Yesterday turned what I thought would be a simple errand into a little family adventure. Our goal was straightforward: find the right work boots for my husband. We made stops at two Vanderloop locations, Little Chute and Appleton, both places we hadn’t visited before, driving through towns that felt completely new to us and exploring each store as we went.

For anyone who hasn’t been, Vanderloop Shoes isn’t just another shoe store. It’s a family-owned Wisconsin business that’s been around since 1945. What started as a small shoe repair shop in a corner of Little Chute has grown into a regional favorite for all kinds of footwear — work boots, running shoes, dress shoes, and comfortable everyday shoes. They’re now in their third generation of family ownership, and the focus is still the same: helping people find the right fit for their feet. Their fit specialists and tools, like the Aetrex foot scanner, make shoe shopping surprisingly precise — and fun.

And fun is exactly what the kids found. Tucked in the corner of the store was the Aetrex foot scanner, and I had the kids try it out first. The machine doesn’t just tell you your shoe size — it measures arches, pressure points, and even recommends orthotic inserts for adults. Watching the kids step on it, peek at the screen, and get so excited about their “foot data” was hilarious and fascinating all at once.

While they explored the scanner, I wandered the aisles, checking out all the boots and shoes, and thinking about how this trip was turning into more than just a quick errand. By the time we left, my husband had his boots, the kids had had a blast discovering something completely new, and I realized that even ordinary tasks — like finding work boots — can become little family memories when you’re somewhere new.

Yesterday reminded me that some of the best moments aren’t planned. It’s the laughter, curiosity, and little surprises that make a day feel special. Even in a store we’d never been to, adventure can pop up in the most unexpected places — like a corner of Vanderloop Shoes with a little machine that made my kids’ eyes light up.