What day is it?

Ok so it is easy to lose track of the days! I think today is Monday. Great day today!

First we had a wonderful breakfast at the train Depot bed and breakfast 

 Next we went back to the lakeshore. The kids and mary played in the sand for a while. For those who don't know me, this thought still gives me anxiety. After we headed to Grand Rapids to visit my friend from elementary school, Andrew Bostwick. Hard to believe it has been nearly 30 years that I have known him. We don't talk often but certainly nice to see him again. We went to a baseball game and the whitecaps won! Good times. Then we came back to their cool farm. The kids had a blast. 

The evening campfire included entertainment from Andrews flaming juggling act. 

Chug chug choo choo

So I found out how much the room(s) cost last night; we left immediately following. Luckily it was time to go anyway. We headed to the museum of science and industry. We happen to get membership to science museums by being EAA members so it only cost $22 to park. It would have cost $130! Lots of fun things at the museum including a section on flight, weather, farming and lots more. 

After the museum we went to Indiana dunes national lakeshore. First we checked in at our room which is at an old railroad depot. We are staying upstairs. The railroad is still active so it is a bit noisy but we slept well. We also took in the sunset at the lake last night. 

The kids loved this place. It was a little sandy for me. The weather was great and the sunset was nice. 

Milwaukee

Our day started with gas and some pictures at the pink elephant 

Mary and I stopped here before we had kids on a similar trip many years ago. 

Next stop Historic Pabst Brewery. 

 Included is a complimentary beverage which is always a good way to start a tour. Lots of history but not much walking. The kids got a little bored but they were good. There was a small fee. 

Next on to the Miller Coors brewery. This one was free and lots of walking. Got to see much more and 3 free (small) samples at the end (of the 6 options 3 were leinies and coors was not an option?)

Then on to jelly belly!

 Of course this was a hit. Nate tricked me into eating "skunk spray". We left with a large bag full of deformed jelly beans. 

Finally we went to church and on to Chicago. Nice day! 

Our hotel in Chicago is huge! 2 bedrooms 2 bath and a kitchen, I don't want to ask how much I am paying for this!

2016

This year we are starting out a little different... No Super 8!  Judy will be our wheels on this trip. 

We hit the road at 8:07. With our first stop at the Fargo air museum (because really we have to have some aviation on this trip). 

Then on to Wisconsin where we stopped at one of those roadside cheese stores. Had a picnic dinner and of course bought some cheese. 

Then on to our hotel. Just outside of Madison, we put in about 12 hours of driving.