A Vow Renewal Second Wedding Reception and Trip to Wisconsin

Our summer has been busy. As many of you may already know, Victoria and I got married in Texas in January. Since a lot of my Wisconsin family and friends couldn't make it down to the wedding, we decided to have a second reception in Wisconsin. We planned also have a second ceremony before that reception and partake in some of the unique Wisconsin wedding traditions.

Looking back, planning two separate ceremonies and two separate receptions in two states across the country was a monumental task. There was definitely a lot of work involved! Then again, these are the special parts of our lives and this work is worth it. Almost every element revolving around our wedding was special and unique.

For an engagement ring, I wasn't just going to go to a store and buy something off the shelf. I wasn't even going to make a diamond the main rock in the ring. Instead, I drove up to Thunder Bay, Ontario, went to an amethyst mine and bought an amethyst stone, and then brought the amethyst back to Texas. I then proceeded to have a custom ring made with that amethyst. I did this because Thunder Bay is one of my favorite places in the world the visit and the largest deposits of amethyst in North America are there (some amethyst can be found in my native Wisconsin). Amethyst represents deep love and I felt that was more fitting than just buying a diamond.

To propose, I chose to propose at the Alamo. This is where our first date ended up. I proposed in the spot we had our first kiss and then we went on to celebrate Texas-style at Whataburger. Everything about the ring and where I proposed melded our Wisconsin-Texas culture together.

Where we got married held significant family value on Victoria's mother's side. The Inn at Salado was once owned by Victoria's great-grandparents and was her grandmother's childhood home. It had since been converted into a bed and breakfast and wedding venue. This was the perfect place to get married. On top of that, Victoria's aunt Caroline, on her dad's side, is a Lutheran Minister, so she acted as the officiant and married us.

The interesting thing is I'm Catholic and Victoria is Methodist. In many ways we've melded our denominations and one week we go to Catholic Mass and next week we go to a Methodist service (actually at Victoria's childhood church, Oak Hill United Methodist). As you can see, we had a Lutheran minister marry us. It seems Protestant-based denominations are less strict when it comes to this than the Catholic Church.

In order for the Catholic Church to formally recognize a marriage, it has to basically be done in an actual Catholic Church by either a Priest or Deacon. Anything outside of that is not considered valid and it needs to be made valid through a process called, “convalidation.” This was going to be our snag and we originally planned to do the convalidation in Wisconsin, hence our second ceremony.

With that being said, there's another process called dispensation. Basically, it's getting a formal exception approved by the Bishop of your local dioceses. We signed up for marriage prep classes at our local Catholic Church, St. Louis King of France, and then got everything in order there. We worked with a Deacon and filled out all the paperwork for a dispensation. Due to the place we were getting married having historical family value and also the officiant being family and clergy of another denomination, we were granted a dispensation. Our wedding in Texas would fully be recognized by the Catholic Church!

There was now no need to convalidate it. We could now do a simple vow renewal. We had been working with Deacon Ray at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Marshfield. My parents belong to Sacred Heart and this was my childhood church. I even went there for elementary school. Deacon Ray has known my family for years, so he was the perfect person to officiate. We got all the plans together and decided to have the reception at Bakerville Sports Bar and Grill.

If you've read this far, you can see there was a lot behind every aspect of our wedding. It was a ton of work, but worth it in the end. Victoria is an amazing woman and everything we put into this whole process represented us.

After all this planning, it was finally time to fly to Wisconsin and have the vow renewal and second wedding reception. As you know, I hate flying and would prefer to drive, but we were cramped for time. The night before we decided to say goodbye to Austin for the time being, so we ate at one of our favorite places, Wally's. We made sure to leave our bad attitudes in the trash can.

Yellow sign reading "BAD ATTITUDES HERE" with a black arrow pointing down toward a cylindrical trash receptacle below

It was an extremely early morning to fly out. In many ways seeing it was already 82F (28C) at 3 in-the-morning made me excited for Wisconsin.

Car stereo display screen showing 62°F temperature at 2:59, with "Blue Morning, Blue" by Foreigner playing on SiriusXM radio

We headed to the airport, parked, rode the bus from the parking lot, made it through security, and then hung around a mainly empty airport.

Nighttime view of a parking lot with illuminated buildings and vehicles, taken from inside a car

ABIA economy parking ticket machine showing $8 daily rate with a 10-minute grace period, photographed from driver's seat

ABIA long-term parking shuttle bus with illuminated "Long Term Parking" sign visible through the window

Empty airport terminal interior showing blue flight information display boards, escalators, and minimal foot traffic during early morning or late night hours

Deserted airport concourse with gates 1-10 signage, closed retail locations, and polished floors reflecting overhead lighting

We were hungry and the only thing open was an Einstein Bagels with a Caribou Coffee. Everyone in the airport had the same idea.

Passengers waiting in line at airport gate, viewing flight information board displaying departure times and gate numbers

Since Caribou Coffee is based out of Minnesota, they have some cool designs on the cups that made me more excited to get to Wisconsin.

Coffee cup sleeve with "State of Coffee" branding featuring Wisconsin outline, fish illustrations, and text reading "Sconnie Love"

We had breakfast and then got on the plane.

Two bagel sandwiches on wooden table - one breakfast sandwich with egg and cheese on toasted bagel, one plain bagel with cream cheese

View through airplane window at night showing airport tarmac, ground equipment, and gate area

Smiling woman in gray sweatshirt seated on airplane holding a beverage cup with in-flight window visible behind her

There must have been some really bad flooding around St. Louis. When we were about to land for our layover, I noticed a lot of standing water.

Aerial photograph from airplane window showing flooded agricultural fields and waterways with Southwest Airlines winglet visible in frame

At our layover, I got an energy drink to stay awake. The layover wasn't long and we were on the plane and in Milwaukee in no time!

Aerial view from airplane window showing Southwest Airlines wing above layer of puffy white clouds with ground visible below

Airport gate waiting area with passengers seated and standing, featuring blue accent lighting along ceiling and modern architectural design

Green Bay Packers merchandise display featuring gold and green team apparel, jerseys, and accessories arranged on retail shelving unit

"Welcome to Milwaukee" hanging sign in airport terminal with floor-to-ceiling windows and modern architecture

Milwaukee or Minneapolis are the closest major (and cheap) airports to Marshfield. They're each a three hour drive away. With that, we had three hours to drive, so we went and got our rental car.

Enterprise car rental counter with staff assisting customers, showing company's green branding on wall signage

Front view of burgundy Nissan Versa rental car with Wisconsin license plate 285-ZZX parked in parking garage

I love driving on the open roads. I hate driving in congested cities. Victoria offered to drive out of Milwaukee. I took her up on her offer.

Woman wearing aviator sunglasses taking selfie from driver's seat in parking garage

Airport departure roadway viewed through car windshield showing glass canopy overhead, stop signs, and vehicles at curb

Open highway view from car showing clear two-lane road with grassy fields, trees, and scattered white clouds against blue sky

Highway traffic including FedEx semi-truck and multiple vehicles with overhead green directional signs and power lines

Rural two-lane highway with white pickup truck and box truck ahead, tree-lined roadsides under partly cloudy sky

After all this driving, we were getting hungry. We stopped in DeForest and found a Rocky Rococo attached to a gas station. After walking in, I could tell I was in Wisconsin with all the New Glarus beer on a pallet.

Small town main street with dramatic gray storm clouds overhead, 35 mph speed limit sign, and commercial buildings along roadway

Rocky Rococo Pizza and Pasta restaurant exterior featuring brick facade with dark stone accents and green awning trim under overcast sky

Convenience store interior featuring large promotional display of New Glarus Spotted Cow beer cases stacked in pyramid formation with $18.49 price sign

This time, I took over driving. I drove the rest of the way to my parent's house.

Elevated highway driving view showing empty lanes ahead with flat agricultural landscape and blue sky with puffy white clouds

Burgundy Nissan Versa with Wisconsin plates parked on gravel driveway in front of rural property with building covered by green metal roof and neatly stacked firewood

We then checked into Hotel Marshfield.

After that, we met my parents for dinner at El Mezcal. I had a taco salad.

Mexican food plate with two soft tacos filled with meat and topped with shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and diced tomatoes served on crispy tostada shells

When we got done eating, we were going to go back to the hotel. We were exhausted from being up so early. We decided to drop by Festival Foods along the way to get some alcohol.

Festival Foods supermarket entrance with distinctive rainbow-colored architectural canopy arching over main doorway

Hotel room table displaying Point Special Lager "Charlie" 4-pack in blue and red packaging, Bacardi Superior rum bottle, and 2-liter Diet Coke bottle

I had a beer before going to bed.

Hand holding tall can of Point Special Lager "Charlie" beer featuring navy blue and red label design

The next morning, we met up with my parents, and we loaded up the vehicles with stuff and brought it to Bakerville Bar.

Open trunk of Nissan Versa containing cardboard shipping box, clear plastic storage container, and orange Home Depot shopping bags with merchandise

Truck bed containing large tree stump section with bark, wicker basket filled with colorful artificial flowers, HP ENVY Photo printer box, and wooden crate

Hotel room floor covered with moving/travel items including clear storage containers, Home Depot boxes, open blue suitcase with yellow bag inside, HP printer box, and artificial flower arrangements

We started getting everything in order.

Large community hall or gymnasium set up for event with multiple round white tables surrounded by folding chairs, long rectangular tables along wall, and stage area with basketball hoop visible

Once things were setup, I got the battery for the Cougar and the toolbox to get everything in order to take the Cougar out. Victoria and I went to where I store it and got it up and running.

Boat or vehicle completely covered with beige protective tarp stored on wooden platform inside wooden-paneled storage building

Open engine compartment of classic car showing V8 engine with round air cleaner, valve covers, and various engine components

We drove around a little bit, stopped at Kwik Trip for a quick bite to eat, and then headed out to my parent's house. Jordy was excited to see us.

IGA supermarket exterior with tan and red brick facade, multiple vehicles parked in front lot under partly cloudy blue sky

Convenience store snack purchase on counter including Olivio cheese spread, Chipsandwich, beef stick, Madrera cheese wheel, and Rockstar energy drink can

Man in gray t-shirt giving double thumbs up while standing beside white classic Dodge Challenger muscle car parked in front of Hotel Marshfield entrance sign

Small Shih Tzu dog with brown and white fluffy coat lying relaxed on beige carpet floor beside furniture

A while later, we had brats and hamburgers.

Brown ceramic slow cooker crock pot containing four bratwurst sausages cooking in liquid

Baking sheet with seven hamburger patties each topped with white and orange cheese slices melting on surface, metal spatula visible

White plate with cheeseburger on bun, bratwurst topped with sauerkraut and mustard, five green olives, and tall glass of milk on wooden table

The weatherman was mentioning the “high” heat indexes. To Victoria and me, it felt great! There was a threat of rain, so we decided to get the Cougar back in the garage before it hit. Lucky we did.

Television screen displaying News 9 Storm Track weather map showing current heat index temperatures across Wisconsin ranging from 70-92 degrees with meteorologist visible

Rainy residential street view through wet windshield showing water tower, houses, trees, and overcast gray sky with raindrops visible on glass

We decided to do a little exploring in the rental car. We drove past where they were building the new high school football stadium. We then went out to Kuyoth's in Stratford (the place I bought my Cougar).

View through rain-covered windshield of parking lot with large yellow excavator and pile of red dirt or mulch, with water droplets obscuring visibility

Athletic field or sports complex under construction showing stadium lighting towers, bleachers, and yellow construction equipment under dramatic cloudy evening sky

Rural two-lane highway view approaching Stratford town sign with trees lining roadside and dramatic cloudy sky overhead

Small town roadside view with Legends Motors automotive sign visible, parked vehicles beside white commercial building under dramatic cloudy sky

Red arrow-shaped "SHOWROOM" directional sign mounted on pole with vintage trucks and white house visible in background under cloudy sky

Dark blue classic Chevrolet Camaro with black vinyl roof and chrome bumper, wet from recent rain, parked on street near red barn

Burgundy classic Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme coupe with landau roof and chrome wheels parked on residential street with houses and trees in background

Classic car showroom interior displaying multiple vintage vehicles including black Pontiac Trans Am in foreground, green convertible, and other collector cars with automotive memorabilia on walls

We needed gas, so we filled up. I thought it would be cool to drive out to Lisa's Landing and check out the scenery there.

Rear view of burgundy Nissan Versa SV rental car with Wisconsin license plate 285-ZZX at gas station with fuel nozzle inserted

Rural highway driving view under dramatic storm clouds with farm buildings and grain silos visible in distant agricultural landscape

Blue informational sign for Eau Pleine Reservoir and Lisa's Landing operated by Wisconsin Valley Improvement Company, with handicap accessibility symbol below

Tranquil lake view at dusk with calm water, tree branch silhouette in foreground, and distant shoreline under cloudy sky

We headed back into Marshfield, stopped at Chip's and had some supper, and then got back to the hotel room to get some rest.

Rural road stretching toward horizon with dramatic storm clouds overhead, white church or grain elevator structure visible in distance among green agricultural fields

Town road view with dramatic storm clouds, street lights, and small commercial buildings visible under blue sky with dark gray storm formations

Gyros restaurant building with distinctive peaked roof featuring painted illustrations of menu items including ice cream cone, popcorn, and hamburger on white exterior wall

Fast food meal on brown tray consisting of hamburger with sesame seed bun and side order of breaded cheese sticks or tater tots wrapped in paper

Hotel Marshfield exterior entrance at dusk with illuminated signage, American and Wisconsin flags on poles, burgundy metal roof, and landscaped circular driveway

Empty hotel parking lot at dusk overlooking open grass field with residential houses in distance under dramatic gray and blue storm clouds

The next morning consisted of packing our stuff up so we could stay at the Holiday Inn later that day.

Hotel room luggage rack with black garment bag hanging on metal frame, room interior with doors visible in background

We then went back to Bakerville Bar and put the finishing on decorating. Some of my aunts and uncles showed up to help, as well as some family friends. We got it done in no time!

Community hall event space with multiple round tables covered in white tablecloths and tan folding chairs, people preparing setup in background near DJ equipment

Event hall arranged with long rectangular tables covered in white tablecloths and tan folding chairs, wooden stage platform with DJ booth visible at far end

Long buffet service counter with multiple metal chafing dishes and warming trays set up along green-padded ledge overlooking event hall with table arrangements below

Community hall set up for wedding reception with multiple round tables covered in white tablecloths, long rectangular tables along walls, elevated DJ booth area with string lights, and basketball hoop visible

Upward view of elevated balcony seating area with wooden paneling, decorative string lights along railing edge, and wire mesh safety barrier

Woman in navy sleeveless top and jeans standing behind white-covered reception tables in event hall with stage and audio equipment visible in background

Rustic wedding display table featuring white tablecloth, framed wedding photos, decorative chalkboard with calligraphy, tree stump pieces as decor elements, and wooden shelf with memorabilia

After that was done, we headed out to my buddy Mike's place so he could detail the Cougar. Mike is one of the only people I trust to do this.

Person in turquoise shirt leaning into white classic car working on dashboard interior detailing in garage with cleaning supplies and spray bottle nearby

I then took it to the Lava Wash.

Car wash entrance with "Lava Wash" volcano-themed signage featuring erupting lava effect and steam, Walmart store visible through tunnel opening

By that time, we were able to check into the Holiday Inn. While planning everything, we found this was a central location for everyone and they were easy to book a room block. We decided to stay there the night before the vow renewal and the night of.

Holiday Inn hotel exterior featuring modern three-story building with multiple flags including American flag on poles, several parked vehicles in front lot under blue sky

We then met my parents and Victoria's dad and his wife at Nutz Deep to have a Friday night fish fry.

Commercial shopping center parking lot with scattered vehicles including burgundy rental car, brick-paved areas, and small town buildings under partly cloudy sky

Nutz Deep II restaurant storefront with dark gray siding, white trim accents, American flag mounted on facade, and illuminated red "OPEN" neon sign in window

Fish fry dinner plate with two golden breaded fish fillets, french fries, coleslaw in container, tartar sauce, and condiment packets on white dish

After eating, Victoria and I decided to hit up Downtown Marshfield. We first walked to The Swamp and had a drink.

Residential intersection at dusk showing painted crosswalk stripes, park area with trees, and dramatic sunset clouds with orange and blue sky

Large decorative brown turtle sculpture displayed in landscaped garden bed with ornamental cattail plants in front of tan brick municipal building

Small town main street at twilight featuring ornate black lamp post with hanging banners, fire hydrant, and dramatic cloudy sunset sky

Downtown sidewalk at dusk with "Left Right Turn Only" parking sign, decorative street lights with community banners, white sedan on roadway, and brick-paved areas

The Swamp bar and grill corner building with sage green siding, illuminated frog mascot sign, and modern peaked metal roof architecture at dusk

Hamm's Premium American Classic Lager beer can with distinctive gold and navy blue retro design resting on dark bar surface with branded coaster

Once that drink was gone, we decided to walk to another bar. We passed Hardacre Park on the way to Goodfella's.s

Corner lot featuring building with bright blue mural wall displaying collection of historic building photographs, decorative brick pillars with wrought iron fencing, and Family Haircuts business sign

Historic downtown brick commercial buildings at dusk showing Saw Woodfellas Pub signage, pawn shop, and traditional main street architecture with storefronts

Goodfella's is a quirky bar and the patrons are even quirkier. Some guy brought his bird to the bar and I even got to have it sit on my shoulder.

Selfie of man wearing glasses holding white plush dog or stuffed animal with illuminated "It's Miller Time" neon beer sign glowing in background at bar, image includes @impulsivetravelerguy.com watermark

After a few drinks, we walked back to the hotel.

Downtown street at night showing storefronts, sidewalk with planters, traffic lights, and construction barrels

Holiday Inn Express hotel exterior at night with green-lit entrance canopy and illuminated building

Oh no! The next morning it was raining. This was the day of the vow renewal and I really didn't want to take the Cougar out in the rain. It looked like it would pass. We had things to do so I was hoping that things would dry up in the meantime.

We first got breakfast at Melody Gardens. I then dropped Victoria off to get her nails done and then took the back roads to Wausau so I could have my suit pressed at Men's Wearhouse.

Rainy day view of hotel parking lot filled with cars under overcast sky

Melody Gardens Restaurant & Skateland roadside sign advertising "Family Food & Entertainment" with marquee reading "Stop In For Ice Cream"

Breakfast plate with vegetable omelet, hash browns, wheat toast, and Smucker's jelly packets

Gray car seat protector installed on vehicle back seat with visible seatbelt

Downtown storefront showing KerberRose Certified Public Accountants and Shari L. Post Attorney at Law office with decorative window art

Straight two-lane rural highway stretching toward horizon with farmland on both sides

Men's Wearhouse retail store exterior with gray facade and large storefront windows

Folded gray car seat cover placed on vehicle back seat

I then drove back and picked Victoria up. We decided to get lunch at Taco John's.

Taco John's restaurant sign advertising "Beef Softshell Taco 99¢" on marquee

Thankfully, the rain had stopped! It was soon time for the vow renewal at Sacred Heart!

Sacred Heart Catholic Church sign announcing "Cody and Victoria Esser Saying I Do - Again" wedding vow renewal

Interior of Catholic church sanctuary with rows of wooden pews, vaulted ceiling, crucifix above altar, and stained glass windows

The vow renewal went well. Outside, we had the muscle cars lined up. We'd partake in the old Wisconsin wedding tradition of bar hopping between the ceremony and reception.

Two classic muscle cars parked on street - white and blue vintage models from early 1970s

Our first stop was Nutz Deep. I made sure to have a Hamm's.s.

Nutz Deep II bar exterior sign with beer mug icon on building facade

Woman in white sleeveless dress smiling and holding beer can at bar with taps visible in background

We then went to Five-O-One and I had a Budweiser.

Five•O•One Sports Bar & Grill sign with digital display showing time and temperature

Hand holding Budweiser beer bottle showing classic red label

Two drinks were enough. It was time to put the Cougar away and take our ride out to Bakerville Bar.

White shuttle bus with "Nationwide SPORTS BAR" lettering parked outside hotel building

We passed an Amish buggy along the way.

View from inside vehicle on rural highway following truck with dramatic storm clouds on horizon and farmland on both sides

Black horse in harness attached to buggy on rural roadside with agricultural fields in background

We then got out there and partied. On the scoreboard was the date of our actual wedding.

Blue vintage muscle car from early 1970s parked outside building with Pabst Blue Ribbon sign

Elevated view of reception hall interior with round tables covered in white tablecloths, folding chairs, and scoreboard on wall

Indoor sports scoreboard displaying Home 1, Guest 19 with period and match indicators

Two large plastic pitchers of beer on white-clothed table at reception

After all the partying, we took the shuttle back to the hotel.

Woman in white dress seated on shuttle bus bench at night

The next morning, we packed up our stuff to check out of the Holiday Inn. We then met Victoria's dad at Melody Gardens.

Hotel parking lot at dusk with scattered vehicles and retail buildings visible in distance

Breakfast plate with sunny-side-up eggs, sliced ham, hash browns, wheat toast, and Smucker's jelly packets

One thing I wanted to do is get all the old gas from last year out of the Cougar. I figured a little mini-road trip to North Wood County Park would be in order to run out the rest of the gas.

Vintage car dashboard gauge showing combined amp meter and fuel indicator reading nearly full

White vintage Mercury Cougar muscle car parked on tree-lined residential street

Woman wearing blue mirrored aviator sunglasses smiling and waving from classic car interior

Stone pillar entrance monument with "North Park" sign and decorative emblem

We drove through the park, checked out (well I checked out) the suspension bridge, and then we were going to check the campground until I came across high water. I wasn't as daring with the Cougar as some of the other people were with their vehicles.

Driver's view through windshield of white classic car on tree-canopied park road

White pedestrian suspension bridge spanning calm lake with perfect reflection in water, surrounded by forest

Pickup truck crossing shallow water ford on rural road marked with orange poles

White vintage muscle car parked along wooded roadside

I turned around and headed back to Marshfield. I got gas and then put the Cougar away.

Vintage car dashboard gauge showing combined amp meter and fuel indicator reading empty

White classic muscle car parked under gas station canopy

We then picked up a pizza from Papa Murphy's and went back to my parents. I made sure to wash it down with some milk.

Papa Murphy's take-and-bake pizza in plastic wrap with promotional materials showing Fri-Yay $5 special and 25% off coupon

Baked pizza topped with sausage, black olives, cheese, and other toppings on Packers-themed paper plate

Single slice of meat and olive pizza on gold-toned plate with glass of milk

After eating, it was time to get back to Hotel Marshfield and get some rest. We decided to stay at Hotel Marshfield to save some money over the Holiday Inn. The next day, we'd be heading to Milwaukee to spend the night before we flew out.

Driver's view of straight rural highway at dusk with open farmland on both sides

Rural highway at twilight lined with trees on both sides

Dawn view of rural highway approaching small town with billboard visible

Hotel exterior at dusk with American flags and circular driveway entrance

The next morning was busy. We first got the tools that I needed from my parent's house, so I could remove the battery from the Cougar and get it all ready for the winter.

Tree-lined rural road view from inside vehicle with park visible on right side

We stopped by Feltz Tire and I BS'ed with Dustin a bit.

White Feltz Tire International semi truck cab parked on roadside with residential homes in background

Tire storage yard with tall stacks of various tires along dirt path bordered by chain-link fence

After that, we got everything good to go for the Cougar for the winter and visited with my grandma.

Classic car covered with tan protective cover in wooden garage with yellow pressure washer nearby

Once visiting was done, we got gas, got a sub from Subway, and visited with my other grandma.

View from gas pump canopy of yellow and orange "Stop" convenience store building

Red Nissan Versa with Wisconsin license plate 285-ZZX refueling at gas station

Submarine sandwich on pretzel bun with lettuce, cold cuts, and condiments wrapped in paper

We were actually in luck. My grandma was also eating lunch so we were able to eat with her. We then headed back out to my parents' to drop off the tools. I stopped by the car on the silo.

Blue vintage car displayed as folk art installation atop tall cylindrical farm silo

It was now time to leave Marshfield and head for Milwaukee. By this part of the trip, we just wanted to get to Milwaukee. We pretty much drove straight through to the La Quinta we were going to stay at, except for a short detour at Evanswood Village Shops.

Highway view with overhead signs and scattered white clouds in blue sky

Small town residential neighborhood visible across gravel lot and green field

Eclectic antique shop display featuring colorful illuminated Tiffany-style lamps with butterfly and floral designs

Rustic antique shop interior with cowhide items, wooden clock, landscape paintings, and decorative lamps

Wine shop interior showcasing illuminated Tiffany-style lamps above wine bottle display cases

Interstate 41 highway sign showing directions to Milwaukee (South) and Green Bay/Oshkosh (North/South) with state park notification

American flag and Wisconsin state flag flying on poles with handicap reserved parking sign and trees in background

Multi-lane urban highway with concrete barrier walls and overpass bridges ahead

Highway construction zone with large mounds of gravel and aggregate materials stockpiled along roadside

Yellow stucco hotel building exterior with covered entrance portico and parking lot at early morning

Before we went to bed, I wanted to get one last Wisconsin fix. Cousins Subs was just down the road and the perfect place to do it. I got my turkey sub (with everything on it) and a side of cheese curds.

Cousins Subs restaurant exterior with modern design and red Nissan Versa parked in front

Cousins Subs meal on metal tray featuring Italian sub with peppers, side salad, cheese curds in wrapper with dipping sauce, and pickle spear

We stopped by the BP Station across the road from the hotel and got some snacks for later and also some Sprite to mix with the bottle of liquor we got from Wild Grape Wine Company that was in Evanswood Village Shops.s.

Gas station and convenience store exterior at dusk with price sign showing gas at 35¢

Hotel room snack spread on wooden table with package of hot rods hot dogs, Sprite bottle, and two Quest protein bars

Ole Smoky Moonshine mason jar with orange-colored moonshine and gold lid

Small white disposable cup filled with orange moonshine

We had that quick drink and got to bed. The next morning was super early again to fly back to Austin.

Hotel parking lot at night showing illuminated building entrance and parked vehicles

We dropped the rental car off and then headed into the airport. We had to wait for security to actually open, but we were soon on our plane. We had a short layover in Nashville, but were in Austin in no time!

Red Nissan Versa with Wisconsin plates parked in covered parking garage

Enterprise Rent-A-Car key drop box with signage in parking garage

Milwaukee airport rental car return area with automated barriers and Ground Transportation signage

MKE Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport wall sign with directional arrows to ticketing, baggage claim, and elevators

Milwaukee airport terminal interior with flight information displays, gate seating areas, and concessions

Passengers waiting in line at airport security checkpoint or ticket counter

Woman in gray sweatshirt with backpack smiling while walking through airport jetway

Interior view of airplane cabin showing passengers seated with overhead lighting

View from airplane window seat showing Southwest Airlines wing with red, yellow and blue livery and landscape below during flight

Nashville Star decorative sign with gold stars on yellow background inside airport terminal

View from airplane window showing Delta wing above fluffy white clouds

Welcome to Austin illuminated sign in yellow text with blue accent lighting above airport reservation center

Austin highway view with overhead signs for Mopac Boulevard and Capital of Texas Highway 360 with traffic

This was a heck of a trip and we were very busy. Shortly after I got back, I flew out to Salt Lake City for work. It was definitely a busy July and in September, I've finally gotten a chance to write about everything. We covered a lot of ground and did a lot of things in a short amount of time. I can definitely tell you it was an adventure!

A Vow Renewal Second Wedding Reception and Trip to Wisconsin

See more blog entries here