In late September, we took a very early flight to Chicago on our way to Wisconsin for a long weekend. It was our first trip together. We stopped for breakfast and shopping on the way to my sister's home in Brookfield Wisconsin.
During the exchange year, one of our goals is to share American culture, traditions, food, etc with our student. This trip included many things that you cannot experience in Kansas, and things Kate grew up with during her childhood.
We drove along the Lake Michigan coastline, through downtown Chicago to Leon could see some famous sites: Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Michigan Avenue/One Mag Mile, Soldier Field, John Hancock Center and then north in to Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, we saw the Miller Brewery, Miller Park, the Olympic Ice Skating Training Center at State Fair Park, the Harley Davidson Factory, The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) grounds in Osh Kosh, WI and the legendary Lambeau Field in Green Bay.
Since it was still quite early, we stopped at The Original Pancake House for breakfast. Leon selected the popular Apple Pancake (see below). It is a single pancake, smothered with sauteed apples and cinnamon and baked to perfection. He loved it! Back in the day, I remember eating these with my Mom on shopping trips to Northbrook Court and Michigan Avenue.
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| September 25, 2015 Apple Pancake The Original Pancake House Wilmette, IL |
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| Leon and his breakfast September 25, 2015 The Original Pancake House Wilmette, IL |
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| Wisconsin Border Leon, Pete and Charlie September 25, 2015 |
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| Wisconsin Border Leon, Kate and Charlie September 25, 2015
In Wisconsin, Fridays invariably mean one thing: Fish Fry. we took an early flight, and pulled the boys from school on Friday so we would be able to eat Fish Fry on this trip.
The Wisconsin fish fry tradition began in the 1800s with the European immigrants that settled near Lake Michigan in places like Milwaukee. These pioneers brought the techniques they'd perfected in the old world and adapted them to meet their current environment, which meant utilizing the abundant fish they found in their local lakes and rivers. The fact that many were Catholic and needed to abstain from eating meat during Lent made the fish fry a natural evolution.
During the Prohibition era, fish fries became a way for certain establishments to stay in business: it was a convenient way to mask their speakeasy under the intoxicating aroma of frying fish. Fish was either incredibly cheap or free at these illicit taverns (as long as you were imbibing) and often served All You Can Eat.
Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet is the unofficial official drink of the fish fry. A cocktail made by muddling sugar, bitters, an orange slice, and a maraschino cherry then adding brandy and 7-Up or Sprite. Topped off with an orange wedge and additional cherries. Most prefer them hand-muddled - some places use a mix - with Korbel brandy. I love these cocktails!
 Leon, Mom (Mary), and Charlie - Fish Fry Albanese's Roadhouse Waukesha, WI September 25, 2015
Garth Brooks Concert
We stayed with my sister Christina and her husband Dave, and their dogs Murphy and Elsa. They are always great hosts! They planned to attend a Garth Brooks concert on Saturday night, and we decided to go along with them. Dave was able to give us access to his company's suite and we had a great time at the concert, even if none of us follow country music. It was a great show!
 Bradley Center Milwaukee, WI September 26, 2015 
Pete, Kate, Charlie and Leon
Bradley Center
Milwaukee, WI
September 26, 2015
Garth Brooks Concert - Suite 301
Christina , Kate, and Leon
Bradley Center
Milwaukee, WI
September 26, 2015
Frozen Custard and Face Burgers!
Frozen custard is similar to ice cream, but much better! In Wichita, we've be introduced to this treat in the last decade, but it has a long history and is something I grew up with in Wauwatosa, WI. A frozen custard stand at the 1933 World's Fair in Chicago introduced the dessert to a wider audience. Following the fair, the dessert's popularity spread throughout the Midwest; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in particular, became known as the "unofficial frozen custard capital of the world".
Per capita, Milwaukee has the highest concentration of frozen custard shops in the world and the city supports a long-standing three-way competition between Kopp's Frozen Custard, Gilles Frozen Custard and Leon's Frozen Custard. I grew up a few blocks from Gilles Frozen Custard. We marked the beginning of the baseball season by skipping school, having lunch there and then go to Opening Day. In those days, Gilles was not a year round business. It was closed in the winter and I think they opened to coincide with the the Milwaukee Brewers season.
We went to Kopp's, a landmark in the Milwaukee area, twice during our stay, and never made it to Gilles (bummer). We once had custard, and another time we had burgers and custard.
Here is Leon avoiding the camera. He doesn't like me taking his picture.....but sometimes agrees to it. No pictures, no blog. The blog helps us share his experience with his family and friends, and will document it for Leon to look back at when he is older.
He is contemplating all the reasons to buy a Kopp's Gift Card. Pete and Leon enjoyed the German Chocolate Cake custard. We love the Flavor Forecast, where they publish the flavors of the day (in addition to vanilla and chocolate) for the month. We always check it when we visit so we can get our favorite flavors.
Leon avoiding the camera
Kopp's
Brookfield, WI
September 27, 2015
Harley Davidson Museum
Harley-Davidson is an American motorcycle manufacturer, founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1903. History roars to life at the Harley-Davidson Museum,. It’s the best of American design and culture – seasoned with freedom and rebellion, showcased in a landmark building. Pete, Charlie and Leon visited the museum on Sunday. I visited the museum in 2013 with Christina and Tommaso. It is one of the best museums I have ever visited!
Green Bay Packers
The primary reason for our trip was to see our Green Bay Packers play on Monday Night Football. Kick-off was scheduled for 7:30 pm and we headed north, after meeting Mom at Culver's (another big burger and frozen custard store) around 1 PM. We always tailgate in the parking lot at Skip's Diner a few blocks from the famous Lambeau Field.
 Brookfield ,WI September 28, 2015
We met up with old friends and new friends and had a typical tailgate party, with grilled bratwurst and hot dogs, sides and beer.
Leon at the tailgate
a few blocks from Lambeau Field
Green Bay, WI
September 28, 2015
We met up with some Wichita friends, as well as Wisconsin friends, to tailgate. Meggie Schafer and her friend, Kayla, Ryan Schafer and Jordan Dinkel drove up for the game. The Schafers are friends from St. Thomas Aquinas, and have Wisconsin connections.
a few blocks from Lambeau Field
Green Bay, WI
September 28, 2015
It was beginning to rain so we bought rain ponchos and headed to the stadium for the big game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
The fans gather to enter Lambeau Field in the rain
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, WI
September 28, 2015
Kick Off
Lambeau Field
Green Bay, WI
September 28, 2015
Happy about the 38-28 win over the Chiefs!
Outside Lambeau Field
Green Bay, WI
September 28, 2015
Habitat for Humanity Build
To honor Pope Francis, and to embrace and put into action his example of service, the Diocese of Wichita plans to build two homes for families in need. With the generosity of the people, parishes, and institutions of the Diocese of Wichita and the gift from an anonymous donor these families’ hopes and prayers for a home can be fulfilled.
Leon and I worked on the build on Saturday, October 3rd. It was a beautiful day! We worked on hanging drywall, with fellow St. Thomas Aquinas parishioners, and a few other Kapaun Mount Carmel students. Leon really enjoyed the work, and worked alongside my friend Tom Wierman (who knew what he was doing!)
 Leon and Tom measuring the drywall Wichita, KS October 3, 2015 
Leon and Tom installing the drywall
Wichita, KS
October 3, 2015
Pope Francis Habitat for Humanity Build
Leon installing the drywall on the ceiling
Wichita, KS
October 3, 2015
Pope Francis Habitat for Humanity Build
Our Team
Wichita, KS
October 3, 2015
Cake
I took a cake decorating class this summer and have been practicing with Leon's cakes. I have real appreciation for anyone who can create a beautiful, tasty cake! Mine are coming along, but I don't think I will be getting a job as a cake decorator anytime soon!
 Leon, Kate and Charlie October 11, 2015 (one day early) 
2 Month Kate Cake - we forgot to take a picture before making the first cut!
Leon, Kate and Charlie
October 11, 2015 (one day early)
We are home again - and are back to eating much healthier than we did on our Wisconsin! See you soon!
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