Who goes on vacation to the lovely state of Wisconsin?? Apparently not a lot of people. Unless you are from the midwest or into sports, there is not a big draw for tourists. Lucky for us, we know where the fun is in good old WI and we had a blast on this trip.
After a pretty chill week at work, we both packed Friday night to leave for our 11a Saturday flight to LAX. The cats tried to pack themselves, but we knew they would not like the journey back, especially in a suitcase. We left for the airport with Jax around 7:30a. Australia security and check in usually doesn’t take as long as US. We checked in our bag at 37# and were off through security. My wooden knitting needles cleared! In the US, we have TSA Pre which allows you to go in the faster line and not have to take your laptop or liquids out or your shoes off. It is great for US travel, but does not work outside the US. It was easy getting though security though and we had time for a smoothie second breakfast. I did a lot of knitting and movie watching on the 13 hour flight over. I only slept about three hours. We arrived in LA before 8 am Saturday. We had to go through immigration, get our bag and recheck it. Our 3.5 hour layover allowed us plenty of time to get this done and navigate the train wreck of an airport that is LAX. We checked our bag back in by the baggage claim area and needed to ask how to get back to the Delta terminal. We had to walk a terminal over and go back through security; not too horrible of a walk for LAX. They had fed us on the plane, but we needed burgers to keep us going, so after lunch I changed clothes and was ready for the flight from LA to Minneapolis. I slept the whole flight and this nice older woman next to me even covered me with her blanket. That flight got in early also so we had time for a sit down meal in Minneapolis before our flight to Green Bay. After being in Australia and getting used to smaller portions, we couldn’t believe all the food that came out with our wraps. We could have split it! The flight again went fast and we got to Green Bay and got our rental car with no issues. It was a silver 2017 Chevy Cruise with heated seats. 🙂 The weather did not let me use them much, but I did use them. Driving around and being back in Wisconsin didn’t really feel much different; we settled right back in nicely besides sleeping patterns. Saturday night we were greeted at my parents’ house by a banner and sign and my parents staying up for us. We went to sleep fast and got up for church in the morning.
We headed to our old parish in Oshkosh for the 9:00a mass. Brandon played drums and I sang with a group that included our adult choir director Karen. It was so nice to see familiar faces around church. Karen even made me a Sydney fabric coloring book purse! So cute and creative!! If I am willing to take a break from knitting, I may color on my flights back. We then headed to the cottage to spend the day with the Ebbens. My dad and uncle grilled chicken and the lake was so calm. My brother, sister, and brother-in-law were all up as well as some of my aunts, uncles, Grandma, and cousins. It was so nice to catch up with all of them; thankfully, not much has changed in the last six months, besides my dad’s health. We headed to Brandon’s Grandma and Grandpa Kohl’s to go out for supper. Brandon stayed there the night and next day while I headed back to my parents’. Monday morning, I met some of my former coworkers from the Referral Center for a hike at High Cliff State Park. It was a beautiful sunny morning. One of the girls brought her daughter so I helped carry her on the trails. She wasn’t the most happy about it, but her pregnant mama couldn’t heft her and walk with us at the same time, so we made due. We had a potluck salad lunch and caught up. I spent the afternoon gardening with my parents. The pumpkin leaves were a bit cruel and left me with a few scrapes on my legs. That evening, we went to Brandon’s parents’ for supper and I met their puppy, Hudson and saw the plans for their retirement house up north.
Tuesday was a Holy Day so my parents and I went to 7am church. I brought my Dad in for IV fluids since he was a bit dehydrated on his blood work. He had to sit there for three hours. I joked with him that I could get him set up at home and slam it in faster, but he was willing to be patient and use the human nurses instead of me, the animal one. 😉 I cut out after the first hour and met Ciara for breakfast at IHOP. We then met up with Lindsay and went kayaking at Wold River Trips. The water averaged 1.8 feet and the rocks were aplenty to make it much shallower than that. Even with getting stuck, the four hour trip only took us 3 hours and we all got a bit sunburned. It was still an awesome time and amazingly warm and sunny weather. We then met up with Brad at Milwaukee Burger Co for a late lunch. Brandon had spent the day with his Grandpa and Grandma Miller. We then went with my parents out to eat at Texas Road House. I was so full after my burger but I was able to enjoy some of their amazing buns and BBQ ribs. Wednesday, I met up with my cousin Jenny at the mall for some breakfast and catch up. Her and her husband and friends had been to Ireland earlier this year so we compared notes on our trips and driving there. I then replenished my undergarment collection at Aerie before stopping in at the Referral Center to say hi.
Brandon was spending the afternoon and supper with his former coworkers in Ripon. After my lunch, my parents and I road tripped down to Milwaukee to see specialist about my dad. The doctor was very knowledgeable and explained a few different options, but he will need to consult with another specialist and have more tests before a decision can be made for a surgical repair. Dad seems to be feeling well though; eating and able to get out in the yard or walk around the block. I really hope he continues to feel well both pre and post op. I have already decided that I will be coming back when/if he does have surgery. I was too helpless and useless so far away; I want to be here for my mom and him going through this. Our road trip was a bit delayed by construction going down, then 5pm traffic and a wrong turn going back delayed us a bit getting on the highway, but I feel we made good time. We picked up my nephews in Fond du Lac and headed home for an epic bonfire. We made hot dogs and smores, the boys tried to light themselves on fire a bit, and we all went to bed with fewer leg hairs due to the fire’s heat and a bit of wind. Trae had brought his electric drum set along for Brandon to teach him the basics. Dad got his musical instrument up from the basement; I can’t remember what it is called-One man band maybe? It has a pie plate guitar, a cow bell, a wood block, and some jingle bells on it. It was amusing to see played. The next day, we had planned to go to the cottage, but it was stormy/rainy so we changed plans to sticking around home. Mom had gotten us doughnuts for breakfast as a treat, but I had found her stash of Reese’s Puffs so I was set. Dad had to go in for fluids again so I kept him company the whole time with card games. He taught me how to play Skipbo. Brandon entertained the boys, teaching Trae more rhythms on his drum set. The boys also found a pogo stick at a rummage sale and were taking turns on it. After the boys went home, I helped my parents around the house, then Brandon and I went out to eat with my Heritage coworkers. I had to stop in to the clinic to see how it was going too. It was so nice to see everyone again! It is crazy to go from seeing people nearly every day for years and years, then to only be able to chat a bit online. I miss both my work families!! I was so lucky to have formed all these amazing friendships with my coworkers. Hopefully we can visit longer my next trip back!
Friday, Brandon hung out with his parents and sister and I had brunch with Lindsay down in Ripon. We then went over to Ciara and Brad’s for lawn games, Game of Thrones, dinner, and drinks. Saturday, I went our for a sushi lunch with my work out buddy and Referral Center coworker, Lacy. Brandon and I then hung out with my parents and got the house ready for company. We had mass at St. Mary’s for my Grandpas, then my Mom’s side over for supper and another bonfire. It was great to see everyone from that side and catch up as well. I feel I did not get to chat as much since I was minding the fire, but Brandon covered for me. Sunday we did all our remaining laundry, then headed to the cottage for a bit, before heading over to Brandon’s sister and brother-in-law’s house for a Birthday party. We caught up with Brandon’s side and celebrated Joe and Luna’s Birthdays. Some headed off to the rides at Bay Beach, but we headed back to my parent’s for a bit. We then met Ciara and Brad for some Buffalo Wild Wings and Game of Thrones. It was a very upsetting episode. We said our good byes and tried to get a good night’s sleep before our flight Monday. My parents were headed to a Timber Rattlers’ game, so after a quick game of Skipbo, we said our good byes and they headed off. We ate some lunch and took our time leaving toward Green Bay; but that is another story for the next post.
I was so happy to hear how many people have read and are following this website. I am glad you enjoy it. It is great to have feedback so feel free to comment with questions or else you can message me. I am curious what people want to know about our new lives here. I hope to have more information on our jobs, the city, etc in the future, but it is hard to know what other people find interesting so let us know! Brandon has also expressed interest in doing more posts or even video links so we will see. You can tell who posts what by our author title; I am firefly and he is thekeymaker. Happy reading and hope to hear from you!!
