Wisconsin 2019

Joseph's lockout at work kept going and going and going. I had to cancel my solo trip to Utah/Idaho because of it. I was sad about that as I've been counting down the months to it since last year. So instead, I decided to take the kids to Wisconsin. Not quite the same but it allowed us to get away for a week and see family. We hadn't planned on visiting this year but I couldn't fathom not seeing everyone for another year. Joseph's lockout actually ended a few days before we left but he stayed home to catch up on work and house projects.

We flew out bright and early on June 15th. Our flight was at 8:30 so we left about 5:45am. The kids did great waking up early and Gemma napped on the plane for some of it. We landed in Minneapolis and spent lunch and the afternoon there. We visited the Mall of America and went to the aquarium there. The kids loved it but we were feeling the effects of travel. We drove to my parent's home that afternoon, which is about three hours away.

Sunday was church day for us. I always enjoy visiting the Wausau ward and seeing all the familiar faces from over the years. We hung out that afternoon at home with my sister coming to visit for the day.

Monday was the only day my mom worked so I took the kids to the splashpad in town. It was much too cold for them so we rode the little train at the park instead.

Tuesday we ventured out to Rib Mountain State Park and hiked/climbed some rocks.

On Wednesday, we went up north to Jim Peck's Wildlife Park. We love visiting here and this year was no different. The kids had a blast. I anticipated Gemma being terrified of the animals all around her but she loved it. She fed all that she could and even ate some of the goat food too.

Thursday was a quieter day in Wausau and we visited the cool rocket park by the airport. Always a favorite of Tanner's.

Friday, we hung around the house and got ready for a family dinner that night. We had a delicious BBQ and s'mores.

Saturday was busy with sanding the front deck at my parent's home. After all the hard work, we went out for pizza at Sam's Pizza and played some arcade games.

Sunday was our last full day in town. We went to church again and hung out with my sister. My mom, dad, and Ashton went to a Frozen play in town that my cousin's daughter was in.

Monday was travel day again. We didn't fly out of MSP until 8pm so it made for a long night. We got home about 12:30am. The kids were up and at it at 7:30am that morning ready to get back to Texas life.

Gemma is 15 months

Weight: 23 lbs
Height: 30 inches tall. Continues to be the shortest among the three kids.

About 70-75th percentile for height and weight.

Comparatively, Ashton was 23 pounds and 32 inches at 15 months. Tanner was 27 lbs and 32 inches tall at 15 months.

Typical Schedule:
Wake up between 7 and 8. Closer to 8am and the more likely she is to make it with one nap that day.
Breakfast is milk with some strawberries and a piece of bread. She eats it plain and it's easy.

We spend the morning out and about. Gemma went to one nap a day at the beginning of summer so Tanner and her overlap every day. She almost always falls asleep in the van around 11:30 if we're out but then still naps later in the afternoon.

She naps from about 1-3ish. She still isn't quite there with marathon naps like Tanner but I'm hopeful she gets there soon-ish.

Bedtime is between 7:30 and 8:30pm depending on nap length

Vocabulary: Cat, cracker, dog, Dada, Mama, Papa, and then signs more and all done. Gemma understands a ton so I'm not worried.

Movement: Tanner was a mover and Gemma is a little slower comparatively. I am enjoying the break. Gemma prefers to stay close and doesn't wander. She is also a little more hesitant so chooses safer options. She does go up and down stairs very well except for when she fell down some stairs in Wisconsin. She's been walking for several months now.

Favorite food: spaghetti, pizza, strawberries, milk, and popcorn. Gemma knows where the popcorn bowl is and will bring it to you when she wants popcorn, which is several times a day.

Likes: Playing outside in the water table, milk/straw cups, reading books, playing chase with Tanner and Ashton.

Dislikes: Water/swimming. She loves baths with a little bit of water in the tub but has not enjoyed swimming or splashpads. It is making for a long summer. She loves puddles but just not spraying water. She also dislikes it when a sibling has a toy she wants. Also not a fan of long car rides. We'll see how that fares for us this summer with our trip out east.

Gemma is slowly getting out of the stranger danger stage. She lasts over an hour at the YMCA now so that is a wonderful relief. She actually did great for a babysitter we had a few weeks ago. In Wisconsin, she was quick to warm up to family and did well. I feel the end is in sight very soon!