A day for adventure

So today was the last day before school starts. We decided, if josh was feeling up to it, we would take the kids on one last fun adventure before it was back to books, homework, work and school food. LOL We kind of knew what was going to happen but left the kids in the dark.

We all go up semi early, though some (Bella) had to be woke up. Even the idea of an adventure couldn’t get our kids moving. Somehow we did leave home at 815am. We decided to avoid madison, which was smart due to an accident and heavy traffic. We stopped at Kwik Trip for a snack, drinks and gas. All three are vey important if you ask me. Then we headed to Dubuque to the River Museum. We haven’t been back since last winter when we went with our friends. The kids were very excited when we arrived. Then we double the surprise with Aunt Kim and Baby Xander.

We all had a great time walking around. We got to see the sea turtle this time. Max got a treasure map from the gift shop and Bella a book on freshwater fish. She was just in love with the fishes and the ducks. We had fun in the water play area before walking to see the fishes. Bella pet 4 crawfishs. I got to hold Xander and love on him the whole time. Oh I was in baby heaven. Though at one point, I was with all three kids and realized this probably would be my life had Josh not gotten cancer. It reaffirmed that we are good with our two kids. I”ll love on other babies now.

We said our goodbyes after a couple hours, had a quick lunch at fazoli’s (free breadsticks means cheap meal for Max) and the headed back to wisconsin. I wanted to stop at the grotto in dickeyville, but it was too warm to walk around it for Josh and Max was tired. So Bella and I just went to the gift shop. I got some ideas for Bella’s first communion and both Bella and I picked out prayer cards. Josh picked us back up and we headed on to Lancaster.

Our only stop in Lancster this time was the bakery. We got treats to eat today and for tomorrow. I failed last year at getting donuts before the first day of school, so this way we can eat at home and then get to school. Max was so out of it, he didn’t have any idea what was going on. But we then told them we were going to Great Grandma and Poppys and he was so happy. Both kids were.  I think going to visit them is probably the one thing the kids really miss the most.

We had a great visit with the grandparents. The kids had a blast playing with the toys and cleaning the floors. yes my kids love to clean , but only at Great Grandma and Poppy’s. It’s too funny. We also got some nice pictures, which is something I’ve been slacking on. From there we went a block up to the cheese factory for some curds before heading on our way home.

We made one more stop at the popcorn store to get some treats and let the kdis play a little. Then it was time to head home. I was surprised we made it home at a good time. Got Supper in and the kids in the tub.

Bella got her lunch packed and both picked out their clothes for the first day.

from fb:

My baby boy is growing up: I asked him what shirt he wanted to wear for the first day of school and he picked his SJB knights shirt over tractor or construction vehicals. "i wear my knight shirt because i go to school tomorrow, mama"
Then Bella didn't want to wear a dress this year. Just a shirt and pants, So much for dressing up on the first day.. but i'll get her Friday for church

Welcome to April

The kids woke up with Josh around 6am and he took them down to breakfast while I slowly woke up. They brought me back breakfast. I ate while the kids hopped back in the tub. We didn’t have time to go back to the pool before we had to leave.

I worked on packing up while they played, then it was time to head to the next leg of our journey. We went to Lancaster to visit Bella’s old school. She was able to join them for recess and then we all went to church for Living stations. Max fell asleep so Josh took him to run some errands while Bella and I went back to the class with her friends. She had such a great time visiting and playing games. I had a great time visiting with Bella’s kindergarten teacher. She was/is so caring and just so helpful last year. Kind of scare to go through it all over again without that school family.

Next up was Lunch at Dewey’s and doughnuts at Blue Boy. Oh I can’t forget our stop at the kids’ store to get Max a new Skid steer for Max. The kids did great at Dewey’s and the food was so yummy. Then we headed out of town to visit friends on a farm. the kids had fun playing around both in and out of the house. Josh got to visit with farm friends.

Then it was off to the library for me and the kids while Josh went to our tax appointment. The kdis had fun and it was nice to be back. Josh’s appointment went well, too, I guess. he picked us up and we headed back out to farm to pick up a few more egg laying birds to bring home. The kids got to play with some friends and no one wanted to leave.

Getting home seem to take forever, we stopped at Mc Donalds for supper and then had to do chores asap when we got home . Lilly was not happy with not being milk in a day and half. The new chickens were a bit clueless.