Midwest Trip 2011

It's summer and that means our annual migration up north to visit with my family.  This year we decided it made a lot of sense to drive since we have to visit three different cities.  It made a lot of sense until we actually started to drive the 20 hours to Minnesota; then we had a lot of time to talk about how this decision did not make sense.  But we continued on our journey and traveled nearly 3000 miles round trip in our trusty Kia minivan.   We started out in Minnesota visiting my sister Traci's family.  Amelia and Luke had fun playing at the park, splash pads and the beach with Max and Addison enjoyed being able to boss around another older kid.  

My sister Traci and Addison.  Addison cozied right up to Traci saying, "More ice cream Aunt Twaci."  What's not to like when your Aunt lives right across the road from an awesome Malt Shop? 

Max, Amelia and Luke went to the Twins game with the dads.  Lucky kids, they watched the Twins win and got to eat their weight in junk food at the park.  

My big sis and I.  

Luke waiting for the trolley in Minneapolis.  

Cousins.

And the best photo of the trip contest goes to Daddy!  Great shot of Addison on the trolley.  

We then moved on to Madison, WI to visit my sister Amy's family.  Here are the kids rocking out to Taylor Swift with Annie on vocals and Uncle Dan on the drums.  Amelia and Luke love playing with Evan and Annie and they especially enjoyed the family hamsters :)  

Then it was time to move on to Milwaukee, WI to visit Grandma Nancy and Grandpa Jon.  Happy 4th of July!

Downtown Milwaukee for the fireworks.  

 The kids had a great time visiting their grandparents and were kept busy with games, walks in the woods, children's museum, Summerfest and lots more.  Amelia and Luke even both got a special day with their grandparents.  Luke and Grandpa Jon headed out to Miller Park to cheer on the Brewers (lucky 5 year old got to see two big league games in a week).  Amelia and Grandma Nancy went out for a special lunch, visited the book store and went to a movie together.  We were thoroughly exhausted with fun by the time the trip was done.  Thanks everyone for letting us stay with you :)