First Day of School

On August 22, we began our first day of school. Both girls, surprisingly enough, sat at the table, eager to start.

We began our day with the Pledge of Allegiance, and then read the book I Pledge Allegiance by Bill Martin to help them understand what they were saying.

Next, we had calendar time. During this time we fill out this chart, fill in our weather graph,circle the date, and make the number of days we’ve been in school with money.

Lori is drawing a caterpillar and writing about it. This is from a fantastic workbook called Draw,Then Write.

Audrey is making a math story with stamps.

Our last activity of the day was a scavenger hunt that led the girls to scrapbooks that they will use to remember 2nd grade and Kindergarten. The best part was getting to decorate them.

Well, we survived the first week of school. 29 more to go!

Fish Boil

Fish Boils are a popular event in Door County, much like a pig roast or sweet corn feast would be here. We were lucky enough to get to participate in one at a local restaurant called Pelletier's Restaurant and Fish Boil.

First, they take a large pot of white fish and boil it in a large pot of water.

After about 10 minutes of cooking, the oils from the fish rise to the top of the water. To boil this off, the Masterboiler throws 2 cups of diesel fuel onto the fire…….

which causes an explosion of fire……..

which causes the water to heat up rapidly and boil over, boiling off the fish oils.

Then it’s time to eat! Delish!

 

Wisconsin Vacation Continued

On day 2 of our trip, we headed to Peninsula State Park, a Mecca for camping and outdoor lovers. Apparently this park gets as many visitors in the summer as Disney World, or at least that’s what the guide book said.

Anyways, we began our day there on a rather exhausting 2 hour canoe ride. It felt like the wind and or current were against us the entire time.

We started at Nicolet Bay Beach and headed to this little island, called Horseshoe Island.

After that we took a little rest on the beach and then headed for a hike on the Eagle Trail. There were some fun cave like formations on this trail that we explored.

Here is the view from one of the lookout points on the trail.

After this we headed to see another lighthouse and a three story high lookout tower.

Here’s the lighthouse and an anchor from a ship that sunk near the coast of the peninsula.

John has a fear of heights so he stayed below as Lori and I trekked three stories up to see the view from the tower.

And that was day 2 of our vacation!

 

 

 

Wisconsin Vacation

On July 30, 2011, John, Lori, and I set out on our vacation to Door County, Wisconsin. Lori handled the almost 9 hour car ride impressively well. This was her first trip outside of Iowa (and Omaha). It was also her first time staying in a hotel. Fortunately this hotel included a pool, which she and I both enjoyed immensely.

On our first full day we spent most of our time at White Fish Dunes State Park. We went on a hike and then headed to the beach.

Although the water was quite chilly, Lori enjoyed hopping over and splashing in the waves.

We also saw this impressive sand castle on the beach.

After the beach we headed a mile down the road to Cave Point County Park. Here we had fun climbing on the cliffs and rocks that jutted out of the water.

Lori was a little hesitant about walking on the slippery rocks at first, but with daddy’s help she became more confident.

And, hence the name Cave Point Park, there were numerous cave like formations in the rocks that we explored.

Once we were tired out from all our adventures, we drove to see a lighthouse before heading back to the hotel. This lighthouse is called the Cana Island Lighthouse. Unfortunately we missed the tour, but it was fun to look at none the less.

So that was day one of our vacation. More to come tomorrow!

 

Independence Day Celebrations!

Every year on July 3, our neighborhood has a block party. To kick off the fun, the kids decorate their bikes and parade them around the block.

After the parade, the host of the party set off a firework that released 30 parachutes. All the kids raced after the parachutes to catch them. Audrey was the only one who caught one. The other two were too busy covering their ears because of the noise.

Finally, it was time to eat, and for most of our neighbors, drink. We left around 8:30, the party didn’t end till about 3 a.m. Our neighbors like to party!

On Independence Day, we took the girls to the local parade, and then I took Lori and Audrey to see the fireworks that night. They enjoyed lighting sparklers with their neighbor friends while we waited.

Happy Birthday America!!

 

Camping Time At Last

After much waiting, we finally had a semi dry to weekend to go camping. The girls were beyond themselves with excitement. They even purchased bug kits and butterfly nets at The Dollar Store for the occasion.

We chose Springbrook State Park in Guthrie Center Iowa as our first camping destination. There was a lake, many nice trails, and playground to keep us entertained. But the best part about camping for us, is sharing the experience with our good buddies, the Kniffens. Here we are enjoying S’Mores (the girls favorite part).

After supper and playing at the playground, it was time for the much anticipated Fire Fly catching. The girls and their friends, Colton and Wyatt, got out their nets and bug kits and started their search.

Unfortunately, because of all the campfire smoke, there weren’t many to be found.

After the bug search, it was time for bed. We woke up that morning to thunder, followed by a torrential downpour. We ended up packing everything up and heading home.

Despite the rain, we had a fabulous time and can’t wait to do it again soon (minus the rain of course).

 

Easter Fun

For Easter this year we took the girls to Grace West Church for their annual Saturday before Easter egg hunt. The girls were beside themselves when they saw how many eggs were scattered over the church’s lawn.

After a short program about the true meaning of Easter, the kids were let loose to fill their baskets. And fill them they did.

Natalie and all the other 3 and 4 year olds had a room to themselves to grab bag after bag of cheese crackers and fruit snacks. And also some candy too.

That night we came home and dyed eggs and decorated them with glitter.