exploring MKE

We've been MKE residents for one whole week now!

It's been an awesome experience. 

We're in love with this place so far. 

We catch ourselves saying, "This is so much better than Tallahassee," a lot. 

The Midwest is the best.

Our house is coming together. 

We really can't wait for recycling day because we've gotten so much stuff in the mail lately. 

Tons of brown boxes just sitting around.

Either they'll go in the basement or we'll just go to the recycling center. (Not sure where that is yet.)

We're still taking care of a lot of logistics, but the list IS getting shorter.

Ben sent in his teaching license application, but continues to fill out questionnaires on teaching applications and subbing lists.

I've got a little Mount Mary paperwork to fill out (including health insurance) and I FINALLY sent my name change info to the Social Security Administration today. Totally regret not taking care of that IMMEDIATELY after we got married so that I could have left SD with it complete. I tried going into the SSA office yesterday and the line was HUGE. I decided to just mail my documents and application in rather than waiting in line to talk to crabby SSA employees. 

Ever notice how some government employees can be dry and uncaring?

I have. 

Not for me. 

I will eventually get a Wisconsin driver's license, health insurance and renter's insurance. 

Before checking out the SSA office Ben and I drove over to Lake Michigan to take in the beautiful cityscape of MKE.

After lunch at home we went on the Miller Brewery Tour.

I think it was a good one to start with because Miller beer is NOT as good as craft beer, but it was still really impressive.

We made friends with a school teacher that looked close to our age.

She was alone visiting all the Midwest ballparks from D.C. and doesn't even drink beer.

Thought that was pretty funny, but it was fun to talk with her. 

We need to work our way up the brewery tour chain.

Sprecher Brewing Co., Milwaukee Brewing Co., and Lakefront Brewing Co. are all craft brews that await us. 

We hear Lakefront has the best tour.

The best way to follow-up a Miller Brewery tour is a Brewers game at Miller Park! 

They lost, but we had great seats, and a really great time. 

The game was part of Ben's birthday gift. 

Jacob, our maintenance guy, told us that a great way to go to a game is to have supper at a bar beforehand and then ride their shuttle to and from the game. There are quite a few bars in the area that do this.

Traffic/parking is INSANE before and after a game.

Way easier to let someone else do the driving. 

Graduate student orientation is this Wednesday evening! (August 21)

I really cannot wait.

I think I've mentioned this even several times now.

We also just received an invitation to visit Kansas friends (friends of the Harder family that go to Bethel College Mennonite Church) up at their cabin in Michigan.

Ben has been there before and says it really it quite amazing, so hopefully it works out to visit in early September. 

We've touched base with our Madison friends, Ted and Taylor. 

We hope to visit Madison this coming week and get a chance to spend with them. 

Also planning on checking out the Mennonite Church this weekend. 

We need more socialization than just ourselves. 

The weather continues to be just gorgeous.

We've tasted amazing Wisconsin cheese curds, ice cream, meat, pickles, and beer.

We'll continue to add to the list. 

YAY WISCONSIN WE LOVE YOU!