Wisconsin Trip Part 2 of 2

My first week in Wisconsin was full of fun with my family, and I knew the second week wouldn't be a disappointment. Because there are so many pictures I will try and keep the commentary shorter than normal.

I last left you with a picture of me on a cooler, and I am sure you have been anticipating the story that surrounds it, so that's where we will begin.

Dad told me that we would be taking a special trip up North to celebrate Mommy and Daddies anniversary on the 9th. We borrowed a cooler from Jim and Sharon for food, but I used it for climbing and it kept me busy for a long time.

The next morning I woke up Mom and Dad with a specail anniversary hug, kiss, and card. They were impressed with my handwriting, but even more impressed when I pushed there heads together encouraging them to kiss (I like to see them show affection!)

After prying my play toy away from me Mom and Grandma packed the cooler full of yummy snacks and we headed to the cabin. The drive was nice and I slept the whole way.When we got there the first thing we did was run to the back yard and explore. It was beautiful up north and I enjoyed sitting on the big swing watching the water and relaxing.


It didn't take me long to find that the swing is also fun to stand and jump on. (I can make anything fun and exciting)


Daddies cousins have all have LOTS of kids, so there were TONS of toys for me to play with.

One of my favorite toys was the slide. It was just my size, and I was able to do it all by myself. As you can see, I am very cautious.

Grandma tested the water, and finding it was warm thought I might like it; she was wrong...

Instead of playing in the water, we decided to play on the swing set. Can you believe that I was able to swing like a big girl???

Before dusk Mom dressed me up in some warm clothes and Dad and I took a walk down to the water for some father-daughter time.

We sat on the edge of the dock and watched as the sun was setting. I sure love my dad!

Before it got too dark dad used his man skills to build us a BIG bonfire. Mom, Grandma and I were sure impressed.

We decided to be a little unconventional, and before dinner roasted some marshmallows and made smores.

Grandma was a pro at roasting them just right, and my first bite was like a little piece of heaven (ok, a big piece considering my first bite took down half the marshmallow.)

The next morning Mom wanted to take a paddle boat ride, so Grandma dressed me in my life jacket and we loaded the boat.

I was a little uncomfortable, but Mom and Dad were so excited to take me on a ride that I sucked it up and "took one for the team."

We didn't go too far, but I was able to see some turtles and fish.

On the way back I became determined to go in the water, so Mom helped me lean over the side of the boat. I laughed and laughed as I splashed water everywhere.

I had so much fun at the cabin! It was great to have a wide open space to crawl, run, play, and get dirty!

After all the running around and playing Grandma took me for a walk in the wagon so I could relax. While we walked around the lake Grandma was hoping that I would take a nap, but there was WAY too much to look it.

While we were at the cabin I also got to ride on a 4-wheeler with Dad. I think he had more fun than I did.

Grandma even took a turn driving for the first time- I sure have a fun Grandma! I was proud of both of us for being such big brave girls!

It was so much fun staying up at the cabin that I was sad to leave. I can't wait to go back there and play with all my cousins.

When we returned back to Marshfield I got to spend time with my Grandpa Jerry and Cindy. We went to my favorite Mexican restaurant EL Mezcal. I love it because of all the bus boys (I like to wave at them and blow kisses). Mom says I am already a big flirt.

As usual I was the life of the party and entertained everyone with my silly antics.

I sure enjoyed seeing my Grandpa and couldn't give him enough hugs.

I gave both of them big hugs as we left lunch, and said goodbye to Cindy who was driving to be with her daughter who was ready to have a new baby any day!

Once we were settled back in at Grandmas house, the rain came. I had never seen rain so heavy before- I mean this was a torrential downpour. Dad decided to take me out in it, and boy did we have fun.

The following day we went over to my Great Uncle Jim's and Great Aunt Sharon's. As usual they prepared a wonderful FEAST for the family.

I had been waiting SO long to see all of the family, and was so excited to play with my cousins.

My cousin Kelly had lots of toys in her room and I am very grateful that she let me play with them.

I had such a great time with all the girls that I wanted to be a part of everything they did, so when they went in the spa so did I!!!

I also enjoyed playing with my Aunt Tracy who would hold me up and tickle me. I loved ALL the attention I was getting.

Since my hair is getting really long mom decided to get my bangs out of my face for picture time and turned me into Pebbles.

Here I am with my Aunt Tammy and Dad.

I also got to pose with Grandma and her sisters! (I caught a glimpse of my silly hair and managed to rip it out before any more pictures could be taken) Check out my big belly-I have been working on it!

What a fun and eventful evening. I was very grateful that Daddies family all traveled to see me.

Back at Grandma's we spent our final days playing together.

Uncle Shawn came back to Wisconsin at the end of the week and took us to a park to play frisbee disk. Before the game began we got to play at the park. Uncle Shawn held me on the teeter- totter as he and Dad bounced up and down.

Uncle Shawn also showed me how to ride the animals.

Afterwards the game of frisbee began. I am finally strong enough to pick up the disc, but sill need to practice before I can play with the big people. While Mom, Dad, and Uncle Shawn played, Grandma and I ran around the park exploring the surroundings.

After romping around the park we stopped by Grandpa Frankwick's to say good-bye. He was leaving town for work and I wanted to make sure I got to give him a goodbye hug and kiss.
At his house we watched the football game on TV and I got to eat some yogurt. Mom thought it was funny that I got a milk mustache.

Before we left I gave Grandpa a BIG goodbye and told him that I would see him when he comes out to California to visit me in April- I am SO excited for him to see where I live.


I was very lucky to spend my final weekend in Wisconsin hanging out with the people I love.


The morning we left for Minnesota the family went to eat at El Mezcal (again!) and even Uncle Brad showed up! It was a miracle since he doesn't usually get out of bed until 4pm. I felt very special to have everyone there.

After lunch I said my sad goodbyes.

I usually don't like to give kisses, but I gave a specail one to Grandma before I left.

When we arrived in Minnesota Uncle Shawn took us to the coolest place ever; Cabella's!!! I had heard Mom talk about it, but didn't believe that a place like it existed. Let me tell you, it was amazing. There were wall sized fish tanks with all sorts of big fish in them. I was overwhelemed by all the cool things to look at, and just when I thought it couldn't get any better, I saw it; the mountain. It was full of animals and trees and water, there was so much to take in.





I also got to sit in my first tree stand. Uncle Shawn says that when I come back next year that I will get to go in the woods and sit in his.



I could have spent hours at Cabellas, but we were on a time limit and Dad wanted to stop and see some friends before we went home. Scott and Becky were friends of Daddies from years back and they just had a baby girl named Maddie.

I had so much fun playing with her and was very glad we stopped by.

Since I was in my John Deere Tractor outfit Scott let me sit on his driver mover. It was awesome.


Uncle Shawn dropped us off at the airport and I was sad to leave the Midwest. I had an amazing time with my family. At the airport Mom, Dad, and I had dinner and before we knew it was time to board the plane. I was unable to charm any airline workers for a seat since the flight was full and had to be a "lap baby". Mom was a little worried about the flight home since my flight there was not a great experience. We boarded the plane and set up camp. As we took off I drank my bottle and quickly fell asleep on Dads lap. Mom came up with a crafty idea and folded down both tray tables, laid our big pillow across both, and made a make-shift crib. I laid across the table the whole flight and slept like a baby (a good baby).

I managed to sleep through all the commotion of traveling and woke up the next morning in my crib. Although I was excited to be back in my own bed with Jax and 4th I was sad that the rest of my family wasn't home with me. I was depressed the whole morning, and cried myself to sleep hugging my dog I had got in Wisconsin.

I had an amazing trip to Wisconsin and am grateful for being able to spend so much time with my family. I miss them all very much and can't wait till they come out to California to see me!

Wisconsin Trip Part 1 of 2:

After months of anticipation, it had finally come; the day we were leaving for Wisconsin!!!

While Mom was busy packing the kitchen sink I amused myself by chasing Jax and 4th around the house. The day had been without any major incidents, but I was feeling a little more whiny than normal and didn't nap too well during the day- I felt the anxiety surrounding the long travel ahead. We completed our normal night-time routine, and after my bottle loaded the car and left for the airport.

Before I begin the story of my trip to Wisconsin I feel it necessary to inform you that I couldn't imagine squeezing in all the excitement into just one post, so I will separate my trip into two parts, here it goes...

I had just fallen asleep in the car when I was rudely awoken at the airport. As one could imagine I wasn't thrilled about it, but I quickly realized I was in public and turned on my smile! I first charmed the man working at the Northwest counter and he was so enamoured that he changed our seating arrangements and instead of having to be a "lap baby" I was given my own seat to sit in for FREE! Talk about a million dollar smile!

Since we arrived early I had a whole hour to run around the airport and make new friends. Mom and Dad were glad that I was expending energy in the hopes that I would be tuckered out on the plane.

When we finally boarded and sat in our seats Mom and Dad were dismayed to find that I wasn't finished wreaking havoc. The plane taxied for longer than expected and I became VERY restless. Mom gave me a bottle as we took off, hoping that it would help me calm down and go to sleep. I didn't want the bottle, and I was getting increasingly uncomfortable and angry. After struggling with both Mom and Dad I finally relaxed, but tossed and turned the entire flight, constantly grasping my ears. My head felt like it was going to explode. We finally made it to Minnesota and I couldn't have been happier to be off the plane. Though I was tired and cranky Uncle Shawn surprised us at baggage claim and I greeted him with a sleepy smile and a big wave! We packed up the car and drove to Wisconsin. Our family was so tired from the flight that Dad and I slept the whole way to Marshfield.


I was awake and happy when I wobbled into Grandma Frankwick's house and greeted her with a big hug and a kiss! I had missed my Grandma so much and couldn't wait to shower her with love!

Grandma was so surprised by all the things I am able to do, and I thoroughly loved showing them off to her! In preparation of my arrival Grandma had filled the house with all sorts of toys! I immediately ran to the living room, overwhelmed by all the fun items in front of me. After much consideration I went for the bike and sat down for a ride. My little legs had some trouble pushing, but it was sure fun!

Another toy I really enjoyed was the baby carriage. Grandma though it was funny that I could fit in it because I am so little, and took me for a ride.

We spent the day playing with the family, and silly Uncle Shawn showed me the big Crappie he had saved for me in the freezer. The fish looked and smelled funny, but Uncle Shawn was sure proud of his BIG catch.

I wanted to show Grandma Frankwick that I am a big girl and can help out around the house, so Uncle Shawn took me outside and we swept Grandma's driveway.

All the hard work left me sleepy, but after a long nap I woke up refreshed and ready for some more fun. That evening Grandma, Dad, Mom, and I took a trip to the park and I got to bring my doll in her carriage.

At the park there were lots of things for little kids to play on. Grandma pushed me on the swings and we shared some good laughs.

I got to sit on my first teeter totter, but the instability had me a little concerned...

The best toy at the park was the digger! Dad and I played in the sand and made all sorts of messes.

That night I got to eat a big, messy dinner. Grandma was really impressed by the amount of food I can fit in my little tummy.

Bath time at Grandma's was a lot of fun. I got to play with all sorts of kitchen utensils, and found that they are amazing bath toys!

The ladle makes a great microphone,

but also doubles as a teething ring.

Grandma and I enjoyed all sorts of bath time fun together!

The next day we went on a walk through the zoo at the park next to Grandma's house. Dad told me that he used to go there lots when he was a kid!

Mom insisted that we took a picture with the animals and I think that Dad, Grandma and I fit right in!

Uncle Brad and Bam (his dog) showed up and walked through the zoo with us. It took us some time to get reacquainted, but we quickly become buddies. I really had fun poking at uncle brad's newly acquired chin fuzz.

My favorite part of the park was the ducks. They were free to roam everywhere, and Dad and I got to walk around with them. Can you believe that they don't wear diapers, instead they just poop on the ground. We had to be careful about not stepping on any of it (they poop a whole lot; guess they must be real tired).

Mom's favorite animal in the park was the grey wolf. She wouldn't stop howling at it, and although I was really embarrassed by her antics, I was fascinated by this new dog.

After the park we all went back to Grandma's and I got to play with Bam. Dad taught me how to mimic his bark...

Barking is sure a lot of fun, now I know why Jackson does it ALL THE TIME!

The next morning I went over to see my Grandpa Frankwick and Cindy. I hadn't seen them for almost 10 months and they couldn't believe how much I had grown (my brain has grown a lot more than my body)

They had all sorts of fun toys for me to play with, but my favorite thing by far was the water bed they let me jump on. I am still trying to talk Mom into getting me one to play with at home.

On the way home from Grandpa's house we drove through the big animal zoo. Can you believe I got to ride on Mommies lap and stick my head out the window!!! I loved the way the wind felt in my hair, and laughed the whole time!



The great thing about the drive thru zoo is that you can stop and get out of your car to get closer to the animals. I was fascinated by the big elk and he even came up to the fence to check me out.

There were lots of big animals to see and I enjoyed the experience.

At night we had dinner at Grandma's with the family and Dad let me play guitar hero with him and the boys. I am sure getting good, Mom even gets booed off the stage before I do.

In the morning when I woke up Uncle Shawn read me a book about a dog and a cat (fox and the hound). I kept barking every time I saw the dog.

After our book was done Uncle Shawn took me outside to show some of his toys. His dirt bike looked cool, but I was a little hesitant to sit on it since Pa has the "four wheel" rule. Uncle Shawn assured me that we would be safe and Pa wouldn't mind if I sat on it for a little while.

My favorite toy that Uncle Shawn had was the bow that he uses for hunting. It was bigger than I am, but boy did it look like a lot of fun. Uncle Shawn shot it in the back yard and showed me how to do it. Dad helped me give it a try, but as you can see I need to work on my arm hock so that one day I will be strong enough to use it.


Before Uncle Shawn left for Minnesota the family took a trip to the bowling alley for some good old fashioned FUN! Dad and I spent some time in the arcade and I got to play a game of Big Buck Hunter, it was awesome!

Since we were the only people in the bowling alley we had all the lanes to ourselves. It was lots of fun running up and down the lanes, although I REALLY wanted to run to the pins and knock them down!

Before we started the game I had to pick out my bowling ball. There were so many to choose from that I wanted to use them all.

Bowling was a little difficult for me, but I sure enjoyed playing in the gutter. Talk about a good-lookin' gutter ball.

I sure had fun hangin' out with and playing with my family.

Little did I know at the time this was only the beginning of my amazing time in Wisconsin. Tune in next week for more Frankwick Family Fun. Here is a preview...