America – Part Two: Milwaukee

Our first morning in America was one that expats in Berlin returning to the States might appreciate.

Gigantic glasses of FREE ice water, pancakes, bacon and eggs with unlimited cups of coffee served by a friendly and chatty waitress. Yes, friendly and chatty. Something we don’t get that often here in Berlin.

But boy, oh boy, Americans can be loud! Specifically, Midwestern Americans in downtown Milwaukee hotel restaurants on a Saturday morning seemed LOUD to us!

Repatriation can be difficult and we were in for a treat. Walmart, expansive highways, big cars and loud people.

We were home!

But seriously, I had been anxious about our return having read the headlines filled with shootings, especially school shooting, Supreme Court decisions and a seemingly more polarized America. But we soon discover that while Macro-level changes in America could definitely seem scary, face-to-face interactions with people seemed pretty much the same – friendly and welcoming.

The reason we were in Milwaukee was because Dave’s oldest Lubell cousin’s oldest daughter (whew) was getting married. And this was our opportunity to attend and see a lot of relatives we hadn’t seen in years.

We also met Dave’s folks, John and Martha, there who flew in from Philly to attend.

The entire wedding weekend activities were so special. From the rehearsal dinner at a pizza joint, the gorgeous ceremony and reception (briefly interrupted by a fire alarm) at the historic Pfister Hotel and the morning after brunch also at the hotel.

But more important than the actual events was the feeling of being around our extended family. Family who gets along. Who truly cares for each other. And who shares that love so openly. It was evident in the bride and groom, the wedding party and the multigenerational extended family who cheered them on.

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Also during our long weekend in Milwaukee, we took the boys to the Discovery Center science center nestled on the bank of Lake Michigan, which was excellent!

We visited Kopp’s for their famous custard.

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And also enjoyed their burgers and onions rings while purched on concrete steps outside.

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We took the boys swimming at our hotel‘s pool on the 23rd floor overlooking Lake Michigan.

We spent an afternoon at the Harley Museum (which was NOT appreciated by the boys).

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But something Grandpa Hapgood would have loved! (Don’t worry, you were there in spirit.)

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We celebrated the 4th of July at Aunt Anne‘s beautiful home on Lake Michigan, also paying tribute to John and Martha‘s recent 50th wedding anniversary.

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Because of our lost luggage, we had looked through Dave’s aunt and late uncle’s closet for something to wear to the black-tie optional wedding.

The boys played at the beach behind Aunt Anne’s house while we “shopped” the closets. I‘d say we looked mighty handsome!

Unanticipated (and sometimes frustrating – I hate shopping!) hours were spent in a downtown TJ Maxx as well as a suburban outdoor shopping center buying clothes and necessities for the four of us. The boys did walk away with some pretty great Star Wars t-shirts, I‘d have to admit!

And perhaps partially because we were in a bubble of family love and celebration, being back in the US seemed quite familiar. And easy to return to after 3 1/2 years.

There was more that we would have liked to have done had we had time, which is a testament to Milwaukee‘s rich history (so many gorgeous homes of former Bier Magnets to explore) and budding future.

Maybe there will be another wedding there after we move back to the States? Or family reunion at the nearby Lake Geneva again. 😉

Whatever the reason, we look forward to a return to Milwaukee.