Ever since we took some of Hallie’s friends to Six Flags for her 18th birthday, I envisioned doing the same for Hunter. And as much fun as I think Hunter would have had on that trip, we gave him another option. Six Flags…or a trip to Wisconsin to watch the Packers play. Hunter was born in Wisconsin and hasn’t been back since we moved away when he was two years old. He has been a die-hard Packers fan, even in their non-glory days and he has longed to go to a game. When we gave him his options, there was no hesitation or “let me think about it”. He knew he wanted the Packers game. They were playing the Arizona Cardinals at the end of August which seemed like the perfect match.
Aside from the Packers game, Steve took Hunter on a trip down memory lane – a lane he has no memories of. They toured our old stomping grounds including our old home visited Steve’s brother who still lives in town and stayed with some old friends. Hunter will finally have memories of his birth place Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Lambeau Field lived up to all his expectations. It’s the experience he was hoping for and they attended a preseason game so it wasn’t snowing yet! Bonus!
The Packers are the oldest community-owned team with the most total titles. While living in Wisconsin, we learned they have a very loyal fan base which was fun to witness. And Hunter counts himself in that number!
Are the Packers good this year? No. But that doesn’t really matter for a true Packers fan. They still pack the stadium and bring the energy. Steve accidentally cheered for the Cardinals just once and got enough side-eyes to not do it again. The Packers pulled off a late win and it was the cherry on top.
Hunter can’t get enough “Wisconsin” gear (which includes all their professional and college teams). And what better place to thrift gear than in Wisconsin! They hit up several stores and he came home with a full suitcase. Six Flags would have been a fun trip, but he made the right decision – a trip to his homeland and a Packers game was the perfect 18th birthday.
Hunter knew his gift was the Packers game, but he did make a simple birthday meal request: White sauce macaroni and cheese. This is a meal I started making when they were little. It was a cheap and easy meal and they would always request it for special occasions, including the first day of school. It was literally a jar of store-bought Alfredo with some Parmesan cheese and spices added. Ironically, the special spice I add to it is called “Brady Street Cheese Sprinkle” from a spice company in Wisconsin, Penzey’s Spices. I haven’t had the spice in my cupboard for years which is why I stopped making the meal. But Hunter made a request – he wanted his favorite childhood meal as he transitioned to being an adult.
I couldn’t order online and get it in time. Luckily, I found a store 35 minutes away that carried it. I debated whether it was worth the drive and Steve assured me it was. So I tracked down the spice and added it to his birthday bucket. He was a happy boy when I whipped up that college-level meal for him on his birthday. He didn’t even eat it on our special “Happy Birthday” plate.
The night of his birthday, we hosted an evening of games, soda bar and acai bowls. 9 square, ping pong, corn hole, and of course, Secret Hitler. Hunter planned on 30 friends – and way more showed up (who doesn’t love a free acai bowls?!) We love a house full of teenagers.
18 is going to be a great year.
