Camping '07

Our first camping trip with the kids. We packed the truck to the max - literally. We got a FABULOUS new bike rack!! It holds 4 bikes, locks to the truck and can swing out away from the truck so you do not have to removed the bikes to drop the tailgate!! VERY NICE feature!

We drove about 2 hours north to Fond du Lac, WI (Lake Winnebago) and set up camp! We had a huge, private site deep in the woods. The kids found such delight in collecting acorns (and there we an abundance of them) and then tossing them in the fire to hear them explode. The camp ground had a lot more stuff to do then I remember from camping as a kid. There was a pool, hot tub, jumping pillow (totally cool), Clydesdale's pulling a covered wagon ride, live band, petting zoo and the great 4 wheel bikes to ride around on. They did arts and crafts - color your own t-shirt, bandanna or backpack and decorate your bike for a parade. We were not able to participate in everything as there was just not enough time. It took Acacia a bit to fall asleep the first night and Randy woke up with a fever and chills. But, he was a trooper and kept up the pace.

We took our bikes and went to a State Park on the southern tip of Lake Winnebago and went to the top of the lighthouse. This is the lighthouse that Acacia's class went to see while we were on vacation that was the cause of our seeking the lighthouse in NC earlier this summer. We found bumper cars, train rides, playgrounds and more in the this park and took advantage of as much as we could.


Back at the site we swam more, went to the petting zoo, listened to the live music and Acacia got to assist the driver of the Clydesdale's while the rest of us road in the back!

Our last day, Acacia woke up with what Randy had the day before. We drugged her up, packed up the site and went to the pool. Once the meds kicked in she seemed fine. Hours at the pool and one last jump in the hot tub and we were on the road (sometime after 3p). We stopped to get a late lunch and then jumped right on a rails to trails bike trail for our last bike ride. The kids are not used to biking on packed gravel and kept complaining of the bumpiness but it was still fun. One last burst of energy was expelled at a playground we found along the way. As we were leaving the play ground we were stopped by the local authority who gave us free coupons to Dairy Queen for wearing our bike helmets! So, off we head to DQ! And, won't you just know - they have an indoor play area!

I do not think we could have packed anything more into the past 3 days then we did! Everyone is felling better today and we are for the most part unpacked and getting ready for a full week of new school!!



To see all the adventure click on the link to see a slide show.

Slide show of Camping '07





Click the play button to see a brief movie of the jumping pillow and the kids running on water ... you know ... like Dash from the Incredibles ....

First Day of First Grade!

Acacia is now going to a private school. St. James.


To avoid an almost hour long bus ride to school in the AM Acacia will ride the city bus to school with me. Seen here, we are waiting at the bus stop in the van. And Acacia is showing off her bus pass.

This new school seems really great and we are all very excited about this opportunity! Acacia's transition to this new school was fairly painless as one of her best friends is also going to this school

Soccer Camp '07

Acacia attended a soccer camp this summer, put on by the UW - Madison Men's and Women's soccer teams. She went with her friend Maya (and her soccer couches daughter). They learned skills like heading and kneeing the ball. They had a great time and then got to have pizza when it was all over.













Here is a short movie clip of Acacia (teal green shirt) and her friend, Maya



One of my friends was there with her son and Chris wanted his picture taken with him. So, here is Chris and Robert.

End of Summer Soccer '07

Once Acacia's full cast came off she was able to play in the summer soccer program we signed her up for (not knowing she was going to break her arm). The very last game was rained out and a make up game was scheduled. But, the other team was a no show so the parents played the kids. Acacia said she liked playing the parents better as they were "easier to beat ...". Coach Russ was her coach again (and he will be again in the fall). We can't wait!!

Eagle School Concert '07

Acacia's class finished up their summer program with a concert. The summer was spent learning about America. They sang songs all about the United States. She had a great time and learned a lot. She can recite the 50 states in alphabetical order now!! Ask her next time you see her! She is in the pink dress on the end ...