Walter Turns 11

Walter has really gotten into Star Wars so Tony and Johanna used that inspiration to make his cake this year. 

He was especially excited to get General Grievous and his battle droid army from Grandma Karen, and a Star Wars lego set from Mom and Dad.

Walter's special birthday celebration was supposed to be a beach trip like Coconut Cove or Land of Natura but the weather didn't cooperate (only in the high 60s) so we went to Madison to play LOTS of laser tag. 

One of Walter's achievements this year was making Ramen on his own.  He is starting to make his own lunches this summer but his favorite is "snack lunch" - granola bar, raisins, goldfish, and maybe a turkey sausage.

He regretted his life choices when he took a ride on a Ferris wheel (doesn't like heights) but he did enjoy a couple of roller coasters (as long as they don't go upside down).

He still loves to cuddle with Mom.

He likes to set his alarm and get up early to watch TV before he starts his day.  Sometimes he was a little too chatty (in Dad's opinion) on their morning walks to school.  The boys had their last morning walk together to school since Walter won't be going to Bryant anymore.

Walter still loves to cozy up in pajamas to watch shows or play video games (often at the same time).  But Walter is getting pretty good at mimicking voices and characters - we especially like his Scrooge McDuck.  Now that Walter has a Gizmo watch so we can call him and track him, he has been getting out in the neighborhood a bit more to play with the kids in the area.  Most are a little younger than him but he doesn't mind that.

At school this year, they had a career cafe and Walter was VERY excited to hear about a Park Ranger job.  He was disappointed when he found out he had to be at least 16 years old to be a ranger!  Walter continues to enjoy fishing, so we decided to get Walter his own fishing pole and tackle box. We got the tackle box about a week before the pole and he had it with him each day, checking it all out and called Grandpa Mike to tell him about it.  We were able to get him out fishing and he caught 3 fish while Mom and Dad each caught one.

Johanna says she likes that Walter is not a "brain rot" kid. And, "I am so excited for Walter to join me at Washington!" (sarcasm)  But she is happy that they are working together to try and convince Mom and Dad to get a dog. 

Favorite People: William, Molly, Mom

Favorite Place to Go: Pool, Chuckie Cheese, Laser Tag

Favorite to Eat:  Pancakes, chicken nuggets, sausage, cookies, noodles, PIZZA

I Want to Be: Zookeeper or Park ranger

Dislikes: Everything else, boredom

Likes: Some food, Marvel, cuddles, animals

Walter Fundraiser and Graduation

 Walter had a big May with a special Starbarks fundraiser and his Bryant elementary school graduation.

Walter was inspired by his music teacher Ms. Sellers to help the homeless because of a song she taught them in class. Walter loves working at Starbarks at Bryant, and suggested they collect money to help the homeless. Ms. Shireman agreed and helped Walter get things organized - Walter even wrote a letter to Chick-fil-a and they generously donated lemonade for the fundraiser!  We asked Ms. Sellers to suggest a charity and she recommended Dubuque Rescue Mission.  Johanna helped by making a beautiful sign.  Tony and Michelle donated the donuts and cookies. Walter was even featured on the school’s morning announcements to let kids know about the fundraiser.  

The teachers enjoyed the fundraiser with coffee and donuts in the morning.

After school, the kids and their parents were treated to cookies and lemonade.  Even Johanna got to help!

And Walter was featured in Facebook posts by the school district and rescue mission. 

And here is Walter delivering the proceeds of approximately $300!

May also meant the end of our time at Bryant.  Walter enjoyed the end of school year Fun Day tradition which includes picnic lunch with parents on the playground.

At the graduation celebration, Walter was especially excited to run through the banner with his name. He jumped through it and landed weird but popped up and saying "I'M OKAY" which got a nice laugh.

We got a picture with Walter and his favorite Bryant teacher, Ms. Shireman.

But Walter let us know he was NOT interested in any more pictures.

(Walter pictured in bottom left)

Johanna Geography Bee

Johanna asked if she could participate in a Geography Bee at school - sure why not!  Tony loves that type of thing and enjoyed helping her study.  She took a test to qualify for regionals and then participated in the Regional Geography Bee on a Sunday at school.  She came home very excited!  She did better than she expected and qualified for Nationals then asked if she could pretty please go to Florida in 2 weeks to participate!?!?   Well, Mom and Dad learned our lesson about asking more questions upfront because we had no idea that was a possibility.  But we made it happen!  Tony was on call for work and Walter had school so Johanna and Michelle went ourselves over Memorial Day weekend. 

We started in Milwaukee, driving to Melissa's and staying Wednesday night.  We got to see Charlie and Melissa gave us front door service to the airport Thursday morning.  Johanna was excited for her first ever flight and enjoyed take off as well as flying above the clouds.  A little turbulence didn't bother her and we had a nice smooth landing.  

After our flight, we checked into the hotel and walked to the other side of the conference center (20 min walk) to check in and find our competition space. 

Friday morning was the first competition day.  We got to sleep in a little, getting coffee and breakfast on our way to the conference center for 9:30am competition.  The competition is two sessions with 8-10 students and a total a 35 toss up questions per session that students buzz in to answer.  The competition was tough that first day (competed against some of the eventual winners) so we were glad to be done early and decided to spend the afternoon at Disney Springs.  We visited the M&M store, Lego store and escaped the heat to watch Devil Wears Prada 2 where we had our best meal - Disney chicken tenders. 

That evening, we met up with Johanna's classmate who was also competing in the Geography Bee and had some nice relaxing time at their resort's pool.  

Saturday was another 9:30am Competition. Johanna met her goal winning a toss up in each session.  She answered a question related to the unicorn being Scotland's national animal and a question related to Hershey Penn. New Years Eve chocolate Kiss drop.  

After the competition, we hung out playing cards and waiting for the big event - a special trip to Universal Studios!  Johanna's favorite ride was the Mummy, worst ride was Fast and Furious (not very exciting) and Mom learned she can't handle motion simulation very well.  

We had special park access and got to stay until midnight instead of leaving when the park closed at 9pm.  It started raining (which in some ways was better than the heat) and we made the best of it and stayed all the way until midnight taking the last shuttle back to the hotel.  It was a VERY long, wet 20+ min walk back to the hotel including a slight detour for locked doors - not getting back to our room until after 1am.  Luckily, we were able to sleep in the next day. 

Sunday was a free day so we went back to Universal Studios.  We spent plenty of time in the two Harry Potter parks.  It was a hot day and longer lines - 1 hr + for Hogwarts Express and Hagrid's Motorcycle ride. The motorcycle ride was totally worth it (probably both our favorite) and we got some butter beer while we were there too. 

We got some great food in Jurassic Park and took full advantage of the air conditioning.  Johanna was able to go on the Dr Doom drop twice and decided to hit up the Mummy ride another 4 TIMES for a total of 6 rides.  

We made it all the way to closing time at 9pm and at the last minute decided to run back (literally run there and back) to pick out a souvenir.  We just barely made it back to catch the last bus and almost needed an extra seat for our new "friend".

Unfortunately, Monday was a 4:30am wake up call to make it to our flight on time.  Michelle waited 45 min in line for Starbucks but then we boarded and had an easy flight.  We were back to Melissa's place in Milwaukee by 10am so Michelle napped while Johanna and Melissa went out for a snack.  On our way home, we stopped in Johnson Creek to pick up a souvenir for a special someone since we didn't have time in Florida.  Tony had Johanna's special dinner request (tater tot casserole) waiting for us when we got home.  Walter was so happy with the souvenir toy we got him, he said "you two should go to Florida more often!"  All-in-all, a successful girls trip!

Last Day of School 2026

Last day of 5th and 7th grade. Next year both kids will be in the same building once again - goodbye elementary, hello middle school!

Johanna won a Junior Historian Award.

Walter decided that the start of summer meant it was time for a big haircut. 

Before

During

After

Johanna Spring Activities

Johanna had a very busy spring where, at one point, she overlapped on track, VPA, Robotics, and softball.

At the beginning of the year, she was invited by her science and robotics teacher (aka school mom) Ms. Johanssen to go to the State Capital in Des Moines and talk about the Spintronics project, a STEM initiative.  

For VPA, the school musical performance was Matilda.  Johanna was part of the Crew building props and helping with the performances.  She got to wear a headset for one of the pre-show performances and hilariously the director told her it was time to open the curtain and she had to let them them know - No one is here! - then track down the performers.

In junior high track, she competing in short distance medley, tried out hurdles for the first time (did great!) and got a P.R. in high jump with 4 ft, 2 in. 

Johanna also enjoyed Wash's awesome yearly tradition of a Warrior Dash.  She participated with a group of friends and they each wore a different color of the rainbow.