Day One of Year Two

Both Nathan and Evan also started school this week. Yesterday Nathan headed back to class. He is eager to keep learning and looking forward to getting his hands dirtier this year as he'll be spending more time in the hanger.

Evan is headed to the first grade room this year. Last night he told me he was a little nervous because he didn't' know if he had a Memory Treasure (aka: memory work) to say in the morning. After being assured there wouldn't be anything due on the first day he was feeling more at ease. This morning Mrs. Strusz greeted him with special goggles to wear as they began the day with a scavenger hunt around the room. What a fun way to start the first day. I'm hoping that all my guys have a great year!

Hans Goes to Kindergarten

Today was Hans first day of school. He's been looking forward to it since Evan's first day a year ago and counting days for about a month. Today it became a reality. He march off to school without a second glance and is now a proud kindergartner. This afternoon when I picked him up he was happy to report that he play legos, did not have to change his color (get in trouble), liked the books about kindergarten that Mrs. Fred read, already knew the Christlight story about Adam and Eve, got to play on the playground two times, and can't wait to go back tomorrow. I'd call day one a grand success. I hope his love for school keeps up for the next 17 years or so. Way to go Hans, we're thrilled for you!

1. Ready to go!

2. Hans with his teacher, Mrs.Frederickson.

A few more from the resort

1. Chillin' with Auntie Tammy in the lodge before supper.

2. Making friends in the rec room while it rained outside. (Actually they made friends with the little boy the night before hunting frogs by the lagoon.)

3. A handful of teenagers were at the resort to help with the cabin cleaning. They entertained and were entertained by our kids. Here they're playing a rowdie game of keep away with a football in the living room of the lodge.

4. The true sign of a great weekend. Three exhausted kids on the trip home.

Kayaking on 7 Mile Lake

After swimming the kids and Nathan kayaked around a bit. To start it was just Hans and Lydia in the kayak with Nathan (pic.1). Where was Evan you ask. Hunting frogs around the dock (pic.2). Then he wanted in on the fun and Nathan managed to get all three kids in the kayak for a lap around the beach area (pic.3). Shortly after I took picture 3 he managed to dump them all in the water. Ah, the joy of kayaking.

7 Mile Pinecrest Resort

This past weekend we had the joy of heading to the north woods and spending time with Michael and Tammy at 7 Mile Pinecrest Resort. Michael and Tammy are helping out at the resort for a few months and needs some hands with cabin clean up. In exchange we spent the not cleaning time relaxing and playing at the resort. It was wonderful. The resort is small and filled with families so our kids could safely play and explore until their hearts were content. The kids did not want to leave even though we left hours after we'd planned and we're planning another trip in two weeks. I'd have to agree with them, it's like heaven on earth.

1. Evan on the beach hunting frogs. He caught at least a dozen over the two days we were there all the while entertaining other campers and employees as well.

2. Lydia loves water and here she was jumping as high and she could and then splashing down into the lake in mini cannonballs.

3. Aunt Tammy got in and swam with the kids for awhile. She helped them make it out to the raft and "jump" off before swimming back in to shore.

Loony with the Library

Once again this summer our kids participated in the summer reading program. Since we read to our kids everyday the read aloud minutes add up easily. They also enjoy the story times and other activities that the program entails. This year one of the prizes for reading the first two weeks of summer were tickets to a show entitled, "The Truly Remarkable Loon" at the Leech Amphitheater last Friday evening. Our whole family was delighted with the silly antics of the entertainer.

1. Juggling

2. Juggling not-so-average beanbags

3. Plate twirling

Picnic and Pool Party

Last Friday a group of kids and moms got together for a pool party hosted by my friends Stephanie D. and her two sweet kids. There were over a dozen kids and their respective moms. The kids wore themselves out in the pool, backyard, and woods around the house while the moms visited, chatted, and painted our toe nails (Thanks Stephanie M.). It was wonderful relaxing afternoon that we'll all remember fondly.

1. Picnic time.

2. Splishing and splashing!

3. A conga line in the pool.

4. A few girls, including Lydia, ventured into the house later in the day and found the dress up clothes. Stylish!

Backyard Boating

Last week the kids spent several hours building a boat to sail in their wading pool. It started with an old board and a stick then with the aid of some rags and string a boat was born. Since this picture was taken they have now created an entire fleet of boats made of out of "reclaimed" items like a clean styrofoam meat tray and a broken flip flop. Happy sailing!

Airventure 2009 #8

Considering that we were on our feet for most of ten hours the kids were troopers. We did take the wagon out of the van after lunch to give them occasional breaks. They soaked up the sights and sounds of everything around them. I'm not sure if they really have the "aviation bug" their Dad has but they certainly have the "Dad likes it so I will too bug" commons in kids. It was once again endearing to my heart to watch Nathan share his love with his children.

1. Enamored Evan.

2. Happy Hans.

3. The End.

Airventure 2009 #7

One of the biggest highlights of the day was the War Birds Extravaganza that closed the airshow. There were what seemed like hundreds of different WW2, Korean, and Vietnam era planes buzzing around like mad. They flew in formation from the four corners of the sky, took off and landed right in front of us in rapid succession, and "dropped" bombs that exploded into giant walls of flames. I might not be able to name them but I can thank them. Past and present we have the most amazing military in the world. On this day they entertained us but every day they defend us. Thank you.

Airventure 2009 #6

Wingwalking is what they call it although it's more like wing standing but either way it's crazy. This team was actually a husband and wife duo. I guess if there was one person I'd trust it'd be my husband but this still seems crazy to me.

1. She is standing on the wing!

2. Here they're crossing swords while flying by the crowd.

Airventure 2009 #5

Part of Airventure is the daily airshow. Nearly every day we headed down near the EAA grounds and watch from a distance the acrobatics are always amazed. Being right on the grounds makes it seem larger than life.

1. The start of the show with a jumper and the flag. This was followed by several other jumpers with other flags.

2,3,4. The Aeroshell team is amazing. They make it look so easy. We happened to be in the right place at the right time and eve got an autographed posted from these guys.

Airventure 2009 #4

On display and in demonstration.... Nathan will have to edit this post later since I can't remember the first planes name.