Wisconsin Death Business Trip

Scott had a couple photo shoots in Wisconsin so back we went for a few days.

Who knew this little hobby would become my job.

One shoot was in Appleton so we were able to stay with my parents for a night.

I saved my client, Rasmussen College, a nights hotel expense to be honest.

Chelsea had received two strollers so she gave one to my parents. We don't have one so I thought we should take Meadow for a ride. She loved it. 

I still prefer our Ergobaby.

My mom went with us. Scott was walking too fast.

According to Gail that is.

My mom said, "Don't go so fast or everything will be blurry for her."

She got to snuggle (eat her hands) with Grandpa when he came home from work.

She loves that deep Romenesko voice.

We discussed what to do for dinner while Meadow took a nap. 

We bought a few things at Sam's Club then headed over to Mr. Cinders for dinner. I hadn't eaten here in years and it was Scott's first time. 

Meadow wasn't having it. She was only quiet when my dad was holding her.

I danced with her most of the time. I even took her out into the beautiful autumn evening. I told Gail that she loved it and didn't even cry. She replied, "That's because she couldn't breathe."

Scott and I got burgers with all-you-can-eat fries. 

Mama Gail (or is it GiGi now?) ordered haystackers, which are basically the fresh version of French's onions. We all joined in.

My mom's favorite game.

We had to play it before we left.

My dad's favorite game. He didn't win at either and said, "That was a waste of a buck."

Your parent are really on a roll with these quotes.

We noticed earlier there was some frozen cookie dough in the freezer. So, of course, we made some cookies.


The next morning everyone had to leave for work early. It was just Meadow and I hanging out at home.

My dad was working close by so he came home for lunch. 

Every Sunday after church my dad would make us grilled cheese or egg sandwiches. I hadn't had an egg sandwich in years. He even cut it in half for me.

After he left Meadow did some tummy time while we waited for Chelsea and  Nolan to come over. 

She still prefers to eat her hands instead. 

While Brooke played with the babe I went up to Green Bay for my first shoot on this business trip. I do a combo of Street View tours and editorial/architectural style for my clients.

I had to eat between this and my shoot in Appleton. I decided on Gilly's Frozen Custard since it was down the block.

When Chelsea and Nolan came over we took them for a walk together. 

We went to downtown Little Chute to see my dad who was working at the old Reynebeaus. He took a break at Seth's Coffee with us. 

Meadow wasn't having it again and only wanted her Grandpa. 

Nolan was so quiet I forgot he was there. 

The cousins talked a little then we headed back home. 

My good friend Amanda hadn't met Meadow yet. It finally worked out where she could see her. She also told me she's having a girl in January. Another friend for Meadow!

Chelsea stuck around too. My mom asked, "Is it fun playing dolls together again?"

We got a photo of them holding hands. I still can't believe how chill he is. 

Chelsea's husband Dan had to work late so she asked if wanted to get dinner with her before we headed to Wausau. We picked Beefeaters which is kind of on the way. 

A British pub! Good idea Chelsea.

I haven't had a steak in forever. Not something we really do in the Tuska family very often.

We drove to Wausau where my next shoot was after dinner.

This was Meadow's first hotel stay. 

She loved the really big bed.

Scott and Meadow tested out the springs.

When picking out a hotel to stay at I told Scott it had to have free breakfast. 

We dropped Scott off at work and drove around Wausau. We ended up going to Goodwill and Hobby Lobby.

For lunch we settled on the Red Eye Brewery. Meadow seems to dislike restaurants lately. While walking around with her looking for a bathroom I got a, "He looks just like you."

If she's not wearing pink or a dress people think she's a boy. I also had another woman tell me she has a niece named Meadow Lake and a nephew named River Forrest. Sounds like our dopplegangers. 

Great beer, good food and baby compliments. Not a bad place.

I love this little bugger.

Wausau was turning out to be rather cool.

Looking at the tourist brochure at the hotel I saw there was an historic home to visit. Score! We walked over to the historical museum to get our tickets only to find out they only take cash. It was $14 for the two of us. I said I had $12 in the car. The workers said they could charge us the student rate. We went back to the car only to find out I had $4, not $12. I was pretty bummed. It was too late to find cash and make it to the tour on time. 

Instead we went on a walking tour of the historic part of town.

I guided tour narrated by none other than me!

They were working on the old depot. I hope it gets turned into something cool like a restaurant. 

Oh, you know, we were  just walking next to a railroad like any good parents do.

I've always just driven past Wausau on the highway. I had no idea it had so many old homes. 

It was sad to see a grand old lady like this being rented out by someone who doesn't know how to treat a home like this right.

Up the hill we went. There was something about this house that I really dug.

Up and and up we went.

A Frank Lloyd Wright house.

And the end of our self-guided tour. I was afraid to go closer. I feel like the owners probably always deal with tourists.

Scott liked this one. It's for sale so we looked it up when we got home. The inside is still the same from the day it was built. Sooo 60's or was it 50's?

This picture doesn't do it justice.

I was weary about stopping somewhere to eat for dinner with Meadow being cranky in public places. We didn't want fast food either. We settled on Dari-ette Drive-In as we arrived in Minnesota.

A meatball sandwich, french fries, a blueberry malt and his two favorite gals. This is the life.