Vacation: Our trip around Wisconsin!

Last weekend we arrived home from a 10 day trip to Wisconsin and Minnesota...and the weather was so gorgeous and sunny that I didn't even unpack our bags until the sun was gone!  That meant that this past week was spent cleaning and doing laundry, getting caught up on mail and bills, visiting the doc {every two weeks now!} and getting back into the swing of things.

Today is the first day I even thought about getting out the camera to peek at some of our vacation pics.  I have to say, I didn't get the camera out as much as I should have...but sometimes I just don't feel like lugging that thing around!

Our first stop was Minneapolis.

As soon as we were off the plane and in our rental car {a minivan, which Matt loved...for real! ha!} we headed to Buffalo Wild Wings at The Mall of America to meet our good friends {Sam, Emilie and Delia} for dinner.  It was so nice catching up with them {Taylor and I haven't seen them since last summer}, but it was a quick visit and then we were in the car for our 5 hour drive to the other side of the state to spend the weekend at Matt's Dad and step-mom's house.  Matt was throwing a bachelor party at his dad's cabin for one of his best friends {he's the Best Man} who's wedding we are not able to attend since it's in Mexico and 3 weeks before baby's due. Boo. So, while the guys were doing their guy thing, Taylor and I spent the weekend at the zoo, shopping, relaxing, and eating ice cream 'til our tummies hurt. :)

The zoo that we went to was AWESOME!

It's called the DeYoung Zoo, and it's by far the most natural settings I've ever seen for animals in captivity.  It feels like you're walking through a forest, with animal exhibits around every corner.  They have the largest number of big cats in the West/MidWest and even have 3 white tigers, which are very rare!  Most of their animals are rescues and they literally spend 24/7 caring for these animals...the whole family works there and they live on the property.  If you've seen the movie We Bought A Zoo, it's the same idea.

Feeding the farm animals

Lots of big cats!

One of the coolest things to see were the animal carcasses scattered about in the enclosures.  I know that sounds kinda morbid, but I thought it was really neat that they actually gave them an entire half of a cow/deer/etc to dig into and chew on for a few days, instead of throwing them a few steaks everyday.

Takin' a break with Grandma Nettie 

One of the rare white tigers...really pretty! 

This little guy was my favorite.  He's a 2 year old chimpanzee. :)

He wore a diaper and a onesie and loved to give hugs and kisses!

He doesn't like kids...he gets jealous of the attention they get and will actually smack and hit them.

The trainer said that chimps his age are usually with their mothers 24/7 for another 2-3 years, so human interaction is crucial for his survival.  He needs constant attention and affection.

He can sense an animal lover and will literally come right up to you, put his hands around your neck and lay his head on your shoulder.♥

I was fascinated by him.

It really is amazing how human-like these chimps are.

Do you see the resemblance?! ;)

And here's Taylor, riding the "horse"...a very sweet 240lb Great Dane!

When she stood next to him, her head was just about even with his. :)

There were a ton more animals...everything from bobcats to bears to baboons.  They also have really cool wallaby and alligator enclosures, but they weren't out yet since the weather was still a bit chilly.  In fact, they told us that behind heated, closed doors they had more than double what we were seeing!  We'll definitely be going back again in the summer months to see all of the amazing creatures there!

*****

After a good, long weekend we headed 2 hours South to Matt's mom and step-dad's house where we spent the next 2 1/2 days visiting, playing and hangin' out.

Going for a little spin around the loop!

Taylor, Emily and Allie got into Grandma Julie's shoes and bags.. :)

I think this is Taylor's model face.

Hangin' out with Bumpa

*****

Then it was another 4 1/2 hour drive Northwest, where we stayed the next 2 days while Matt worked out of the office.  Taylor and I stayed in a hotel and played in the pool and hot tub; ventured out around the small town and found a nice little cafe for lunch, some shops to browse and a store for snacks and drinks in the room; and there was a really cool park right across the street!  We also, of course, hit up the DQ that was just a few blocks away. :)

*****

After that, it was back to the big city of Minneapolis and another visit to The Mall of America!  This time we had some time to spare, so Matt and Taylor got to go on all the rides at Nickelodeon Universe, and I got to do some shopping.  Not enough shopping, but a little. :)  We had a delicious dinner at Sam and Emilie's house, complete with BBQ'd ribs, baked beans, salad and corn bread, and then the boys went out for some drinks while all of us girls were falling asleep on the couch by 930pm...Emilie and I included! :)

*****

My parents picked us up at the airport the next afternoon and after treating us to The Olive Garden we were home and so happy to be going to sleep in our own beds!  Isn't that the best part of coming home...sleeping in the comfort of your own bed?!  I sure think so.

All in all, it was a pretty good trip.  I got a little uncomfortable being on the plane and in the car for so many hours, but I managed and was really glad we decided to fly instead of drive like we had originally planned!

We are, however, planning on driving back this summer with a 4 week old baby...I'm not sure if that makes us crazy or not, but I guess we'll see!  I just pray he's a good little traveller like Taylor has always been...