Family Vacation to Wisconsin

For the fourth of July weekend we drove up to Greenfield (Milwaukee) Wisconsin to visit my Aunt Judy, Uncle Bill, and my cousins Chris & Laura. On our way up we stopped at Best Western in Black River Falls, where we walked around the historic downtown, sat by the water and swam. We got the big pool and hot tub all to ourselves! The moose Matt is posing next to in the picture is their mascot, and is everywhere in and around the hotel. I believe it has something to do with their brand of beer.

The next day we drove the rest of the way to Greenfield and spent the night unpacking and relaxing. Saturday Judy and Bill took us to the Milwaukee Natural History Museum, which was very cool. Matt was especially interested because he loves learning about history. We saw exhibits from Europe, South America and North America. We even saw a cool little town that was called "The Streets of Milwaukee" and featured actual stores and brands that exist or existed in Milwaukee years ago. My favorite exhibit was a representation of a Native American grave site. There were real mummies! I also loved the dinasour bones. Matt really liked all of the snakes and historical animal exhibits. Bri loved the butterfly house, where butterflies of all shapes and sizes flew around our heads. She wasnt scared at all!

Sunday night Judy and Bill watched Bri so Matt and I could get out for a date. We decided to go to the Cheesecake Factory, where we had never been and tried a piece of Snicker cheesecake. Afterwards we drove to the mall where we attempted to walk it off :-)

Sunday we took a trip to the Milwaukee Zoo, which was so cool! I love Como Zoo, but this place was a zillion times better. They had elephants and kangaroos and rhinos and jellyfish. There was so much to see and lots of great paths for walking. Bri and I even got to go on a camel ride! We enjoyed a nice picnic lunch and even got to go on a train ride. Bri got to see tons of animals she had never seen before and especially liked the gorillas. She kept pointing at them and looking up at us.

Finally it was time to leave. All dressed up in our Independence Day gear, we hit the road. On the way home we stopped at the Tanger outlet mall in Wisconsin Dells, which was great. We also had to stop for some cheese and beef jerky at a tourist trap (of course!) The trip went too fast, but I can't wait for our next adventure!

Love,

Catherine (& Matt & Bri)