WI - Hanging Out

The rest of our time in WI went by very quickly with some family visits, relaxing, and fun outings.

 Playing dress up!

There's no such thing as too much ice cream =)

Out for a stroll

Hanging out at the library

Cora working on her standing!

WI - 4th of July

The next stop for us was Wisconsin to visit my parents and family. We spent almost two weeks there. So, I'll break up the WI summary a bit =)

4th of July was our first big Wisconsin event. We went to a parade in the morning an the pool in the afternoon. I don't think it's possible to fit any more toddler-fun into one day!

Trying out cousin Jack's new wagon

Jack and Cora enjoying the parade

Collecting candy along the parade route

Illinois

After our relaxing stay in Indiana we made a quick drive over to my maternal-grandmother's home in Illinois. Great-grandma Case was ready to receive the girls with a very special treat; making ice cream!

Cream, sugar, strawberries and voila! Ice cream =)

It's best on a cone!

One morning we took a drive over to Exploration Station, a children's museum not far away. Cora got to crawl around to her heart's content and Noelle explored everything from grocery shopping to fossil digging. The highlight for both girls seemed to be the simplest exhibit; a little jeep that they could sit in together and 'drive'. Cora was so upset when I finally took her out!

Riding together

Another high-point for Noelle was a walk along the Kankakee River. Man, that child loves throwing rocks into the water!

Sunset walk

Indiana

Our great road trip started out with Indiana, where my father is from. After our first long drive we stopped in Fort Wayne, IN. Before hitting the road again, we stretched our legs at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo. It is a no-frills, small, but clean and pretty zoo; perfect for little kiddos.

First monkey sighting!

Very excited for her first boat ride

Cora enjoying her ride

Peacock scare!

Once everyone was tired and fed, we packed into the car for the rest of the drive to my grandparents house. We spent a couple of lovely days relaxing with them and my Aunts/Uncle. It was so nice to just hang out and catch up!

Hitching a ride

Mmmm, Great-Grandma's beef/vegetable stew

More treats!

Where we've been

We've been MIA from the blog because we've been all over the map, literally =)

Great road trip of 2013

After a grand total of ~31 hours driving, 5 locations with family, 2 zoo visits, and tons of ice cream later we're back home. Normally, I wouldn't consider a trip like this epic (I love road trips) but something makes this one very different from previous trips; The girls and I did it alone - and they did awesome!

I'm completely relieved and very surprised that our trip together went so well! Many pictures summarizing our adventure will follow. Right now, we're still sleeping late!