Trip Overview

This trip was mostly to have a long weekend with our nephew Allen.  He had just turned 7 earlier in the month and is at an age where kids can be a lot of fun.  We had a really good time with him and he really enjoyed hanging out with Uncle Bob and Aunt Stacie.  He had just finished swimming lessons earlier in the summer, so he was really looking forward to going to a water park and spending a lot of time in the pool.  He really enjoyed the water slides, often times diving in head first.

Thursday

• Pick Allen up at his house
• Drive into Wisconsin.  We planned on staying in Platteville and hadn't expected all of the motels within 40 miles to be full on a Thursday night.  Chicago Bears training camp began that day.  Another reason not to like the Bears.  Go Vikings!  We ended up staying in Madison at an awesome Quality Suites for $88.  Price included full breakfast bar, not just donuts.

Friday

Arrived in Wisconsin Dells mid-morning.  Decided it was too cold for outdoor water park.  Found the Alakai Hotel which included indoor pool with some slides for kids.  Rode the Original Wisconsin Ducks - Awesome! Spent a lot of time swimming at the pool.

Saturday

• One last swim for Allen.
• Had a picnic and walked a trail at Effigy Mounds National Monument near Marquette, IA
• Got a great view of the Mississippi River at Pikes Peak State Park near Marquette, IA
• Stopped in to see our friends Corey and Brandy's new house.

Sunday

• Went to Bob's grandparents' house and met with his brother and family to give Allen back.