Why We Keep Coming Back For More

We were in New York City for another weekend. You may wonder why we return to visit so much. "Didn't you guys see pretty much everything when you lived there for five years? Geez." Well, it isn't always about seeing something new as it is seeing what you miss every day you aren't there. It is also about introducing Max to things we love. Like walks through Central Park on a quiet morning.

Amazing food like Big Nick's whole wheat pizza, Levain Bakery cookies, banana pudding, and a few meals we have never had.

It's about spending lunch and the early afternoon with Unky Feef.

Its about giving Max the chance to destroy Tracy's house over, and over, and over until she probably wanted to pull her hair out. But she was a gracious hostess (yes, even with the mostess).

Its about giving Max a new environment to practice his walking skills and hoping, hoping, hoping that he'll take those much anticipated first few steps without holding on to our hands.

And it certainly is about additional encouragement from Unky Feef and having him encourage us when parenting gets hard. Its also about brother's nights that involve huge burgers and insanely delicious fries in Queens.

Its about spending Sunday afternoon in Brooklyn Heights and thinking about how this all started.

And meals at Joya that we wish would never, ever end because we love them so much.

Its about getting in tune with the "Hottest Hip Hop"

And introducing Max to a new park every single day.

Its about trying to get Max to not lick the subway windows as he watches the underground paths fly by.

Its about reuniting Max with his girlfriend Gwen and letting them play around in the buff and take baths together.

Its about the worst nightmares coming true.

And dreams as well in a gigantic playland.

Its about hugs from Max's super buddy Davis.

And Carousal rides with mama.

Its about reuniting with Asian A and Ryan.

Aunty Mals!

And so many other cherished and seldom-seen friends.

Its about sleeping in cause you are so tired from the constant partying.

And waking up to new surprises every single day - never knowing what the day might bring.

Like playing with straws at a donut shop or local cafe.

And most importantly, its about being excited to come home to dad who had to go back to work a few days early.

That's why we go back over and over and over again. There are too many reasons that we can't ignore.

Milwaunna Hang Out With Feef?

The last, but certainly not least, of my family members finally made it to see Max - Stephoin. His goal in Chicago was two fold: 1) party with Max and 2) party non-stop with me and Caitlin. Both were accomplished. Upon his arrival, he was introduced to Max and also to his new laptop that he had shipped to our house! Max was down with Stephoin, possibly because he thought he was me half the time.

Just a quick side note - Max is adorable.

Our first major adventure was to go to Milwaukee and check it out. We have never been, Stephoin has never been - so why not? Besides...we've all seen pictures from Chicago. Let's give Milwaukee a chance!

Our first "order" of business was to get some grub. Since we no approximately 0% about Milwaukee, we just stopped at the first non-chain restaurant we could find - Mikanos Cafe. Greek it is.

Max was also hungry, so he got lunch as well. I'd like to take this time to introduce you all to Max's monkey. The monkey was a gift from our cousin Sarah, and Max is obsessed with it. He holds on to it constantly. It makes him feel warm and cozy.

The food was good. Its always a good sign with the restaurant is almost full...which it was.

I devoured my gyro with a vigor unparalleled. From this point on I am going to just show you photos of our adventure in Milwaukee. I will just say that I found the city to be very awesome. Sure, it has clearly been through some rough patches...but I think it is in a real revitalization period right now and it shows. We found lots of interesting things to explore. We are excited to come back in the summer one weekend and explore some more. Check it out:

Yes, Milwaukee was a very good time. Max was an amazing trooper considering he spent the entire day in his car seat/stroller. He finally let us know how he felt about that, so we had to take him out for a while and love him. He appreciated it.

The next day Stephoin and I went house exploring, including checking out the Home Alone house.

We went down to Lincoln Park to Sweet Mandy B's to try some of their treats and explore that neighborhood. That was a great bakery.

Sure, everyone does cupcakes. But still, good lookin for sure.

Then we walked up to Lakeview to meet up with the Hilton's for some dinner at DMK Burger Bar - which I obsess over constantly. It was absolutely amazing, per usual. It was a little loud for conversation for such a big group...but who can talk anyway with gigantic burgers in your mouth?

Oh man. I got the Prosciutto burger. AHHHHHHHHHHH.

Then it was time to go home for some tender moments before bedtime. Max is so full of love these days. He loved having Unky Feef to visit and hold him so tight. We still had a few days to go, but Feef is not one to waste precious moment opportunities.

He kills me.

More Stephoin visit stories/pictures to come.