Monday, July 11, 2016

Camping

Somehow I found myself camping yet again this year. This time we re-visited a park we had been to years ago (where you can reserve a spot!). On the way up north, we stopped in Madison and perused the farmer's market with Spencer. We arrived to camp around 3pm and hauled our things to our site on the water.
We swam the first night, made dinner and roasted s'mores. The surprise benefit was watching firework displays at different locations around the lake 2 nights in a row. Bonus for us.

The kids made great use of our little beach. They ran and played in the shallow water for hours.
Frida frollicked a bit too and kept watch when she was back on land.

We visited a stocked fishing pond where Claire caught her first fish! A bluegill. I ceremoniously unhooked my first fish (hers), as my dad always did that part for me growing up.
I broke in my new hat, a gift from Nana Kathleen and Lucian took this excellent photo of me:)

I did not pack enough food for two nights, since I didn't want to commit to staying that long. At the end of the second day, I couldn't muster the energy to pack everything up once again. So we stayed. We discovered the general store had a pizzeria, so I picked it up while the kids cleaned up from swimming. It's still camping if you eat outside, right?
We were all tired from the trip, but perhaps Frida the most. She followed me around at home and would plop down to nap in all kinds of unusual places. She was one tired dog. As was I! Camping is hard work.

Tuesday, July 5, 2016

End of the School Years

We are now into July, but here's what happened last month!

There was a family picnic at Kyle's school. It was great to lunch with him outside and let him show off the playground. Lucian was out of town for a photo shoot that day, so Nana Kathleen happily took his spot.

Claire had field day again this year. Lucian and I took the morning off to volunteer. We led the chicken toss this time. Claire really enjoyed our appearance.

And the Spirit Squad performed for parents and on the last day of school in front of all the students. Claire plans to sign up again in the fall. (She is second from the end on the right in the video)

Claire finished a great year of kindergarten. She is now a reader and is thrilled to be starting first grade in the fall.