SIX states…

TWO weeks…

TWO parents…

TWO teenagers…

And loaded down Volkswagon Altlas.

It’s going to be fantastic or you’re going to see us on the news.

Oh Lawd, here we go!!!

We packed our bags, loaded the car and sent at least 5 videos to Sarah about the garden, the chickens, the cats, and the pool. But last year, Sarah and KT cleaned rotten meat from a broken freezer, so gardens and chickens are no match for them.

We headed out of Greensboro, bound for Chicago, and I know the boys were so thankful that I had my camera ready to go.

Checked in, bags checked, and Starbucks in hand, we are ready to board.

Thanks Enterprise! We are ready to hit the road…

State number 27, Illinois – Check!

We gained an hour of time when we arrived in Chicago, and these boys were starving by 1pm Central Time. We found the town of Libertyville, Illinois online, and oh my word, it was like stepping into a Hallmark movie. The town was so perfect – it looked fake.

We had lunch at the Picnic Basket. It was a little pricey for lunch but WOW- Some of the best sandwiches we’ve ever eaten!

And yes, the best sign too.

We’ve been using a great website for random sites along our journey (“or perhaps you don’t want to see the world’s largest ball of twine which is only 4 short hours away“) http://www.RoadsideAttractions.com Pick your state and/or city and tahdah!

State number 28 – Wisconsin… check!

As we meandered along, we decided to head into Milwaukee. The boys were excited to see the Forum, home to the Milwaukee Bucks

The riverwalk through town and the old architecture were lovely, and the drawbridge that went straight up was pretty cool. However, thanks to Roadside Attractions, we knew we wanted to find the ladybugs on the building and Gertie the Duck. Gertie was a mallard duck who laid nine eggs on top of the pile-on on the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge in April of 1945. She refused to move despite storms, fires and crowds of people who came to the see her. Ultimately, Gertie and 5 babies waddled on from the Wisconsin Avenue Bridge, and the Bronze statute of Gertie still marks her spot. There’s also a statue for a lady named Debra who did lot for Milwaukee, but Gertie is way more famous.

Someone however couldn’t understand why we didn’t want to just spend time looking at shoes in Footlocker

Next stop Sheboygan, Wisconsin… I kept thinking I had heard the name Sheboygan before, and I thought and thought… I knew it was from a movie and then it it me! The Polka King from Home Alone – they were huge in Sheboygan Ha ha ha

Sheboygan is now home to a Walmart Supercenter – Mom’s Cafe has got to stock up for the trip, AND it is home to America’s Tallest Flagpole… and when will we ever be here again… new cooler – check. North America’s largest flagpole – a big ol’ check!

And it even had plaques!

Continuing on toward Green Bay, we stopped by the town of Manitowoc, Wisconsin to see the site where on September 6, 1962 a 20 pound hunk of metal fell to the earth and landed in this spot. The metal was ultimately identified as the only remaining piece of Sputnik IV, and now we’ve seen right where it landing. Living history – checking

Before we left, Leo wanted a picture with the Manitowoc Art Museum because he said it looks like the house from Stranger Things. And when a 13 year old wants a picture with his mom, you always say YES… even if you haven’t seen the show and even if you have no idea what house he is talking about.

We left Manitowoc, and headed on to Green Bay. Wisconsin is really beautiful…

We checked into our hotel for the night – hello Holiday Inn Express – took a mini power nap and then headed out for dinner. We decided to try a local place, The Rite Place. It has been open since since 1977, and after eating here, we know why. The food was delicious! We all shared a cup of their famous Chicken Booyah (think vegetable beef except substitute chicken for beef).

I’m no longer calling my soup soup. From now on, it’s all Booyah. Tomato Booyah, chicken noodle Booyah, vegetable beef Booyah. The Booyah makes it better 😉

Mike and I both had their broasted chicken. Wow! Lightly Fried chicken with perfect crust and still juicy… it was so delicious, there are no pictures because we gobbled it up as soon as it hit the table. So so good!

The boys spent an hour in the gym working off their bacon cheeseburger and ultimate nachos before bed. I chaperoned… wonder if that burned off any calories?

Tomorrow, we tour the famous Lambeau Field and a little more of Green Bay. Hopefully, I can talk my guys into a visit to see a 50-ft tall Super Bowl trophy, or the world’s largest Hex Nut or the Shoe Tree on the University of Wisconsin at Green Bay campus.

Either way, Day 1 has been pretty great