Fun at the Kalahari

Last weekend we took a trip to the Kalahari, which includes a waterpark and theme park. 

Here are a few pictures of the weekend:

 This is Ephraim on the ropes course. He was fearless.

Silas did it too. But he was more nervous. 

 Azael and I went together... he was almost ill with anxiety and turned around. 

 I was also ill with anxiety, but I kept going to prove that I could. I was dripping sweat from the adrenaline. 

 Silas scales the climbing wall.

 ... and then falls. Good thing there's a rope.

 Mystery Man went up the wall quite quickly. Many men waiting in line congratulated him with phrases like, "Good climb!" I guess it pays to only weigh 140 lbs. 

Kalahari was a lot of fun.  :)

A Fresh New Year

We've been rejuvenated, regenerated and revived 

throughout a fun summer vacation. 

Now it's time for school.

One last bit of fun to celebrate: Mentos and Diet Coke...

... equal Explosion!!

And a back to school dinner 

This morning we took our annual school photo: Lorelai (kindergarten), Silas (2nd), Ephraim (4th), Azael (6th). 

Silas is being a typical big brother in this one.

 Lorelai's first day of kindergarten. Grandma made her this headband. Lorelai was excited to pick out her outfit, matching things up all by herself.

Getting on the bus. Our bus driver Jill will have her hands full this year!

And that leaves Jane all by herself. Except she's really not by herself, since she'll have 4 playmates every day for our in-home preschool. (also pictured: Mystery Man with a beard. What do you think?)

It's going to be a great year! The house is earily quiet... I'm not complaining. ;)

A Fun Day

Our family has become enthused about the Ice Age Trail this summer. We have a goal to hike every segment in our county. This weekend we hiked another fun segment near Merrimac.  Here is our photo-log:

We started the day at Krispy Kreme donuts. The kids were over the moon excited... they even got hats. (we don't buy donuts very often). 

Then we drove to Merrimac and took the ferry across the river.

Our hike began on the south side of the Merrimac Ferry landing. The kids found the Ice Age Trail markers and we followed them for about 2 hours round trip. Here are Lorelai, Mystery Man and Jane. Jane walked nearly the entire hike! 

Lorelai found and carried this walking stick for the entire hike.

the boys

Ephraim decided he wanted a walking stick like Lorelai's. 

"Wow cool! A machine!" (turned out to be a wood chipper).

The view at the top. Breathtaking! Remember, we started down by the river. Our hike included many switchbacks because it was quite steep (for Wisconsin). 

Ephraim & Silas, the intrepid hikers.

Walking back down...

The bearded Mystery Man.

Azael hates having his picture taken. 

Azael's shoes didn't fit so he decided to pull out the laces and wear them like this.

Resting at the end of the trail.

"Hey mom, take a picture of me looking like THIS!"

"And THIS!"

"Take another one Mom."

"See! I'm SO TIRED!"

Ephraim, taking Silas' cue, also wants to portray just how exhausted he is. 

Ephraim falls to the ground ... barely... holding on...

Going... going...

...gone.

It was a perfect day. We're very grateful to live in such a beautiful place.
And to enjoy each other's company -most of the time. 

:)