Stay-cation

Scott wanted to go to KC for the three-day weekend recently, but I couldn't quite handle it. Instead, we opted for a "stay-cation" which, I guess, is all the rage because of gas prices. There were several things around here that we've never visited because the kids were too little. Our first stop: The Jelly Belly Factory tour!

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Everyone had to wear hats. I don't know why. When they say "factory tour" they really mean "drive around a warehouse in a tram watching videos filmed at the real factory in California"

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No problem. We still got to taste test all of the jelly beans we wanted and purchase some Belly Flops (what they call their mistakes - they're delicious!) They now offer flavors such as "booger" "skunk spray" "vomit" and "ear wax." Needless to say, we didn't sample those. Yuck!

That night, we played in the fountains at the local shopping area (think 'Zona Rosa' for all of you KC folks.) Joe loved spinning.

Luke didn't actually get wet. He asked me to take this picture of him. Nice pose!

There were no lifeguards to enforce the "no running" rule

We also visited Holy Hill, a Shrine and Basilica about 30 minutes from our house. They had the Stations of the Cross along a walking path outside. It was about a mile walk, mostly uphill. Everyone did great, mostly.

Patrick investigates a daddy-long-legs spider

Most of the stations were built right into the hillside. They were very beautiful.

Push the play button to see the above VIDEO. When we stopped at each station, we asked if the boys wanted to say a prayer. Sometimes, they said a Hail Mary, sometimes they just ran to the next station. Usually, Patrick very solemnly prayed our before meals prayer. It's was funny and so sweet.

Outside of the Basilica - you could see all the way to downtown Milwaukee. The Basilica itself was under construction, so we didn't take any pictures of it. We were surprised at the amount of tourists - especially foreign tourists. There were busloads of people and several different languages spoken. I think we dropped in on a Polish Mass. I had never even heard of this place until we moved here. Don't worry, grandparents. We will take you the next time you visit.

Speaking of visiting, we were lucky enough to see our friends Vince and Melissa again Monday night to complete our fun weekend. Can you believe everyone was smiling AND looking at the camera at the same time?