It's been a long time since we've been back to Wisconsin, so for a little summer getaway, I decided to take the girls back to the Mad City.  I lived there for nearly 8 years so I've still got alot of friends there and of course all Amy's family is there.  It's important for the girls to have a relationship with that family despite how things have ended between Amy and I.  So...the girls and I packed up the car, and headed out for a 4-day weekend.

We started off by spending the day on Friday with my good friend Shelly and her family in Columbus.  We went to the aquatic center and then had a great evening playing games and catching up.  She was nice enough to let us stay at her house that night, albeit I had to sleep in the all pink room.  On Saturday, we made our way to Black Earth, home of Pete & Carol Wakeman and The Shoebox.  You can't go to Black Earth without stopping at The Shoebox and getting some new kicks from Steve Schmidt.  Along with Pete, Carol, and Stacey & her kids, I took the girls to the splash park in Middleton...that was a hoot.  That night, Rhyen & Dylen hung out with Grandpa & Grandma while Stu and I went into Madison for some fun at Branch Street Retreat where we ended up meeting Ron Dayne...yes THE Ron Dayne.  We also played alot of pool and Stu got enormously drunk.

On Sunday, all of the Wakeman family came to Black Earth where we had a BBQ and just enjoyed time catching up.  All of the cousins were there (except for Griffin) so it was really good for them to be together.  That afternoon, the girls and I packed up and made our way into Madison to join up with old friends at church.  We got to stay with Matt & Marcy Meyers, but went out to dinner with the Vanderweilens and the Balgords as well. 

On Monday morning, we met Stephanie for breakfast at McDonalds, then headed to Milwaukee.  We had a visit with Great Grandpa & Grandma Wakeman, then moved onto to Vernon Hills, IL to have lunch with my old friend Tasha.  After that we spent 6 hours on the road back to home base.  We were all tired but it was well worth it...can't wait to go back!