A Midwest Safari (Of Sorts)

First, it's been awhile since my last post and I should probably explain why. It's because we moved to the suburbs and we're still in the process of finding our new home. That means we're in temporary digs and spending as much time as we can out and about. The past week we have seen a lot of animals. I mean a lot.

Last weekend I took the girls to Iowa and during that trip we went to Dyersville to see my grandma. (Also home to the Field of Dreams). After lunch at Breitbach's, one of our favorite restaurants and Iowa's oldest bar and restaurant, we went roading through the countryside. First we drove to the old family farm and checked out the cows. Then we kept driving down the gravel roads, past the fields of corn and the farms full of cows, sheep, pigs, donkeys, mulls and horses. We eventually stopped at another farm and got out of the car for a close-up look at the cows. Isabelle wasn't a fan, Margot was snoozing away, but my grandma was petting the cows. I'm sure the owners of the farm was scratching their heads wondering what we were doing! As you can see, I was a little camera happy.


 

The next day we went to Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois with my parents, sister Christine and my cute nephew Parker. We all had fun seeing the animals, riding the train and taking a spin on the carousel. During this trip we timed it right and had a chance to feed the giraffes. Romaine lettuce seems to be their favorite snack. They snatched it right up with their blue tongues. It was a cool experience and worth the $4.

Finally, this weekend was the DuPage County Fair. So today our friends, the Fout family, joined us for an afternoon at the fair. It was just how I imagined. We saw tons of livestock, chickens, rabbits, chicks, bees, camels, turtles, tap dancers and lot of carnival rides - which we stayed away from during this trip, no time! Next year we'll have to map it out a little better, but I think we did pretty well with two 3-year-olds and baby! Speaking of baby, the first aid station had a wonderful, quiet and air-conditioned place to breastfeed. They even had a rocking chair. It was perfect!

Our animal theme is continuing tomorrow with a trip to Cosely Zoo. Isabelle is signed up for Toddler Time at the zoo and Margot and I get to tag along. With the way we're going, Margot's second word might just be cow or duck, but I'm still holding out for Ma Ma.

Let's bowl, let's bowl, let's rock-'n-roll

Our tour of the Midwest continued last weekend with a trip to my home state of Iowa. We packed in a lot of snuggle time with our new nephew, ate a ton of birthday cake (Happy Birthday Mom and Dad!) and on Saturday afternoon we went bowling with the whole family at The Hotel Blackhawk* in Davenport.

The hotel first opened in 1915 and for a long time it was the hip, happening place to be. Cary Grant was even staying there when he died in 1986. As the years wore on the hotel fell into disrepair, but after a fire in 2006 the hotel was sold and renovated. It reopened in 2010 and now it feels like the jewel of downtown Davenport.

The Blackhawk Bowl and Martini Lounge is located on the lower level of the hotel and it definitely has a lounge feel to it with the lights changing colors, music thumping (but not too loud), and sleek furniture. In the main area there is a large bar and six lanes with big screen TVs at the end of each lane. There is also a private VIP area with two lanes.

The bowling alley is surprisingly family friendly. There was a child’s birthday party going on while we were there and the kids all seemed like they were having a blast. There is also a ton of room by the lanes and plenty of seating. Isabelle was on her best behavior and sat on the sofa perfecting her high five while we bowled. I don’t think it gets much better for a 16-month-old who loves balls!

If you go:

Blackhawk Bowl and Martini Lounge
200 E. 3rd Street (lower level of The Hotel Blackhawk)
Davenport, IA 52801
563.484.5908
www.blackhawkbowl.com

Price Range: $35-$45 per hour/lane – reservation required
Great For: Birthday Parties, Fun Day/Night Out, Date Night

*The Hotel Blackhawk was previously called The Blackhawk Hotel and I’m scratching my head as to why they changed the name. 

Just a spectator...this time!

Michelle and Janell rocking their NON rental bowling shoes.

And Baby Makes Three

It's been awhile since my last post and my how life has changed! In late June Isabelle entered the world and life now revolves around our baby girl.  We love it!

Just one day old!

When Isabelle was just four weeks old, we went on our first family road trip.  The destination was Bettendorf, Iowa for my sister's wedding.  It took us about three hours to get to my parent's house and all I have to say is thank goodness for The Happiest Baby on the Block DVD.  When Isabelle was just a week old we watched the DVD at the advice of our lactation consultant.  We put many of the techniques into practice, but the one that worked best for our car ride was shushing.  I perfected shushing on the ride to and from Iowa.  I think I might have hyperventilated at one point, but at least it calmed Isabelle down!

Isabelle's first trip to Iowa

The three of us  did really well on our first road trip as a family.  We even kept her in cloth diapers, which was easy to do since we were staying at my parents' house.  They even bought a pack and play for her to sleep in.  One less thing to lug along - thank you!

In fact, the trip to Iowa went so well that we made our second road trip two weeks later - a five hour drive to Detroit, Michigan to visit Tom's parents.  Six-week-old Isabelle slept most of the way there.  When she did wake up, ready to eat, we just pulled into a rest stop and took care of business.  Tom's parents also had a pack and play waiting for her and she slept really well.  She did have a major meltdown on the ride home...when we were stuck in traffic.  The shushing did NOT work, because she was just past the point of no return. Lucky for Tom, when we finally got to an exit, the Round Barn Brewery was waiting for him. I got to feed Isabelle and Tom got to take home a growler.

At Eastern Market in Detroit

Now the big test comes.  We're planning our third road trip to Door County.  Just the three of us for four days and three nights.  I'm just glad we're driving.  I have become a major over-packer!