PNW Trip Day 2 {Wisconsin}

With the time change, the girls were up bright and early! We left the KOA earlier than expected, which was a blessing because it allowed us to reach our destination before the storm hit.  We drove north to Madison, Wisconsin (a new state for the girls!). Our first stop was the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We explored around the Memorial Union Terrace and prayed the girls didn't fall in Lake Mendota while watching the ducks. 😄 We planned to eat lunch on the famous green, yellow, and orange sunburst chairs, but the storm rolled in about that time. It was really cool to watch the storm over the lake, while staying dry inside with our pizza! 

Somehow I think this girl grew an inch and a half when she was away at camp last week! We sure our glad to have our Bray Bray back!

My mini-me isn't so mini anymore!

Brielle was in a posing mood.

 A few minutes later, the storm rolled in.

Our first time eating at Strada, a made-to-order brick oven pizza place. 

Memorial Union at University of Wisconsin-Madison

One of the most frequent questions we get about RVing is "Where do you park?"
Dora finds parking along the street often or we look on Google Maps for larger, more open parking lots like at malls. We purposefully chose an RV that's not longer than 30 ft so that we can find parking easily. So far, it’s never been an issue. 

On our travels, we have gone in several State Capitol buildings but Wisconsin's was definitely the most beautiful so far!

#everybodyneedsabraylee

The hour tour was made easier by 2 sleeping babies. ☺️

We sat in the Governor's conference room, the State Supreme Court, and the Senate & House chambers.

Walking around the dome on top of the building.

Headed to Wisconsin Dells.

Alex was going to take the big girls ziplining, but the storm changed our plans.
We went out for dinner & a movie instead.

Juan's 1st movie!

When the movie ended, Beilyn announced, "Well, that was good!" 😄
And that's how we felt about the day too!

PNW Trip Day 1 {Illinois}

We've been counting down the days for this next big RV adventure!  Today was Day 1 of our Northern Midwest/Pacific Northwest trip as we continue our "See All 50 States with Our Girls" challenge. Today didn't count as a new state, but it sure was a great way to start the trip!

Braylee arrived home late last night from Bible Memory Camp. A few loads of laundry done, repacked, and we were on our way at 8:25 this morning, 5 minutes ahead of schedule. 😊

Sometimes traveling with kids is really sweet.

And sometimes you have to pull off on the side of the road to discipline the 2 yr old. 😄😜

Lunch on the road

Our first stop was Springfield, Illinois ~ Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Alex loved every second of this day. Lincoln is one of his favorite people of all time. ❤️

We walked past the courthouse where Lincoln use to try cases. 

And stopped in front of his old law office.

Of course, the girls' favorite stop on our walk through town was at the cookie dough & ice cream place!

When I read with these two at night, one of their favorite pages in a book about colors has lots of rainbow objects on it, including two rainbow lollipops shaped like the ones above. Bria always says, "This one is for me and BellaMei can have that one!" So when I saw these lollipops in the shop, I had to get them for my girls! 

Walking through the historic district to Lincoln's house.

We toured Lincoln's house, where he lived for the 17 years preceding the White House.  When we commented on how tiny the furniture was, the guide stated the average heights during that time were 4'11" for women and 5'6" for men, which makes it more obvious why Lincoln's 6'4" frame stood out so much.

Then we went to Oak Ridge Cemetery where Lincoln and his family is buried.

One of our goals on this quest of all 50 States with the girls is to find unique places to eat.
This little diner did not disappoint!

Soaking in the yumminess of her Marshmallow milkshake. 😁

We arrived at our first KOA of the trip around 8pm.

And this little stinker decided she was getting a bath in the tiny tub too. 😄