Family Trip

The Dutchin Family has now had their first travel adventure as a family of three. Two weeks ago we left for our 11 day trip to the Midwest to see Winston's family and friends in Wisconsin and my extended family in Minnesota. I made my list of things to pack - a new experience traveling with a 10-month old - and we planned out our things to do, places to go, and people to see. This was a special trip for us for a few reasons. The first being, of course, to show Luke off and have him meet so many people we love. Also, I have only been to Wisconsin 2 times, both for long weekends over 7 years ago for weddings, and Winston has never been to Minnesota with me. It was wonderful for us to be able to take each other to places and events that are special to us.

I'll highlight the trip with a few pictures - many more are on facebook:

Luke's first airplane rideMeeting Grandpa Winston for the first timeOur friend, Mike, arrives from California to go to Summerfest and we get to GO OUT while Grandma Judy babysits!Hanging with Daddy's friends' kids at the zooI finally get to Summerfest after hearing about it for 8 1/2 years!Tailgating and going to a Brewer game...Luke enjoyed the game with Grandma Judy.We head to Minnesota with a stopover in Stillwater to stay with Brenda and family. Luke meets some second cousins. We made it Lake Ida where Luke met his Great-Grandma LaVerne and Great-Aunt Vicki.

Grandma and Vicki surprised us with Christmas in the Summer! We: Winston, Luke, Mom, Dad, (who were also visiting) and I got our Christmas and Birthday presents because we never get to spend these special days with our Midwest family.

A wonderful day of sun and water was spent with the Wilsons at Eagle Lake. Luke meets Great-Grandma Hazel and more second cousins.

First dip in a cold lake. A fun evening at the farm - Luke saw real cows and Winston got his first ride on a 4-wheeler.Back at Lake Ida, Luke loved looking out the window of the door and yelling to anyone who was out there! (this one is a video)

It was a great trip that we hope to do many more times in the future. Luke was a great traveler; both on the airplane and the 9 hour drive from the lake back to Milwaukee. Thank you to everyone who spent time with us, fed us, and housed us...we loved every minute of our time with all of you!

Next stop: Washington!!