Goat!

Miles Traveled: 460 (Fairmont, Minnesota to Rapid City, South Dakota on Tuesday, May 28)

As we began our day I wasn't sure what to expect.  I really haven't been on a road trip of this caliber, ever.  However, once we got going and the plains of Minnesota and South Dakota sprawled out on either side of Interstate 90, I had a peace spread over me.  The scenery was gorgeous and my travel companions were top notch.

Adam has traveled this route before and he explained that once you crossed the Missouri River the terrain changed immensely.  With this tidbit of information I kept one eye on the mile markers as we approached the mighty river and the other eye on my latest level of Candy Crush.  The river seems to come out of no where.  As you are driving around a curve you see the river below and it looks as if you are going to drive straight into its depths.  And by the way, Adam was right, the country side on the west side of the Missouri River in South Dakota opened into more than the typical midwest view.  There were rolling hills, flat plains, and buttes in every direction.

Antelope in Custer State Park, South Dakota

At this point in our journey we began our Antelope counting game.  When one is spotted, usually in the plains, you yell, "Goat!"  I started the game off spotting three shortly after we crossed the river.  We are keeping track of how many we see as we drive.  At this point we are at 27.

I-90 is quite a stretch of highway.  And as you are driving west you start to notice an abundant amount of signs for Wall Drug.  Curiosity got the better of me, so I Googled this attraction to see what it was all about. This South Dakota landmark was founded in 1931 when a man and his wife opened a solitary drug store.  Business was poor and the owners decided to offer free water to passerbys in an attempt to attract some business.  Little did they know that they would eventually be the founders to a popular tourist attraction that does over 10 million in sales annually.

When the exit for Wall Drug neared we decided it was an opportune time to take a break and stretch our legs.  As we neared the parking facility we drove over a dip in the road.  As we moved forward Adam noticed that our rear storage rack had fallen off.  We quickly pulled over to assess the damage.  Thankfully nothing was damaged.  It seems that the pin used to hold the rack in place hadn't been installed properly and the rack just slipped out of the hitch on the van.  We were lucky that it didn't come lose on the highway where someone could have been injured.

With our cargo rack re-installed and our curiosity about Wall drug satiated we moved forward to Ellsworth Airforce Base, our home for the next two nights.  As we drove into the gates the sky couldn't decide if it would rain or shine and because of it's uncertainty Jack was able to spot a beautiful rainbow for us to enjoy.

I also had the pleasure to experience evening colors or the first time on an active military institution.  While waiting in the car for Adam to check us in, a bugle sounded over the loud speakers.  The airmen in our line of vision all stood at attention and honored the flag as the National Anthem began to play.  Jack and I joined in by placing our hands on our hearts, as well.  It was an inspiring moment, one that I am glad I was able to share with my son.

Somewhere in Minnesota

Miles Traveled: 524 (Algoma, Wisconsin to Fairmont, Minnesota)

If an award could be given to three children for having an awesome day of traveling, it would go to Jack, Nolan, and Claire.  We were on the road by 7:15 in the morning and the kids took the seven hours in the car like it was a trip to the grocery store.  We did have a little help from the DVD player, but I'll take it!


We arrived at our hotel with some time to spare before dinner, bed, and baths.  So, to the pool we went.  Jack perfected his dives and belly flop, Nolan showed no fear, and Claire was content to float around in the warm water.

The swimming wore all three out, especially Nolan, who was asleep before we even placed our orders at dinner.

What's That Smell?

Miles Traveled: 0 (Algoma, Wisconsin)

A big congratulations goes out to Adam's Aunt Cheryl and her new husband, Lauren.  It was so nice to have a visit with them while we were in Algoma.  The newly-weds came to see us at the condo, along with Cheryl's dad, Bernie.  Bernie got a lesson from Jack on the ins and outs of his Kindle.  I am not sure Bernie understood one thing Jack told him, but he was a good sport.












We were able to spend some time exploring Algoma on Sunday afternoon.  Our first stop was the pier and a walk to the lighthouse.  As we climbed out of the car, Jack wrinkled up his nose and said, "What's that smell?"


Adam's reply, "That's Algoma."




I have never been so nervous as a mother, as I was for that twenty minutes.  Poor Nolan's hand had to hurt from the grip I had on it.   I casually asked Adam if he thought that the city of Algoma should invest some money into installing a rail or two along the pier.  He laughed and pointed to where he used to ride his bike off the pier into the water.  I guess that was my answer.


 The town has a nice boardwalk with a sandy beach.  The kids wanted to pick up every rock they saw along the way.  At times, Nolan needed a hand moving forward.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent with Jeff and Teri.  This fine couple opened their home, tree farm, and hearts to Adam as he grew up.  Their son Josh, was Adam's best man at our wedding and is a part of many of the stories I have heard about Adam's formative years.  Jeff and Teri have a house and yard that suited our active boys perfectly.  Digging in the sandbox, riding bicycles, and even a foot race with Teri made the afternoon fly by.

Chicken Tetrazzini and a side of Krohn's Lake

Miles Traveled: 0 (Algoma, Wisconsin)

We joined Adam's Aunt Sissy and Uncle Bruce for a homemade lunch on Clark Street.  Aunt Sissy made one of Adam's favorite dishes from childhood, Chicken Tetrazzini.  It was comfort on a plate and we all enjoyed it. The recipe is archived in the family's cookbook, The Buchanon Street Cuisine.  I'll be sure to share it once we get settled.

I have to share what Sissy has overcome in the past few months.  At age seven, she was diagnosed with diabetes and had a lifetime of counting sugars and dealing with insulin, it became all she knew.  At the beginning of 2013 word came that two organs, a kidney and a pancreas, were available for Sissy.  Sissy is now living a life free from diabetes and adjusting to her new her new normal.  She looked fabulous and was in great spirits.  We took some great photos of Sissy and the kids but then realized I had left the memory card to the camera in the computer back at the condo.  Sissy let us use her camera for the shots and as soon as she emails them to us, I will add them.

Bruce is home from the hospital and has a great appetite.  Bruce was recently diagnosed with Guillan-Barre Syndrome coupled with Lymphoma.  All of our love and prayers go toward this strong couple.

After lunch we headed back to the condo for a little afternoon siesta.  While I ran to the grocery store and made a desert for our evening BBQ the kids and Adam relaxed.

Krohn's Lake was a large part of Adam's childhood.  He shared stories of endless days of swimming, hunting, fishing, and spending time with his Algoma family.  Nolan reminded us Grandpa George was with us in spirit after he picked a couple of tulips which Grandpa George had planted in front of the cabin nearly 40 years ago.

We were able to dine with several of Adam's uncles and family.  Tom and Dee and two of their three children, Anne and Ed, hosted us to a dinner that featured Salmon's hotdogs and bratwursts.  As I debated between a Brat and a dog, Adam insisted I try the local favorite Salmon dog.  It was pretty tasty and Ed's grilling was perfection.

Before dinner the boys took a ride on a four wheeler.  I think it goes without saying, that they loved it.  They drove around Tom's property where Adam spent his youth hunting. Jack especially liked how fast they went.

The cabin is located within the woods and it has a long natural staircase down to the dock on Khron's Lake.  Nolan and Adam walked down to check out the water.  Nolan got a close up look as he slid on the slippery dock into the water.

I Can't Go Empty Handed - Peanut Butter Cup Dessert

We were invited to a BBQ with Adam's family at Krohn's Lake.  Even though we are on "vacation" I couldn't show up empty handed.

My Aunt Meg introduced us to this dessert and it immediately became a favorite of ours.  Nolan fondly refers to it as "cake" and Jack would willingly take two or three servings, that is, if I am willing to share.

The recipe is super easy and I simplified it even more by taking a shortcut.  We are in a furnished condo, but I didn't want to buy eggs and oil to leave them behind when we continue on our journey.  So, shake and pour brownie mix did the job.

The recipe is four ingredients and let me tell you it is so good.  It could be modified to suit your sweet tooth.  Adam has suggested adding pretzels or it could be made with snickers and caramel sauce or even peppermint patties and chocolate sauce.  Yum!  The possibilities are endless.

However, my favorite one true love, will always be chocolate and peanut butter.

Here's the recipe.  Thanks, Aunt Meg!

PEANUT BUTTER CUP BROWNIE TRIFLE

1 19-oz. box brownie mix (make as directed on box)
2 8-oz. tubs Cool Whip
1 bottle Reese's Peanut Butter Sauce
10-15 Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, crushed


Bake brownies as directed in 13x9 pan. Cool completely. Crumble half of the brownies and spread in the bottom of a bowl. Drizzle half of the peanut butter sauce on top of the crumbled brownies. Sprinkle half of the broken peanut butter cups over the brownies and sauce. Spread one tub of Cool Whip over this. Repeat with brownies, sauce, peanut butter cups, and other tub of Cool Whip, saving some sauce and candies to garnish the top. Refrigerate before serving!

Michigan, Michigan, Michigan, WISCONSIN

Miles Traveled: 324 (Gaylord, Michigan to Greenbay, Wisconsin)

If you remember our goal was to be down at breakfast for the 6 am start.  We made it down before seven and were on the road again by 7:30.



Driving through the U.P of Michigan is one of my favorite routes.  The water is so blue and the Mackinac Bridge is just stunning.  While driving over the top Jack claimed, "I would love to do a cannonball into the water from up here."  Negative, kiddo.

Adam and I discovered that we are huge fans of the Sirius radio station 90s on 9.  Who knew that I could sing Ice Ice Baby in its entirety or that together we do an awesome rendition of Mr. Big's, To Be With You.  I must say in our time jamming to the music of our teenage years I learned a little more about my husband.  Next time you see him have him tell you the story of his time in the Jazz Band and C&C Music Factory's, Sweat to You Bleed.

We made it to Green Bay at lunch time.  We were served lunch by Heath and Lindsay.  Heath is an awesome chef and works for the company who services Lambeau Field in Green Bay.  Adam and I were dreaming of what he would make us on our drive; and he didn't disappoint - Grilled Lamb Chops and hand shaped sliders for lunch, delicious.  Lindsay is Adam's cousin and she and Heath have two spunky, adorable children, with a third on the way.  It was a lot of fun to watch the children play together.  Little Miss Lucy has a vivid imagination and for awhile, Adam and I were instructed to take on the role of her beloved Poppy and Grammy, which Adam did with gusto.

Miles Traveled: 32 Miles (Green Bay, Wisconsin to Algoma, Wisconsin)

After we finished our visit we loaded back up in the car.  We almost had a stowaway, but Lindsay finally managed to convince Lucy to stay with her.

This was a quick ride but it reminded us we were truly in Wisconsin.  Adam had the windows down and the fragrance of the dairy farms brought him home.  "I love this smell," he said.

We found our spacious two bedroom condo that we would call home for the weekend.  A local fishing charter company has a few properties and we have rented from them on several of our visits to Adam's home town.  It is nice to have a full kitchen, laundry, and space for the kids to play.  If you are ever in Algoma I highly recommend checking out these condos. 

We spent the evening with Josh, Adam's best friend from high school, his wife Nichole and their two kids Nora and Rex.  Our kids played nicely together.   They have a large yard and Nolan was in his element with all of the space and toys.  I am pretty sure all that boy needs is a yard and the freedom to run and he is a happy two year old.

Later in the evening we were joined by Josh's brother, Ryan, his fiance Brandi and their little man, Cooper.  It was a nice evening full of Busch Light and good conversation.

It Starts...

Miles Traveled: 213 (Macomb, Michigan to Gaylord, Michigan)

Day one began a little later than planned.   After picking up Jack from his final day of Kindergarten (a little more on that later), with a couple quick stops to get gas and our vehicle weighed, we finally got on the road at 4 pm.  As we drove north towards our first stop the sky was gray and the clouds heavy.  It wasn’t long before we were driving through rain.

The first “Are we there yet?” was uttered only an hour and twenty minutes into our drive.  Any guesses on how many times we will hear that phrase over the next twelve days?

As I entered the elementary hallway at Endeavor Middle School I was greeted with a bear hug from my favorite six year old.  As he grabbed his backpack from his locker, no less than five classmates told me how much they would miss Jack.  Jack stood by my side, nervously chewing on his fingernails, unsure of what to say or do.

 

As students in his class and other grades came up to hug my little man, I realized what an impact he has on others.  His friendly smile and big heart clearly won over this small elementary school.  His backpack was filled with going away presents from friends, teachers, and classmates.  It brought me to tears.  

His teacher, Mrs. Stout, came out of the classroom to give us both a hug.  How this lady looks SO put together after seven hours with six years old, is beyond me!  With tears in her eyes she told Jack she would miss him and his ability to “keep her on her toes.”  She asked for pictures and postcards to which Jack replied, “We could Skype, I have Skype on my Kindle!”  She laughed and said, “I guess I need to learn how to Skype, don’t I Jack?”

After a quick road side stop, including rest stop calisthenics (don't you worry there will be a future post about this exciting component of our trip) we made it to Gaylord.  I am surrounded by snoozing kids and husband.  Breakfast starts at six and we plan to be the first in line.

Tomorrow - Green Bay

Packing, Cleaning, and Prepping

University Movers arrived at the house early Monday morning.  Mark, Mike, and Jake swiftly began packing and wrapping our household goods for their journey to Alaska.  They kept the atmosphere light by quoting movies and playing music on their smart phones.  I was quite impressed by their professionalism and team work. 

These strangers in my home confirmed that I may have a slight obsession.  As we were serving them lunch Jake looked at me quite seriously and said, “Working in that storage room gave me a sweet tooth.”  I must have looked slightly confused because he went on to say, “I have never seen so many cupcake pans in all of my life.”

While cleaning up from lunch on the second day Mike stopped at the counter and grabbed a cookie.  Laughing he told me that he had been thinking of cookies all morning, ever since he had packed up the cookie costume hanging in an upstairs closet.

Wednesday, my brother David and our friend Sandy joined us in cleaning and prepping the house.  We painted and cleaned the house from top to bottom.  Adam and Dave worked hard fixing, painting, and finishing tasks around the house.  Sandy and I were able to clean the house until it shined. 

We left the house fresh and turn-key for our new tenants.

I hope they enjoy our home as much as we did.

Saying good-bye is never easy.  With this nomad lifestyle it happens all too frequently.  We were able to share hugs and “see you soons” with many who became family in our five years in Michigan.  We wish we were able to spend time with all of you.  Please know that we appreciate the well wishes, gifts, and messages and we look forward to seeing you again.  A family friend told me, “If leaving is easy, you didn't leave a deep enough “footprint” in your life.”  I think our hearts are full of footprints.  Thank you. XOXO