Good memories

Pete's cousin, Chris Williams Funk, would have been 40 today. He lost his battle with brain cancer a little over 3 years ago. There are not too many words that I could write that would measure up to the man Chris was. He lived and loved every moment. I came across this tonight and thought we could all use a little reminder of what's important in life.

Chris Funks favorite one liners:

- Leave a party when you're having fun.

- Work hard, play hard

- Turn it up a notch

- Do you need a beer?

- So stoked!

- Go big (or go home)

- Wuss. Take your pansy-pants off.

- Way to go, you nailed it!

- (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)

- I love you.

Hug your family and tell them you love them an extra time tonight. 

Swimming Lessons

II have mentioned before how much Jack LOVES swimming! We started him in lessons last summer with Ms. Karen at the YMCA in Rhinelander. Best decision ever! He is now a star student in his new class at the YMCA in Wausau. His new teacher was Ms. Nichole. She sang lots of songs and played games along with some free time for toys! Now Jack loves to:

- blow bubbles in the water

- say "hi kids" and "bye kids" when we arrive and leave class

- kick his legs when he floats on his back

- jump in and let his head go completely underwater 

- make "rain" 

- splash, splash, splash

I am pretty sure he would get into the water all on his own with no hesitation. He's a fish!

Jack with Ms. Nichole- practicing bubbles

His favorite song was "Humpty, Dumpty". All the kids would sit on the wall while the adults said, "Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall, Humpty Dumpty had a great FALL!". The kids would rock side to side before their graceful entrance into the pool. Then we would swim across, all the while Jack is yelling "Dunty! Dunty!"

Maybe if gymnastics does not work out, swimming would be a good plan B. At least we have options!

Jack's "Shrimp" certificate

Lake Geneva

I am a bit belated on making this post. We traveled to Lake Geneva July 19-21 for another work event for Pete. This time it was with his firm. Unfortunately, Pete had a meeting late in the day Friday up in Rhinelander. Jack and I traveled down solo to get settled in at a reasonable hour- set ourselves up for success!!

The weekend started with a lively lunch at the Dahms house in Sussex. The kiddos had a lovely time together- why we did not take a picture I do not know!! I reminder to me to remember to document all this fun!!

Onto the Grand Geneva... 

Jack and I started with our 2nd annual date night. Same restaurant on the resort, one table over from our table last year, same waitress, and fantastic view!

Jack at Ristorante Brissago

Pete of course had meetings to attend on Saturday so Jack and I were out on the town in quaint Lake Geneva. Somethings never change but I do LOVE the new restaurant Boatyard Bagel Co. Local food, mostly organic, incredibly delicious with a touch of flair inside. Of course, we also had to stop by Kilwins, our favorite candy spot- yum!

Boatyard Bagel Co and Kilwins.

Downtown Lake Geneva

Jacks favorite part of Saturday was when Uncle Ian came for a visit! There is always one dinner that I am required to attend with Pete. Ian agreed to drive down from Milwaukee and babysit for Jack at the hotel. A success on all accounts- Uncle "In" was a hit.

On the way home we stopped and saw the Bobziens in Madison (again- I need to make sure I take pictures of all these kiddos!) Jack will never forget that day- not only because he loves his pal Lucy but also because he had his first Popsicle at their house- and now he asks for them every day!

First Popsicle...

... Many more to come!

Young Men Hard At Work

It's time for some hard work his Sunday. Therefore, all Young men will be wearing Carhartt attire. It's a good day!

Going on a bug hunt

It has been a little chilly here in Wausau. It's a welcome change after the 90+ days of last week! But not necessarily prime pool or park weather. Jack LOVES to be outside so the idea of playing indoors all day is just not acceptable.

Mommy has needed to get more creative to find fun activities for the outdoors. As luck would have it, I was cleaning out my classroom last week and found these gems! 

BUGS! I had made them years ago and Jack was all too thrilled to go on a bug hunt! Of course- everyone wears their rain boots on a bug hunt, right?

Jack ready to find the bugs

We hid the bugs through out the yard and Jack would find then, "unclip" them (or yank them off.) and put them in the bowl. No need to get too over zealous in hiding bugs for these little guys- it takes effort just to see them in the grass, on the hose, or in a bush.

To make these I used clothespins, furry balls, google eyes and hot glue. Three colorful puffs glued on each clothespin makes every one unique. Leave enough space at the end where the clothespin closes for a couple of eyes. You too could have your own exciting bug hunt.

Make sure you put on your rain boots too!