Brrr... it's cold up here!

So, we made it, at least one direction anyway! We left Thursday at lunchtime with the plan of making it all the way to Cincinnati. The kids napped about 45 minutes (as compared to their normal 2-3 hours), and Todd started feeling sick about 1 hour into the mountains. We tried everything - me driving, him driving, him puking over the guard rail on the side of a mountain, etc. - nothing helped. We ended up stopping in Charleston, WV for the night. After the kids were fed, I put them (and Todd) to bed and went to go find some dinner and kill some time around Charleston by myself. It was snowing like crazy for about an hour. Being the southerner that I am, I was mesmerized by all of the white stuff :)

We all woke up bright and early on Friday morning, and Todd felt fine, so off we went! We made it to Cincinnati around lunchtime, and stopped in at the Foley's for lunch (thanks, Shellie!!) Finally, after threatening to leave Kate on the side of the road MULTIPLE times, we made it to Rockford about 7:30pm. There were some various adult beverages waiting for us - thank goodness!

Saturday, we loaded the kids into Grandma & Grandpa's car and we drove 2 cars up to Milwaukee for a quick visit with the Mularski family, a big shopping spree at the Golden Eagle, mass at Gesu, and quick dinner downtown. Grandma and Grandpa took the kids back to Rockford, and Todd and I stayed downtown to make full use of Brian and Michelle's tickets - on the floor, at center court, for a big rivalry game. SWEET!

Sunday, we drove east to meet up with Todd's grandfather, aunt, uncle, and cousins for brunch. It was delicious! Even Kate thoroughly enjoyed the pancakes. After brunch, Todd and his dad took the kids back to Rockford and his mom and I went outlet shopping :) Did you know that Banana Republic has the ENTIRE store 40% off??!! It made my day.

Today, we woke up to LOTS of snow - ok, maybe not lots, but again, I am from the south and any snow seems like "a lot" to me. It was almost completely gone by this afternoon, but looked nice while it lasted. We did more shopping today while the kids napped, and I'm sure we'll do more as the week goes on. We still have visits with the Beard family, the Molina family, the Hobbs family, a trip to the apple orchard, and Todd's 15 year reunion all planned for the next several days. Whew! Can I put in for a vacation from my vacation???



Brett & Kate found all of the old matchbox cars - can you say HEAVEN?!



Grandpa & Kate are composing a masterpiece on the Cookie Monster piano



Is that Brett under there??



The view from our FANTASTIC seats at the MU vs. UWM game



Rock star Kate & Grandma at the Golden Eagle



Visit with the Mularski's, minus Maddie - Brett, Annie, kate, Tyler, Mitch, & Jake