Spring Break 2015 - Midwest Tour Day 2 and 3 - Wisconsin Dells

Next stop is the Dells.

We got into town and did all the touristy stuff, like this gem. In an effort to ward off the $100 zip line both kids were eyeing, we tempted them with this $5 tour of the "upside down white house" All four of us agreed that it was one of the stupidest things we have ever wasted money on. Two of us left nauseous, and it took about 5 minutes to walk through. Hopefully we can redeem ourselves with a trip to DC in the future.

Still not sure the point or what we were doing here.

Denied the zip line...check, Wasted $20 on upside down white house....check, Redeemed with a $2 go cart ride and all is well with the world, Check.

Souvenir shopping

The worst part of the whole trip was a lovely wake up call at 2 a.m. with the hotel fire alarm WAILING, a strobe light flashing, Chris and I running smack dab into each other's foreheads as we are flailing about in a panic, Brooke getting freaked out all to find out it was (according to three different hotel employees) due to someone smoking in the hallway, a tornado touching down, kids messing around with the hot tub temperature and steam after hours. No matter what the story, it was a false alarm and we tried to go back to sleep after our hearts recovered.

 

The best part of this story is that Brady slept through the WHOLE thing.

 

 

The only benefit from the debacle during the night was that we got a free breakfast on the hotel (don't doubt that I didn't ask for more than that!)

 

Visited Paul Bunyan.

 

We just thought these cars were odd and funny.

 

Next stop was the Kalahari water park.

 

The kids were in their glory as we spent a good 12 hours a this joint. Water slides did not disappoint, some of the scariest I have been on.

 

They also had a surfing machine that was fun to try. It was harder than it looks and has incredible force that the biggest worry is coming out with your suit still on, something I learned after the little boy in front of me completely lost his.

 

Chris was getting the hang of it....

and than not....

Brooke hanging 10.

 

Bugs trying his balancing act.

He got it!

Here are some videos to catch them in action.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Warming up fireside before the indoor theme park adventure begins.

Next the kids tried out the Indoor theme park which hosted unlimited attempts at all their favorites. Rope courses, laser tag, rock climbing, mini golf, go carts, Ferris wheels and video games galore while Mom and Dad headed upstairs for some appetizers and to dry out our water park soaked souls.

Brady trying his balance out on the ropes course - look for neon shorts.

Brooke is behind him in the blue shirt.

Hockey shoot out. I think this was Chris' favorite.

 

That my friends was the Wisconsin Dells!

Spring Break 2015 - Midwest tour day one - Madison, WI.

Our first leg of the road trip was to the WI Dells. However we just happen to be driving through Madison the day they are in the final four tournament....when in Rome. Madison is an awesome town. The four of us were literally the only folks not wearing red and white and we stood out like sore thumbs, not to mention we were on a college campus with an 8 and 11 year old. This campus was oozing spirit as they were all rooting on their team! We ended up spending the afternoon there when we just so happened to land smack dab on the 50 yard line of the football stadium, which two of our family members are mentioning as one of their favorite parts of the whole trip.

"ON WISCONSIN"

 

Badger spirit was large and in charge.

Brooke: "Dad I don't think we are supposed to be in here"

No response from Dad or Brady as both of them sprinted down to the turf.

Life lessons we like to give them on our vacations....

That was supposed to be a "W"

Go Badgers.

Spending some time in Wisconsin also meant that cheese curds made an appearance almost every meal.

It's not the beach but we got to eat outside and enjoy some sunshine!

Brady practicing running from the tunnel......

This boy is always in fantasy land.

The kids learned that 100 yards is pretty far....notice Brady spiking the imaginary ball at the end.

I think Brooke took them both.

 

Other random happenings in Feb and March.

Rewinding a bit to not forget what occurred in the past few months...

Brooke received a reading award at school, most improved. A big deal, as this is the first year in her 11 year life that we didn't have to prompt her to pick up a book.

Brooke also continues to enjoy a spare rib.

messy and something she can play with her hands, two things in her wheel house.

Hubbie turned 42.



We got to spend his birthday in Chicago and visit with some long time friends out on Navy Pier.

St. patty's day and we ran into a leprechaun....

Brady finished up his second session of basketball.

Mom hit the photo booth at Brady's valentine day party.

Brady had his art show at school. His is the red and blue superhero.

All these activities prove to be exhausting for everyone.

Brooke's valentines day party was at a bowling alley

Last but not least, we got to celebrate Pampy's 95th birthday while watching the bulls game!