And the winner is.................

THE WINNER IS KELLI  BURMEISTER!

I used random. org to draw a winner for my giveaway.  Everyone was given a number as they left a comment for me.  Kelli was the 3rd person to leave  a comment and random.org randomly picked #3 to be the winner!

I was so excited when I saw this!  Kelli just had a brand new baby boy last week!  She now has 3 boys and 1 girl!  I hope her little girl will fit into the flip flops!  I was planning on brining her a meal this week....now she will get a bonus with her meal!

Thanks everyone who reads and left me a comment.  I will be doing another give away soon!

The Wilke's Take On Chicago! (Day 1)

In December of 2010, Dan and I had decided that we wanted to spend our next Christmas in Disney. We took Molly, Sadie, and Abbie to Disney in 2009 and we had the best time ever!  We left Kenadie and Gavin behind as they were too small.  That was the BEST decision we ever made!  I can't tell you what an amazing time we had!  So, in December, I booked a vacation for 7 nights at Disney for this year.  We were due to leave on the 17th of December.  

However, God had other plans for us!  The day that pregnancy test came back positive....the Disney trip got cancelled!  So, we decided we would try to do smaller trips with the kids.  As school approaches, we decided to take a last minute trip to Chicago.  Oma had originally wanted us to take the train down there with her...but that ended up being very pricey!  We headed out first thing Saturday morning.  It started to rain as we got on the road.  Then it started to pour, and pour, and pour.  It poured the entire way to  Chicago.  Dan was able to watch the live Radar on his iPad from the car and it seemed as if the "eye" of the storm was always right where we were!  

We FINALLY made it downtown!  The air and water show was supposed to be going on at the lakefront that morning.  We saw flocks of people walking back to their cars just soaking wet.  The air show had been cancelled. 

We stopped at McDonalds to grab a quick bite to eat.  Food in Chicago is double the price it is in Watertown.  Hmmm I wonder why?  We got a 20 piece nugget, 1 cheeseburger, 1 double cheeseburger, and 2 drinks.  That was $20.  The kids were still hungry, but we told them they had to wait.  

 Did I mention that it was pouring out?  Good thing at the last minute before we left, Dan tossed their umbrellas in the car.  Only thing was, we didn't have one.  We made our way back to the car and headed towards the hotel.  Check in wasn't until 4 p.m, but we knew we could park our car there and just walk.  We unloaded our bags and valet parked the car and we set out on foot to Michigan Avenue!  First we stopped at a pharmacy to buy an umbrella for us.  Guess what?  It stopped raining after we bought it!  Go figure!

 Michigan Avenue was madness.  People were every where.  Umbrellas were everywhere.  It started to pour again.  Pushing a double stroller down the sidewalk while keeping track of 6 kids was a challenge.  First we stopped at the Disney store.  The kids each had their own money to spend and it was burning a hole in their pockets!  Sadie and Abbie picked out a Rupunzel doll.  Sadie was so proud to make her purchase.  Then she got up to the register and had to pay.  She didn't realize that she was going to have to use all her money.  She almost lost it...but she held it together.  She hasn't put down that doll since!  She made a good decision!  We headed to American Girl next.    That store is a recipe for disaster any time with any girl.  There were girls walking around with bags and bags of items that their parents were buying them.  Then there were our girls who were just there to "look!"  Someone may have broken down and let them pick our something small to buy!  We bought Lanie a Bitty Baby for her 1st birthday coming up and we bought Kenadie a doll for her birthday.  She is the only one that doesn't have a doll.  Good thing I used to volunteer at the warehouse and could buy the dolls for cheaper....oh wait, I didn't keep any!

 While we were at American Girl, Dan took Gavin and Lanie to the Lego store.  Gavin has really been into Legos lately.  We met back up and headed over to the Hershey's store.  The sun had now come out and it was super humid and hot out.

 The kids each got to pick out a treat from the Hershey's store.  We needed to sugar them up as we had a long walk back to the hotel.  We made it back to the hotel and when we got there, Oma had made it to join us as well!

 The kids LOVE hotels.  This one had a nice view of downtown with a ledge to sit on.  Lots of stories were played on that ledge with cars and dolls!

 Lanie was just excited to be able to move.  She was all over the place.  She had been either in a car seat or in a stroller all day.

 Dan yelled at Gavin for something....I don't know what...but Gavin disappoint with his typical mad face!

 The kids enjoyed jumping on the soft beds and then falling down on them.

 After we got settled in to our room and we made the beds up for the night, we headed back out on the town.  We headed to Millennium Park.  Oma was insistent that we walk.  So, off on foot we went.  The walk there wasn't so pretty.  We walked under a bridge lined with homeless people.  Such a sad thing.  Some had Vodka bottles laying next to them.  You want to give them something to help them out...and then you seen alcohol bottles.  I kept picturing standing next to God when I am in Heaven and Him asking me..."and when did you help me when I was hungry and had no place to go?"  Such a sad thing.

 We finally made it to the park.  We took a pretty walk through the park over a bridge and made our way to the bean!

 It was pretty crowded there, but that didn't stop us!  The sun was out and the rain had stopped!

 After we took some pictures, we were off to find something to eat.  We stopped and ate at the Park and Grill.  It was nice to find a place to sit and relax for a few minutes.

 From our seat at the Park and Grill, we could see some sort of water fountain.  We headed over to check it out.  Two big fountains with a small lake in between them.  Digital pictures showed up on them of faces.  Most of the kids enjoyed playing in the water.   Gavin didn't seem to mind getting wet and he had a blast.  Molly, Sadie, and Kenadie played for a long time too.  Abbie didn't want to get wet so she watched from afar!

 Then someone splashed Gavin.  He was already soaking wet, but how dare someone get him wet.  He left crying.  We were going to walk to the Willis (aka Sears) Tower, but because they were wet and tired, we headed back to the hotel.  We took a different route this time to get back to the hotel.  When we got back we couldn't decide what to do next.  We were going to head to Navy Pier, but the concierge told us that there was fireworks later and it would be very crowded there.

 So, off to the pool we went.  The kids kept asking to go swimming.  We didn't drive to Chicago to go swimming in a pool, but we broke down and let them!  I would say this was their highlight of the day.

 They jumped, they swam, they had fun.  It was nice to be able to let them unwind and not make them walk!

This building  was right outside our window.  The kids were pretending that this is the castle where the Hunchback lived.  It was a really pretty view seeing all the buildings at night.  I think we were in bed by 9:30.  Lanie didn't sleep very well.  I think the constant beeping kept her up.  Chicago is a very noisy city at night.  Dan said he didn't sleep well.....I beg to differ.....his snoring kept me awake!

Stay tuned for day 2 of our Chicago Adventure!

Milwaukee Art Museum Fountains, Family, and Fun!

We can check off another thing off of our summer list!  Last year we had taken a trolley ride downtown Milwaukee and had stopped at the art museum.  I will be honest....it wasn't a pleasant experience.  I was 8 months pregnant and it was very hot that day.  The trolley dropped us off at the art museum and we did some exploring.  The kids wanted to go into the fountains....they got all wet.  The trolley that was supposed to come back in 15-20 minutes didn't come back for 2 hours.  We had packed no drinks or anything to eat. When the trolley FINALLY came back, it was super crowded.  There were some "shifty" people on the trolley and the ride back to where we had parked took FOREVER!  

Fast forward a year.  We knew what NOT to do this time and what would work better.  On a whim yesterday, I called Dan at work and we decided we would meet him after he got done working.  I packed some "sides" for a picnic and then we picked up $5 foot longs from Subway.  ( I much prefer Cousins....but they are too expensive!)  We met Dan by the zoo and we headed to the lake front.  It took us a while to get down there.  There was a Brewer game that let out and an accident.  These are the times I am thankful that we have a DVD player in the van.  The kids started to get very antsy when we finally hit the downtown area.  We found street parking, packed the stroller up, and headed to the Art Museum.  If you have never been there, I would highly recommend it.  

 We, of course, had to do a "test" shot on Gavin while we unpacked our lunch.  Just another one of his many faces!  (oh and by the way....he made me laugh so hard today...I will try to post about that later!  I know he gets a bad "name" sometimes with me....but I just can't tell you how much I love that little stinker!)

 The kids parked themselves on a bench and started on their subs.  I broke down this time and let them each get a 6" sub.  Usually, I cut a foot long sub into 3rds.  That just isn't cutting it anymore.  They each ate their  entire sub and were still hungry!

 "Chubs" and daddy sat on a towel on the ground.  Lanie is a good eater.  (can you tell?)  We couldn't keep it coming fast enough.

 She is not a fan of plates.  She prefers to always dump her plate.  Today was no exception.

 Then some of the meat and cheese didn't come off the plate.  So, there she sat, licking her plate.  Are we bad parents that we laughed and took pictures of her doing this?  Maybe....but we still did it anyways!

 We told the kids we wanted a few pictures before they put their suits on!  Yes, I had actually planned ahead this time and brought their suits.  We were hoping they would be able to play for a bit before the sun went down, but the traffic situation kinda put a stop to that.

 The pictures were quick.  We got some good shots of each of the kids alone, but I just can't post 100 pictures.  Maybe I will do those later!  Lanie was way too fascinated with the fountains.  She wasn't in the mood to look at us.  Again, we have to take what we can get.  (although it is so easy for me to keep trying to take " just one more"-but then Dan snaps me back into reality!  He told me he wanted to cancel the blog....he says I take too many pictures! One day he will thank me...one day!)

 Ok, so I think a "back" shot is super cute.  Dan thinks this is the dumbest idea in the world.  What do you guys think?  Too bad Lanie isn't walking yet...well, actually not....I am glad she isn't walking!  What you can't see is that Kenadie and Gavin were hitting each other while walking.  Gavin was trying to hold her hand, Kenadie thought he was hitting her, she swatted back at him, he swatted back at her.  Good thing I took a picture and didn't catch that!

 We headed down to another fountain and let the kids play in there!  The water was COLD.  Very cold.  They didn't seem to mind right away!  Lanie loves the water.  I put he in and she didn't even flinch.

 Then she sat down.  Did I mention that the water was freezing cold?  I love how it looks like she doesn't have half a body!  Oh and don't you love the pig tails today?  First set of many pig tails to come for her!

 It was hard to get them all together for a picture.  They were having a blast running around and playing!

 Probably one of my favorites....I love that we now have a crawler.  However, that means she can actually move on her own and she doesn't want to sit and wait for a picture!

                                                    Zoom out and she is still crawling away.

 Daddy took this awesome picture of the Abbie and Molly.  He was trying to get the art museum in the back ground.  There was a couple getting their engagement photos taken there too!  It really was a gorgeous night!

 Dan made, oh I mean, told Molly she should try to go in the middle of the fountain.  She braved it and went in.  Sadie gave it a shot too.  I think this is Molly right in the middle of the fountain!

 While they were being dangerous and looking over the edge, I kept myself busy taking pictures of Lanie.  I got a bunch of good ones, but I thought this was one of the best.  I love how her pig tail has moved to the top of her head now and the other one has moved to the side!

 Then I asked for the world.  I wanted another picture of the kids together.  I may have promised them ice cream again!  We couldn't get them to all look, we couldn't get them to all smile.  So in the middle of the art museum, Dan started doing the crab walk and acting crazy.  See? It can be fun taking pictures.  The kids had a good time watching Daddy be crazy and got some good laughs!

 Some of my favorite pictures are of when I can catch  the kids interacting together and being "themselves."  I just love how Gavin and Molly are having a "moment" in this picture.

                                                   Still having fun and laughing at Daddy!

 Have you met my very "sweet, handsome" son Gavin.  He was actually asking to have me take his picture.

 Ok, do you think he could totally model for some place?  I mean, come on!  Well, then again, it would all depend on what kind of mood he is in!  I am sure he would get fired at his first photo shoot and it would be all my fault!

 The bad thing about taking pictures is that you don't ever get a family picture.  The good thing about taking pictures is that I always get out of being in them!  One day....when I am not pregnant and have a better self esteem....I will be.   One day.....one day.

 There was a fancy white statue outside of the art museum.   The kids wanted to explore around it.  So, there were no signs that said you couldn't and no one came out to yell at us.....so we did!

 Here you go, Hanna Andersson.....put this in your catalog.....see how many dresses you sell then?  You are missing out!

 Lanie is a "waver."  She LOVES to wave.  She waves almost at anyone.  She really loves to wave at birds.  There were lots of birds to wave at and she took full advantage of that.  Sadie even helped her wave.

 The kids planned this all on their own.  They each had a spot....they wanted to do this.  Dan even joined in on the fun!  Have I mentioned how awesome my husband and kids are?

 Notice Lanie is still waving?  After this we headed back to the car.  Another successful Wilke adventure.  Best part?  It was FREE!  Sometimes making the best out of what you can is the way to go!  Please don't think our life is all fun and perfect and matching dresses.  Someone may have not listened a few too many times and had to walk with their hand on the stroller.  Someone may have not listened and gotten themselves wet and then had to sit out for a bit.  Someone may have fallen in the fountain and gotten a very huge bruise on their leg from not listening.  However, that is where forgiveness falls into place.  Lessons have to be learned and consequences for actions have to be given.  But, then we move on!

We moved on to ice cream!  We stopped at Kopps and got an ice cream.  Everyone chose chocolate.  We asked Gavin to take his shirt off...he didn't want to show off his awesome body to everyone.....someone is trying to bleach a white shirt today....

Anyone and everyone is welcome to come along on an adventure with us!  The more the merrier! Next adventure begins bright and early tomorrow morning.....we will be battling the crowds in Downtown Chicago for Saturday and Sunday!  I am praying for a calmness to help us get through the weekend!

Oh and I will be picking a winner today!  There is still time to enter!  Leave a comment or send me an email!

Cereal Shopping and Pictures of New baby!

I will ONLY buy cereal if it is on sale.  Or I should say that I will ONLY buy the "good kind" of cereal when it is on sale.  Now, by no means am I an extreme couponer.  I don't have time to spend 50 hours a week shopping around for coupons.  It is just not worth it to me.  However, if I can get a good deal....I WILL take full advantage of it!  Just ask the Pick N' Save ladies!  So my neighbor reminded that Pick N' Save had it's "cereal" deal going on.  Buy 6 boxes of cereal, take $9 off AND get a coupon for a free gallon of milk and a free carton of eggs.  We go through 8-10 gallons of milk per week.  Milk is averaging $3.15 ish a gallon.  That is about $30 a week in just milk or $120 a month in milk.  Yikes!  (and we monitor how much the kids have too.....water is mostly the drink of choice here!)  Ok, so anyways, when Dan got home from work yesterday, we headed out.  Gavin is in LOVE with cereal.  He asks for it all day long.  Healthy cereal or unhealthy cereal.  He just LOVES it!  I told him yesterday morning that we were going to go cereal shopping and you would have thought the kid doesn't know the meaning of fun.  He couldn't wait to go.  He asked me constantly yesterday when it was time to go get the cereal.  I have been working the past few days so the kids have been stuck at home.  They were going stir crazy.  Funny how a night out to go cereal shopping is considered "fun" for them.  So, we got to Pick N' Save and headed straight to the cereal.  We filled 3 carts with 70 boxes of cereal.  That is all we got.  (oh, I lied...Dan got a candy bar!)  So we head to the check out...which by the way were very crowded.  The kicker is, we had to check out 6 boxes at a time.  Why you ask?  Well, when you buy 6 boxes you get a coupon for $2 off you next purchase of cereal.  Hey, that's an extra $2!  So 6 at a time we did.  That is until my Roundy's card wouldn't work anymore.  They put a limit on how many times you can use your card every day, and we exceeded it.  We had to get out of line and Dan had to go register for his own Roundy's card.  The lady at the register was very nice and patient with us.  Now, I can't say that about the man in line behind us.  He was more than a little irritated.  Hey, buddy, it's not my fault that Pick N' Save only has 3 registers open at peak time.  We finished checking out and headed home!  

 Since the kids are the ones that eat the cereal...they were in charge of bringing it in, taking it downstairs, and putting it ALL away.  They all worked together and got the job done....even Gavin.  No complaining.  They were just excited to have "good" cereal again!

 Here is the finished product.  I must say how proud I am that they got this done!  I wanted to go back and get more, but Dan said "no."  In the end I figured out that we spent about $1.36 per box.  I also now have 10 gallons of milk and 10 cartons of eggs coming to me!  Guess what the kids had for dinner last night?  CEREAL!



This has nothing to do with cereal now...  but I had an ultrasound done on Monday of #7!  My friend, Amy, is a very awesome ultrasound Tech and she was working with a student that wanted some more practice for a 20 week ultrasound.  Amy was so kind to think of me and ask me if I wanted to come in!  Of course I did!  I was even able to find 2 babysitters for that day (thanks Stephanie and Cassidy!)  It was so nice to be able to leave ALL the kids at home!  Too bad they don't live closer.....

 They got started right away on the ultrasound.  How can you not be amazed at the miracle of life?  We had a bit of a scare, though.  The baby wasn't showing his boy "parts" for a good few minutes.  Now, don't get me wrong, I would be happy either way, boy or girl.  I just kept thinking that I was going to have to call Dan and tell him that he would be a dad to 6 girls instead of 2 boys!  Finally, some boy parts were seen!  Whew!

 Above is a profile picture.  Amy asked if my kids had big heads?  Uh oh.....!  She also said I was measuring about 2 weeks ahead of my due date.  Yikes....!  We were able to see the baby "practice" breathing at one point which was  very relieving to see!

 He was sucking his thumb for a bit of the ultrasound too.  Above is a picture of him sucking his thumb.  I have never seen any of my kids suck their thumb before!

Now, if you know Gavin at all, I suggest you all brace yourselves for the next Wilke boy.  He spent most of the ultrasound with his feet over his head kicking his head or his face.  He didn't want to cooperate.  Hmmm sounds like another boy I know.  Amy was so kind and printed out a picture of the baby for each of the kids to have that said, " Hi big brother or Hi big sister."  Gavin carried his picture around for most of the day.  He even took the picture into the bathroom with him.  I asked him why, and he told me that he was showing his baby brother how to use the bathroom.  I took the picture out of the bathroom right away.  Please baby boy, erase anything he has taught you from your tiny head!  Please actually try and go to the bathroom in the toilet and not on the floor or in the garbage can.  I am also hoping that baby boy can't hear his brother yelling at his mommy all the time either when something bad happens.  Yesterday when we got home from cereal shopping, Gavin had fallen asleep.  I went to take him out of his car seat and he says to me, " It's all your fault, Mommy, you should have had me nap today...now I am tired....it's all your fault."  (Ummm I tried to get him to lay down and he said he didn't want to... but once again, I am at fault!)

I am just so thankful for a healthy baby.  Even though this baby was in God's plan for us and not in our plan....I have fallen in love!  Any worries or fears on what we are going to do have left my head.  God will provide and take care of us.  He obviously thought we could handle more than what we thought we could. I simply can't wait to hold him in my arms and kiss his fat chubby hands!

Don't forget to email me or leave a comment on here or Facebook if you want to be entered in my free giveaway!

The Wilke's are heading to Chicago this weekend!  I am sure there will lots of pictures and stories to come from our 2 day trip.  We are staying at a hotel with a free-hot-made-to-order breakfast....I hope they are ready for us!