festing

Had a lovely few days in Wisconsin for our yearly trek to the Taste of Madison. J's first vacation and G's 3rd(!) Taste!


G had a smoothie to start things off.

The boys watched their first college football game together.

And G pretended to like the sofa bed to humor her daddy for getting it all ready for her. 

But of course much preferred the middle of the nice cozy king bed.

We did the usual rounds the next day.

But were soon bitterly disappointed to find our cheese store was no more. Curd-less and with our hopes of embarrassing yearly pictures dashed, 

[G 2009, there was also a hole in the cheese next to the mouse we were planning on sticking J's little head]

we continued down State Street to the campus. 

And then quickly back for more food. And then, wonders! Both children sleeping,

we took full opportunity to relax in the shade and enjoy, what else, some deep-fried cheese curds and beer. (When in Wisconsin...)

Later enjoying some of the live music.

Took a few more photos after breakfast this morning.

Or tried anyway.

[last year - all-smiles, perfectly framed shot]

[this year - shall we say, less-than]

Until next year, Madison! And perhaps we will find a new tradition in the Mars Cheese Castle. There will be a brand new castle next year (how awesome is that?) that I am positive will be ripe with cheesy (like it could be helped :) picture taking opportunities.