Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale....

So our friends Dave and Brenda won a "sailing trip" from a silent auction and invited us to join them. Brenda and I had a luxury sailboat in mind. We invisioned a lovely sunset cruise, casually drinking wine and enjoying each other's company, while we were driven around by a captain (do you even "drive" a sailboat?). We got to Lake Mendota, and Brenda's comment was, "I didn't pay for THAT." Oh yes you did, and what a FUN time we had! We did have a knowledgeable captain who wanted us to learn how to sail a bit. Which we did, only after stumbling onto our boat, and getting nervous a few times about tipping over.

Here was our cruiser. Please notice the sky. After the raindrops in the beginning, it did clear.

The sailpeople. It got a little hairy as we were pulling into the pier. A lot of things had to happen at once. Dave and Ted were very busy and all Brenda and I could do was laugh.

After our cruise, we enjoyed some time at the union. Here's that famous chair again.

THANKS CRAKERS! FUN TIMES!!!

Water Follies

We haven't had the hottest of summers here, so when it's hot, we like to take advantage of it!

The Munsons joined us at Grampy's.

Here are the professional clam fisherpeople. They set a new world record with 81 clams! Steve thought a clam-bake was in order, but apparently clams from Lake Wisconsin aren't the tastiest.

We met up with the Klugs at an aquatic center about 1/2 way between where we each live. The cousins had a great time!

Mauerman visit

My brother Dave and his family came for a visit from Cali. We had a great time, and great weather. I had tons of pictures, so I had to pick and choose!

We went downtown and here we are on library mall

At the union, in a huge, made-for-pictures, famous union chair

True story: some of my mom's step family lives in the Mt! We didn't know it until after we moved here. Much of their family was together during Dave's visit, so we got to see many who we hadn't seen in YEARS. Here our kids are getting a chauffeured ride in a John Deere Gator by one of their long-lost cousins!

We spent lots of time up at Grampy's lake. Everyone tubed (well, I didn't). Here are Kaleb and Chris.

Mindy and half of her clan came up for dinner one night. Good times!

This would have been almost perfect. Nice Ted.

We also went to the Wisconsin Dells. First, a ride on the Ducks.....

...and then on to Noah's Ark. I also got a family shot, but all of us in our suits probably is best left in my file, not on the internet.

So much fun! Each visit makes us realize how much we miss our cousins, and wish you were closer. LOVE YOU!!

On a different note (hey, good one. That ties in nicely)......Will is learning to play the trombone! Since we are NOT a musical family, this is very exciting for us. He captivates us with his practicing of "hot cross buns", "Mary had a little lamb" and his self-taught "Ode to joy".

National Mustard Day

Who knew there was actually a National Mustard Day? Well, we found out when we moved to the Mt., as we boast having the only Mustard Museum in the world! So we went to celebrate....

One of the hosts of the day, with Will, Kaleb and Will's bud.

There were free hotdogs, if you used mustard. If you wanted ketschup, they were $10. Seriously! In front of the famous Oscar Meyer weiner mobile.

This one had nothing to do with mustard day, (although it was after the festivities), but here is Anna and her bestie, Zoe. They were performing Hannah Montana or something equally as riveting. SO CUTE.

Great America

For the first time, our whole family made a trip to Six Flags Great America. It was a blast! Anna went on her first real roller coaster, so now ALL of us love them. What a great day....

Camp Okoboji

This is our second trip to Camp Okoboji in Iowa--a FABULOUS Christian family camp. HIGHLY recommended!! Outstanding family time.
Here we are with our wonderful counselor, Jon, who we loved!

Jon, Kaleb and Will at chapel

On family free day, we went go-carting. Anna with Ted and Kaleb with Jon.

What camp experience is complete without dish duty. Why don't they like this at home?

Family devotion time. But Anna needed a water break.

A HUGE contingent from the Mt goes to Okoboji. The week we went, there were 8 other families from our town.

Visit to Elkhorn

We went to Elkhorn recently and had a great time.

We celebrated "Regliar Yaya's " birthday. She is well loved!

Yaya Jen and Kaleb always have lots to talk about

Of course we needed some time with our friends the Webs and Gs.......

The Gentlemen