Wisconsin Dells!

Ian, Rowan and I spent two fun nights in Wisconsin Dells this week. We met my good friend/college roommate, Toni and her almost 2 year old daughter, Tia and the Polynesian Hotel.It was a lot of fun, despite the unpredictable weather! At first I wasn't sure if we would be able to go because of threats of storms and tornados. We got up early in the morning and got on the road Wednesday, and managed to beat the bad weather. Ian got a little time in the outdoor water park when we arrived, but not much! The rain started and we were forced inside. Luckily, the indoor park was a nice one also. There were flash flood and tornado warnings all over the state. Toni and I finally had to turn off

the weather radio I brought because it kept buzzing on, over and over, the whole time we were in the room. Due to all the flooding parts of 94 were closed today, but not from the Dells to the Twin Cities, so I was able to make it out. Toni was not so lucky and was going to have to take other roads back to her house near Lake Geneva.

We had a good time, though, and it was fun to spend time with friends.

We went to look at what used to be Lake Delton. I'm sure you saw this on the news, the lake drained and is no longer there. It is a very strange sight. In this picture I took you can see the big mud field that used to be the lake, and what is left of the house they showed washing away on the news.

Rowan, Ian and Tia enjoying vacation:

Weekend in Iowa

We went a bit out of our way to visit the town of Rowan, Iowa and get this picture!

FIRSTS FOR ROWAN THIS WEEKEND:

• First time leaving MN
• First time staying in a hotel
• First time meeting Iowa relatives
• First time visiting a town with the same name as him
• First time in a swimming pool

Our weekend trip to Iowa was fun and busy. It started with a little mishap...we had miscommunication with the kennel that was going to board Cleo for the weekend. To make a long story short, we ended up bringing her along. The hotel luckily allowed pets, even large ones. The problem was our blazer does not fit a goldendoodle, a car seat, and an 11 year old comfortably. We were able to get ahold of Aunt Jill and Uncle Brian, and they agreed that Ian could ride with them to the hotel.

Cleo didn't seem too excited to be back in the

state of her birth, but loved that she got an extra long car ride. She also was excited to have free roam around our hotel room, sleeping on the soft carpet instead of in her kennel like at home.

We had a good time visiting relatives, Rowan got to meet a whole new side of the family.

At the hotel, Rowan went for a swim, but was only in about 5 minutes before his feet and hands turned purple and we had to get him out!

Grandpa Dave, Rowan and Ian swimming

Brothers hang out in the hotel

Cleo and Rowan enjoy their first stay in a hotel

Aunt Jill Rocks Rowan to sleep

Itasca State Park

Over Memorial Day Weekend, Rowan and his family took a camping trip to Itasca State Park. It was, of course, Rowan's first time camping (It had also been a very long time since his mom had camped!) Rowan waited in his stroller with his mom while Ian and Daddy walked across the Mississippi headwaters. Meals were cooked by Daddy in his new dutch oven and by Ian, using the camping cookstove.

Our campsite was not on the lake as originally planned, Mom made a mistake with the reservation and set it for June 24-26. Luckily they had a spot open for us!

Rowan and Ian spent some time hanging out in the tent.

When everyone was busy with camping duties, Rowan enjoyed watching from his own sunblocker tent!