Vacation Review

Thursday, May 31, 2012

We flew in to the Milwaukee, Wisconsin airport (cheaper and less busy), and made the drive to Waukegan, Illinois where our hotel was located. After a minor tussle with the guy at the desk, we secured ourselves a non-smoking room.  After having a delicious and huge meal at a local restaurant, we decided to visit Lake Michigan. The wind was blowing hard. It was freezing. It was raining. The lake was awesome.



Friday, June 1, 2012

After arriving on base early in the morning and being screamed at by multiple military personnel (they weren't angry--it's just what they do), we finally sat down for Brock's graduation. He did an incredible job with all of responsibilities.  It was very exciting when the huge doors opened and various divisions marched into the room.  It was obvious that he was proud of what he had accomplished, but also ready to move on to his next position.  The ceremony was definitely the highlight of the trip.




Unfortunately, Brock was only able to be with us for a few hours. He had to be back on base by 7:00 p.m. (or 1900, if you're Brock), so we hurried to do what he wanted. The first stop was at a great restaurant where they gave Brock's meal to him for free and bought us dessert. They treated us fantastic, and the food lived up to the service.  The jalapeno jack burger was unforgettable.

After a quick stop at Lake Michigan, we drove back towards the base to see The Avengers. Arriving late and leaving early due to time constraints, Scott, Bobbi, and Brock still haven't seen how it ends.

After a quick nap, we met Brock at the airport around 1:30 a.m. After a quick hug and hand pound, we said goodbye to him for another ten weeks while he is in Mississippi at school.  He's doing well and will excel wherever he is assigned. For his family, him being in Mississippi is much better because he has his phone and can contact us regularly.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Saturday was the tourist day. We went all around Chicago and saw tons of things.  I even got to see Wrigley Field after some persuasion (and a small bribe). We were waiting on a bus that was supposed to arrive within the next ten or fifteen minutes. Wrigley Field offers tours but they last a long time and cost more money than I had. I told a young lady the situation, offered her $2, told her all I wanted was a picture of the ivy, and may have winked. Yada yada yada, I got this picture. The stadium was great to see.

Classic
The guide told me they were holding tryouts in right field. The Cubs are that bad.

Downtown Chicago

Incredible sculpture (I have no idea what it is)

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Saturday was Wrigley Field, Sunday was Lambeau in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Green Bay is a small city, so it was fun to see such a big stadium and devotion to a team. Everything from the team store and the restaurant to the bathrooms were very impressive.  Again, after a little persuasion from my Papa Gessell, the lady at the customer service desk went with me out to the field to let me take a picture or two. It would have been better had the lines been painted on the field, but it still exceeded expectations. This was my first visit to an NFL stadium. Hopefully many more will come.

Lambeau Field




To appease my mother, we then drove up to Door County in Wisconsin and visited many lighthouses. They were all a lot of fun, but the hotel we stayed at was the best part. It was right on Lake Michigan in a small town called Ephraim.  The people and service were extremely kind and helpful once again.

The view from our hotel on Lake Michigan in Door County. Mother sat on the lake and read for hours.


Monday, June 4, 2012

A lot of driving, flying, and waiting. Trip was over. Back to the grind.