the good stuff. We saw quite a pile up on the track right in front of us, the stands were evactuated for the threat of a storm, and we got to visit with Matt. All in all, it was fun. I might even want to go back sometime.
The picture below is from the pit. Matt is sitting up on top of the truck towards the right in a blue shirt. He described his job as “strategist”.
Happy Father’s Day to all of the Dads. We took Judy and Jerry to church, grilled burgers for lunch, and then went for a tour of Sprecher’s Brewery, which also produces colas and root beer.
We then put Judy and Jerry to work in the yard. I now have double knockout roses along the back fence, a filled window box, and a few new plants in front.
We ended the day with a wonderful steak dinner for a Father’s Day Meal.
Wade’s parents are in Wisconsin for a CVM meeting and made it a long weekend to visit with us. They arrived Thursday in the middle of thunderstorms and then spent most of Friday out visiting. Friday night we cooked dinner and then Jerry wanted to play Wii. We were impressed he wanted to play so we ran him through all the games on Wii Sports. Judy even bowled a few games too.
Wade and I woke up before everyone else and went to early church. We came home to find the girls playing in the tree house and “building campfires”. We puttered around the house and then the girls wanted to help Wade paint his office. He had bought paint with the name “Peanut Butter”. They had a great time using brushes, rollers, and fingers. The walls are now painted and the rest of the house is relatively paint free.
The rest of the afternoon was spent with the Wii and making brownies – Tina is quite the baker. The house is going to feel very empty tonight after everyone leaves.
Wade’s cousins are in town for Jamie to take a work-related class. The class is actually in Madison, an hour or so away, but it didn’t start until late afternoon. After an early morning run to the train station to drop off my mom, we had a leisurely morning. Then we found a cool putt putt course and had a little family fun.
Jamie and Anthony left around 3 pm and we had the girls for the night. We played a lot of games, walked to a local Mexican restaurant, and then made sugar cookies.
Wade and I unpacked most of the house by Sunday evening. Mom arrived on Monday and helped me put the finishing touches on my shelves and bookcases. Then Wade’s cousins arrived on Thursday – Jamie, Anthony, Marie, and Tina. We all went out for pizza on Thursday night – Wade is loving that thin crust is the normal pizza – and then the Wii games began.
When we moved into our new house we noticed many things we wanted to change. The light fixtures and ceiling fans in the house all need to be painted or replaced. One of the first things Wade did was to remove the lamp shades from the over head light in his office. We both thought they worked better as hats.
Time to start unpacking. Madison has become my shadow and doesn’t want to be more than two feet away – that means she gets lost in all the packing paper.
Wade and I spent the day flying and arrived in Milwaukee around 5:30 pm. We caught a shuttle to our apartment, dropped off our luggage, and then went to get Madison. We ordered Chinese food on the return trip. We had Chinese food on the couch while I opened presents. Tomorrow Wade is taking me out for dinner, but tonight it was fun to just relax.
Milwaukee is obviously the place to be! I got an email a few weeks ago from Cassie, a friend from DC, saying she was going to be coming in to town. She arrived tonight and Wade and I took her to dinner. Wade chose a restaurant he had been to with Chad and Sarah – what a winner! I can’t wait to take family when they come to visit.
Madison and I took a trip to the dog park. This time we discovered an agility course in the woods. She would go through the tunnel and leap the bar, but had no interest in walking the beam or the see-saw. Maybe next time when they aren’t covered in snow.
Madison has overcome her fear of heights. She seems oddly fascinated by the snow and the people below.
An old friend from Tech, Brad, was in town tonight. Who knew we would have visitors so soon after moving to Milwaukee? Brad works for a consulting group out of Atlanta and they sent him to Madison, WI for the week. His flight out of Chicago was canceled due to wind so he rented a car and stopped in Milwaukee for dinner.
Wade and I had fun today. We took Madison to the dog park. The temperature was in the middle 30s so everyone was out. Madison had a pack of dogs to run with.
Then we made a stop for Wade. He decided to buy a Play Station 3 with his birthday money. He says it is one of the cheaper Blue Ray players not to mention a game system. Regardless he is excited.
Our apartment now appears very “techy”. We have two laptops, one desktop, a server, a Wii, a Play Station, and a full size Area 51 in our one bedroom apartment. Want to come play?
Obviously Madison needs some recovery time after her romp in the snow last night. She has spent the afternoon curled up on an old comforter and pillow. Maybe I’ll do the same on the couch.
It has snowed all day and supposed to continue through the night. This snow is gorgeous – light and fluffy. We all took a long walk tonight and had fun playing.
(Goggles added to Madison by Wade – red eye on dogs is really, really bad)
Wade wanted to celebrate his birthday with a steak dinner and chose “The Capital Grille“. I made a reservation and when asked if this was a special occasion quickly filled them in. We arrived to find a birthday card and confetti on the table. Wade and I had the best calamari ever for an appetizer and then steak dinners. We were actually somewhat disappointed by the steaks. Wade had read wonderful reviews, but they didn’t compare to Bones or Chops in Atlanta. Wade did receive a free piece of chocolate cake with a candle, and a birthday picture. It was still a wonderful evening out.
