Dancing the night away

We had a great time celebrating at Phyllis and Jim's anniversary party. The girls loved being on the dance floor!

Stockholm Inn

We went to the very swedish Stockholm Inn in Rockford for dinner and to see Shawn's cousin's band play. I had swedish meatballs and corn pudding - just like at Grandma and Grandpa Peterson's back when I was a kid.

Tractors and Cemetaries... only in Rockford

In Rockford, Phyllis and Jim gave us a "Bratt/Higgins historical tour" taking us to various spots where they grew up - family farms, one-room school houses, 1st apartment together and yes, even their future gravesite! The highlight of the day was a stop at the old Higgin's farm where Uncle Jimmy pulled up his tractor and gave everyone rides. Nic and Dylan were beside themselves!

Ella's Deli

On the way to Rockford, we stopped back in Madison and met a friend and old college roommate/French TA for lunch at the kiddie wonderland, Ella's Deli on E. Wash. After a rather chaotic lunch (sorry Andrew!) we enjoyed a ride on the merry-go-round in front of the restaurant.

Happy Birthday, Ellen!

Ellen had another birthday celebration along with her "twin" cousin Shannon - who is just 10 days younger. They had cake with plenty of candles and of course more presents. Can't believe it's been 6 years since we first met you, Ellen. Happy Birthday!

The Dells

We then moved onto Wisconsin Dells where we spent 4 nights with Shawn's entire family enjoying the Wilderness Waterpark Resort. We stayed in 3 adjoining townhouses, spending the days floating down the lazy river, jetting through waterslides and chasing the ducks that hung out in the pond at the park. We took turns making dinner for everyone each evening. It was a very fun family reunion and wonderful to be all together!

Water Park Fun!

Although Ellen never made it down a slide and Anais, Nic and Dylan only managed one short, forced ride down a kiddie water slide on our laps, the kids had the time of their lives. Thanks Papa and Ghio for bringing us all together!!!