Last Wisconsin Adventure
God-roomie / God mom and Drew four wheeling around!
After our adventure to Missouri, we road tripped back up to my stomping grounds in Wisconsin! At 30 weeks pregnant, you can bet I was wearing my compression socks and had my feet up. I was also trying to study up on old med school material since I was going to be heading back to the wards in a few weeks, after four years of doing full time research. I had some major catching up to do, so I was trying to work my multitasking mom skills.
Fishing with the little guy… he loved to wind, but didn’t like when mom had to cast!
Once we rolled into my parents place, we waited for Lovis to arrive after a long and delayed itinerary from Pittsburgh. Lovis, our amazing au pair, was going to join us to experience the joys of Wisconsin and Michigan! Well, of course they canceled her flight from Chicago, and rerouted her to Green Bay (instead of Appleton) and lost her luggage along the way. It was a loooong day in the airport for Lovis. The next morning, Lyssa came over (my right hand gal) we packed up and drove up to Houghton to spend some time at Lake Eva! I was so excited to be able to run up for a few days of Lake Eva summer time. It is seriously one of the best places on earth, in my book.
The dream team! Curly and Drew busting into the skeeto in the background.. me, Lyssa and the new kid visiting in style in our GB and Michigan Tech gear!
Up at Lake Eva we did some four wheeling, boating, fishing, and of course a little swimming! The water was a brisk Michigan temperature, but it was refreshing for both mind and spirit to float in the cool lake water. In the evenings we watched some old romantic comedies that were stored away at the cabin from the mid-90s. During the daytime we hit up a few of our favorite spots. We shopped around main street houghton at the hardware store, the surplus shop and the new antique and coffee store that I love so much. I got Drew the next size up winter boots, in hopes that he can wear them in some of that fluffy Michigan snow this year!
Early morning boat rides and coffee! I just love this time of year! We have a new driver too!
We also ventured up to Calumet to check out the copper store and roam the streets of what could have been Michigan's capital! Last on our favorite local stops was of course the Mosquito! We stopped in to grab some cheese curds and introduce Lovis to the local cuisine of the curd. It did not disappoint. The four wheelers were a blast and we splashed through the puddles! We had an amazing time taking in all the fresh air.
Checking out the farm! Looking good after chores!
After touring the UP - we drove back to Green Bay and took in the local sites. Lovis was able to see the Green Bay stadium and Drew ran around Lambeau, which makes a mom proud. We also made sure to see the VanDeHei farm and give Drew a up close view to the calves and dairy cows. We missed chores, or as the Erwins say "choring", but soon Drew will be old enough to hook up that milker! He loved the cows and enjoyed the tractors too, but wasn't so sure about getting sand in his crocs... haha, country boy fail!
Standing in front of tomorrow’s milkers! Good morning ladies! The three amigos!
While in Wisconsin we visited family and grandparents. We stopped in to see Grandpa VB and took Grandma Marsh out for her birthday at the Petticoat Junction. My dear cousins were kind enough to throw a BBQ so we could all get together and let the kids run free in the backyard. Drew man loves hanging out with his cousin, and it was a blast to see them squeal with delight while dunking the ball in the basketball hoop! So much fun. Thanks again to Andrea for hosting and letting us mess her kitchen with food and good company! I hope we can continue to get back so they grow even closer with age!
Out for lunch in Seymour with Great Grandma Marsh!
The week went fast, and we closed the week by joining Ben and Jen at their wedding!! Luckily I remembered to bring some sort of maternity wedding apparel. It was a close call, but I pulled something together out of my suitcase. It was a treat to see so many of Joel's friends all in one spot and to catch up with everyone, and truly an honor to be included as a part of their special day and wedding celebration. I loved seeing Ben so happy! Listening to him "repeat" his vows was so Ben, and absolutely made the day! Dinner and dancing were fantastic! All 31 weeks of my little man and I were out on the dance floor! It was a wonderful night. We are so blessed that Joel was and is so loved by such amazing people. We couldn't ask for better friends.
The next day I was back to Pittsburgh and gearing up for the MD/PhD retreat and getting ready to start medical school! What a fun summer - the last summer before re-entering my clinical training in medical school. I was not looking forward to seeing this chapter of my MD/PhD training come to a close. However, celebrating with a few days at Lake Eva and a few days in Green Bay surrounded by family and friends was just the energy I needed to start a bittersweet new chapter! Thank you for being a part of my journey - now it's off to the land of clinical medicine!
Our vacation comes to a close, back to Pittsburgh! Posing in front of the selfie wall in Appleton Airport! Twinning!