Wisconsin

Short summary of our trip: Ashton loved it. It was cold.

Long summary of our trip:

Ashton did great on the flights up to Wisconsin. Best flights ever! She took about two minutes to warm up to Grandma and Grandpa. She loves them so much and would become very sad when they left for work most mornings.

Ashton quickly learned that to delay bedtime, all she had to do was ask Papa to read to her.

While we were there, my grandma (Ashton's great-grandma) fell and ended up in the hospital and rehab. We were happy to be there to help out and visit often. Ashton loved Great-Grandma so much.

We went to the local art museum on their toddler day. Ashton enjoyed painting and doing crafts. I think it was a little too much activity for her as she just wandered around for a lot of it.

The crown she made

Painting at the museum. She refused to wear the art smock they had.

Blurry but she was excited to wear her crown.

I got a short term YMCA membership so I could drop Ashton off at their drop-in daycare and work out. We do the same thing back home and I love that time. Ashton warmed up pretty quickly to the staff and enjoyed going. I did laugh every time I picked her up as she was always playing with a toy that we have at home. That girl knows what she loves.

Ashton continued to build her friendship with Molly, the Dog. She learned how to feed Molly any of her own snacks. She especially liked following Molly around and trying to give her hugs.

They would sit together and look for squirrels.

Looking at the deer in the backyard.

My sister came to visit both weekends, which was very nice of her! Ashton quickly attached herself to Trescha. I'm pretty sure Ashton loves her more than me. Trescha had a lot of energy for Ashton and Ashton just took it all.

Playing with "makeup"

Ashton was thoroughly spoiled throughout the trip. Because we couldn't play outside like we do at home, she got to watch a lot of "Daniel." She loved that. We only played in the snow once but any time we walked outside, Ashton would start yelling, "Snow, Snow!" She liked eating it too. And any time she let out a whimper indicating she was bored, she had every person jump up to entertain her. I'm happy she will have happy memories of Wisconsin as she gets older. 

Sorry it is upside down...

We went out to eat a lot. This was always hit or miss with Ashton. One night, she could be a perfect angel and the next day at lunch, be a complete nightmare. I think I convinced my cousin to never have kids as Ashton was a terror when we met up with her.

At one place, my sister decided to ask Ashton, "where is your head?"? Her hands were full of food. Her hair was so crusty and gross. Thanks Trescha!

Our flights back were okay. I think I was out of patience and energy to entertain a hyper, strong-willed 17 month old. Plus Ashton got a cold the last few days in Wisconsin so she was sick and tired. Our flight from Chicago to Houston boarded on time but then we left 1.5 hours after boarding. So by the time we were taking off, Ashton and I had played with all her toys. It was a long 2.5 hour flight. She didn't go to sleep until we got home around 10pm. But at least we were home with Dad.

We won't be back until late summer and I can't believe Ashton will be almost two by then! Yikes!