Almost Wordless Wednesday- our vacation to northern WI

So I wish that I could say that we had a fantastic vacation in northern WI (specifically Rhinelander, WI) with our friends and their kids. My pregnant friend didn't even bother me too much (I did have to put her in place a couple times- for instance when she complained about not being able to drink with us). It was mainly the weather- cold and rainy- and the fact that there simply wasn't that much to do in the area with bad weather.

The other couples had 3 kids that are 4 years old a one 6 year old so the adults could hang out upstairs and only head downstairs (where we put most of the toys for the kids) to break up fights/see why kids were crying. With a toddler, CP and I couldn't really leave Izzy alone with the Legos because she still puts things in her mouth occasionally so we were up and down the stairs constantly, in and out of conversations. Plus the big kids mainly saw Izzy as an obstacle to get around instead of trying to play with her. Poor Izzy. 

Anyway, we did make some fun memories in the week that we were there and it was better than being at work.....but we are actively trying to plan a vacation for this winter (somewhere warm) to make up for this one.

Until then, some pictures!

We plied Izzy with chocolate Munchkins on the 5+ hour ride up to the house. She very much enjoyed them.

There is a bear in the house! And a fish!

Izzy decided not to nap the entire drive up so instead she fell asleep on the short boat ride we took once everyone arrived at the house. We really only used the boat two days because of the weather which is too bad because we rented it for the week! :-( We were able to see a few bald eagles and loon out on the water.

One of the first rainy days we drove out to the Lumberjack Steam Train where we rode the train and explored the "camp" a bit. They had an old train where Izzy practiced "driving."

The camp also featured a petting zoo with donkeys, cows, goats, ducks, bunnies, and cats. Izzy was in heaven and this calf was super cute.

He licked my hand mom!

The next rainy day we went bowling. Izzy fell in love with her Mickey Mouse ball and even scored an 88 beating the 3 four-year olds! Her first time bowling was quite a hit.

Izzy learned about the deliciousness of s'mores while managing to get marshmallow on her face and in her hair.

We spent half a day in the nearby town of Minoqua which had some cute shops downtown and brewery where we ate lunch. Izzy became obsessed with this stuffed monkey at one of the shops.

Nearby was Holiday Acres, which had pony rides. We figured Izzy would just walk around in a circle in a ring, but no.....they handed the reins to CP and we were off with Butterscotch for a walk in the woods! Izzy wasn't too happy when we left as she wanted another ride on Butterscotch.

Finally, a short video where Izzy plays with her favorite toy from the week. This $12 toy from Amazon kept all of the kids amused for at least an hour!

Next time we are headed somewhere with more to do in case the weather decides to rain on us for most of the vacation!