County Fair

We got the idea to head to a small county fair the other weekend after seeing a few relatives post pictures. We've taken the kids to the Wisconsin State Fair a few times, but it is quite crowded and we've never shown the kids the ride area there.

We traveled to this fair specifically for the rides. They were relatively inexpensive, not crowded and just their size. We topped it off with fried oreos, a snow cone and a corn dog. Every kids dream right?

Lucian brought a camera he is trying to master, so we ended up with some really great shots of the evening. He and Claire rode this swinging boat (shot with my phone). She was all for it until it reached a pretty tall height. Luckily Dad was there to hang onto.

Kyle LOVED the monster truck ride. He only chose the blue or red car the eight times he rode it.

And Claire went on the ferris wheel with me. We had a fun time looking at all the sights.

Claire spent her last tickets trying out the swings while Kyle and I went on a rocking boat together.

Tee Ball 2016

Kyle participated in rec department tee ball this summer. He was on the Red Sox.

4-year old tee ball is quite a trip. Each player hits the ball off the tee each inning and runs one base per hit. All the players field in what resembles a mosh pit. Kids are often falling when fielding a ball to push out their teammates. It's amusing to say the least.

Lucian got recruited into coaching at the very first game. He got an official t-shirt and hat. The games were just at the end of our block, so we could walk there every week, which was nice.

Kyle's base running was rather entertaining. Here's quite possibly the slowest run to first ever.

And he is capable of fielding his own team's ball while running to home plate. MVP, I think.

Kyle had quite the cheering squad each week. Grandparents, aunts and cousins all came to enjoy.

The Pool

We joined a pool this summer. We also had to get a new air conditioner, and I can say both have been good investments. Hot weekend afternoons are often spent relaxing and frolicking at the pool.

Claire very often sees school friends while we are there and we get a chance to talk with other parents.

We almost always spring for an ice cream treat. I believe the kids have tried them all.

The deep end and several activities require passing a swim test to participate. Claire has been practicing and gave it a try on our last visit. She rocked the test and is now free to try nearly everything! She was super stoked, and we were very proud.

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.

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.

Memorial Day Weekend

We had very few obligations this long weekend, which felt great. Frida had a vet appointment and the rest was up to us.

Spencer joined us for a few days. Claire was overjoyed that he was home. Sadly, this is the only photo I took. I was doing some work in another room when Spencer texted me that Dad and Frida had fallen asleep on top of him. Of course I went to check it out.

We've had an old Honda motorcycle sitting unused for years now. We finally got it up and running, so Lucian and Papa Dave went for some rides. Kyle loves the bike and wears his helmet to ride his motorcycle "chicken" (the name he picked).

Claire loves to practice reading. She found Frida can be both a great listener as well as a backrest.

We set up the slip n' slide one day and the bounce house the next. The kids were entertained while I planted some vegetables in the garden box.

We took a long bike ride on a nearby paved trail. We ended the ride at a park with a beer garden. We don't mess around;)

And I finally got around to using some rhubarb from my parents' house. Strawberry rhubarb pie is Lucian's favorite! I don't mind it either.

Feels Like Summer (Finally)

Our weekend started off with the wedding of good friends Friday night. Unfortunately, Lucian was traveling for work and couldn't be there, so Claire went as my date. The bride's daughter is her good friend as well. She ran around all night with a gaggle of kids and had a grand time.

I had my parents at the house while Lucian was away. We all made it to watch my nephew's Lacrosse game on Saturday. The weather was beautiful.

We were all able to grab lunch together as well.

Later that day, our local library was celebrating it's 30th anniversary. We headed over and explored a firetruck, played games and jumped in the bounce house.

Claire even got a manicure.

Lucian returned Saturday afternoon, and we spent as much time as we could outside. Claire attended a birthday party Sunday and we went for her longest bike ride ever. Super proud of her.