Mini Vacay!

We decided to get away for Labor Day weekend so we drove to Madison, WI.  Sounds random, I know but we had specific criteria when searching for a destination---no more than a few hours drive, someplace we have never been, somewhere we could use our Starwood points for a hotel, and something to entertain all of us.  Turns out Madison fit all of those to a tee so we packed up the swagger wagon with the 3 boys and Casey in tow and headed north.  We all had a fanastic time!

Outside of Madison is a natural phenomenon called Cave of the Mounds (similar to Luray Caverns for you Virginia folks).  What is great about this place is that it also has a fossil dig for the kiddos, which for my dino-loving sons was a dream come true.
. 

 

The caves were really amazing and the boys were truly fascinated. 

 

Madison is surrounded by beautiful lakes (like many mid-western towns and cities) so we spent one evening eating dinner on the water.  Mommy Daddy and Casey loved the scenery (and frosty beverages!) while the boys watched the boats and ducks :)
 

Downtown Madison (the capital of Wisconsin) is a charming small city and the capitol building sits right in the middle of the square.  Such a fun place to explore and run around. 

We were fortunate enough to happen upon Madison's renowned farmer's market on the square.  Seriously, it was AMAZING!  The freshest produce, warmest bread, most delicious pastries, and brightest flowers for the most ridiculously low prices.  No joke, this giant zucchini baby was $1!

The zoo in Madison is fantastic and FREE!  Our kids especially loved it because it is called the HENRY Villas Zoo so we affectionately called it the Henry Zoo and our little Henry felt so proud :)



 

Like I said, we wanted to find a place that entertained all of us.  Madison has really really great food and since Chris and I are self-described foodies, it was perfect!  We had some fantastic meals and even got to enjoy Madison's huge food festival "Taste of Madison".

All in all, it was a great mini vacation and our kids are already asking when we can go back to Wisconsin**


**Side note: Henry calls Wisconsin "Missconsin".  We thought it was just a cute mispronunciation until we realized that he thought we were going to visit someone named "Miss Consin".  He kept asking where she was.  He thought the hotel was "Miss Consin's" house and he told his brothers to be quiet because "Miss Consin" was sleeping :)  It was super cute and I didn't want to forget it :)