Home at Last!

We're finally home from a five day road trip around the state to visit as many family members as possible.

Day 1: Racine to Black River Falls

Saturday Aug 16

We started a bit late and under-estimated the amount of time we'd need to reach our destination, but didn't get there too late to completely miss the party. The evening closed with a nice visit around the camp fire. The kids were surprising un-afraid of the dark and loved the independence of running around and playing with everyone. Archer made great friends with Pete and Sadie, but Shelly was terrified of the rough-housing between the two and wanted nothing to do with them. When we crawled into the tent, Archer fell asleep right away, but Shelly got her second wind and climbed back and forth from one side of the tent to the other, and over everyone in between. She did this for about a half hour before she finally settled down.

Day 2: Black River Falls to Bloomington

Sunday Aug 17

Lisa was kind enough to provide breakfast before we packed up our tent and moved on to the next destination. After a stop in town for fuel and some supplies, we headed south towards Bloomington. The rolling hills and beautiful farmland were enjoyable for David and I, but the kids were more interested in singing and eventually sleeping. We stopped along the way a few times more than we would have had to if Archer hadn't been so worried about bugs in the toilet, but I can't really blame him... (A "rustic" wayside means pit toilets, and for city kids like us, its not so appealing. We left and moved on to a more modern pit stop.)

We enjoyed spending the afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa, had fun at the playground and had only one minor injury to report. While I was determined to get the kids as dizzy as possible on the merry go round, and David was determined to lecture me on being more careful with them (especially since its SUNDAY, after all, and there's no place open for stitches, and where's the nearest hospital anyway?), Shelly just couldn't help but use the opportunity (when her dad's back was turned) to fall off a set of steps on the playground and completely wipe out. She ended up with a small cut on her head and a small bruise on her forehead. She survived!

Day 3: Bloomington to Argyle

Monday Aug 18

On the road again... Out comes the map and we stuck the kids in the car once again to head off to the next destination. Our departure from Bloomington was hurried a bit when we realized we were on Shelly's last diaper. After an accident on Day 1 from not limiting soda intake and not stopping often enough, we had learned our lesson and were determined to prevent something similar from happening again. So off we went, through countless more small towns, several pit stops and minimal crying and fights. When we got to Argyle we heard the great news that Stephanie had her baby! Congratulations Travis & Steph!

It was at the farm that Shelly finally started to calm down in her fears of dogs and cats. Champ followed Archer around everywhere, and Archer was entertained by throwing sticks and rocks for Champ to fetch. Shelly was afraid but eventually calmed down a little as she realized that Champ wouldn't knock her down or lick her face off. Fearless Archer had no problem going up to anything that moved to get a closer look, and once we went inside the house he played with Emma the cat non-stop. Shelly couldn't resist the fun and called Emma's name and once she got started there was no stopping her!

Uncle Jim got the kids pretty wound up and left just in time for David and I to have to calm them down. There was lots of running, screaming, laughing and chasing. Who knew a little cat toy could entertain everyone that much?

Day 4: Argyle to Wisconsin Dells

Tuesday Aug 19

Grandpa Shorty took us out for breakfast before a short fishing trip at Hidden Valley. After that, Archer helped Farmer Tim with his chores and went for a ride in the tractor. It was great of Farmer Tim and Farmer Jim and Grandpa Shorty to take time out of their day and visit with us before they had to get back to thir chores.

Just when I thought we were on our way home, David suggested we go to the Dells instead. One of my favorite parts about our trip was not knowing what time it was every second of the day. I hate being tied to the clock and it was nice to just do fun stuff until we were ready to move on, without knowing or caring when we would leave or arrive at the next destination. And so, we took off to the Dells!

We stayed in a hotel with a pool and got some swiming time in before bed. Shelly surprised me again with how she adjusted to the water and gained confidence. I think she doesn't like to see her brother having fun without her, and she didn't want to get left behind!

Day 5: The Dells to HOME!

Wednesday Aug 20

We took advantage of the last day of our road trip to sleep in a bit before heading out to breakfast and then adventures at Pirates Cove. I don't know if its because its the end of the season or the middle of the week, but there were surprisingly few people there and the kids enjoyed the sand box, jumping pillow, and pedal cars without waiting in line or sharing the space with anyone else.

Finally, road trip time was over. Shelly fought getting strapped into her seat more each time we did it and this was the culmination of her fighting the seatbelt. I can't blame her - it was a lot of car time for the kids and we tried to get them into the car at times when they could sleep through the ride, but it didn't make it easier for them. They're so full of bouncy energy that the "road" part of the trip was hard on them. After grumping for awhile she finally fell asleep and we pulled into the driveway at 5:00 p.m.

We drove about 700 miles (that's about 54 inches on the map) and the very best things were spending time with family, making up silly songs in the car and laughing together. Thanks to everyone who fed and entertained us, you made it a fantastic adventure. And - Thank God for family!