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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
