Walter Activites

 

Walter continued with Cub Scouts in Summer and Fall 2023; walking to Beechers for Ice Cream was probably his favorite event.

It took a little convincing to get Walter to sign up for the Cub Scouts Carnival event, but he had a good time. 

He was happy to participate in the cake decorating fundraiser and once again insisted that we buy his cake back.  

Walter met the milestone of being able to tie his own shoes this summer.  But since he doesn't yet have tie shoes, he practiced on Johanna.

In October, we visited the Children's Development and Disabilities Center in Iowa City to assess and gain insight on Walter's learning. 

We have a rule about only asking for ice cream on Sundays.  Walter has a special sundae he makes with vanilla ice cream, chocolate ice cream, chocolate syrup, and sprinkles. 

There weren't enough Cub Scouts in Walter's grade to continue den meetings so we signed Walter up for karate and took a break from scouts. Walter needs to work on his push up skills, especially since he needs to do them anytime he is caught not listening.  

He most enjoys sparring.

He looks impressive when in his uniform and when teaching moves to Johanna.

Fall 2023

Wayne celebrated a milestone birthday in September.

We got new garage doors in September.

In October, Michelle & Johanna went with Jen, Michael, and the Arnold family to the Iowa Women's Basketball game at Kinnick Stadium. 

In November, Karen had a milestone birthday.

We ventured to Eagle Point Park in November to take family pictures with our selfie stick.

Fighting over who gets to use the remote for the selfie stick.

The kids decorated cookies at Thanksgiving with the Arnolds.

Chicago Vacation 2023

 

In late October we spent a few days in Chicago. We checked out Lego Land and all enjoyed the family ride where we got to shoot lasers together.  Johanna was excited to see a Cheesecake Factory next door so we made a reservation so she could FINALLY eat there. 

Johanna's rainbow socks rocked in the blue light. 

Day 2 was a trip downtown to Shedd Aquarium.  

We all really enjoyed the dolphin show.

Walter had a ton of fun in the submarine, pretending to be the captain, and did not want to leave.

We walked to Grant Park to check out Buckingham Fountain. The weather was beautiful and the kids enjoyed running around. 

Johanna was excited to check out "the bean" (Cloud Gate) and was so disappointed to see it was closed but we got a picture with it anyway.

Walter and Johanna were excited about the opportunity to ride a subway/train; we took "the L" downtown.  The ride was more crowded and longer than the kids expected so Michelle spent most of the time trying to contain Walter.  After a long day, Michelle and Walter cuddled up in the hotel room while Johanna and Tony went to Johanna's favorite out of town restaurant - Shake Shack.

Day 3 started with a trip to Goebbert's Pumpkin Patch.  Walter got a pony ride and Johanna had a camel ride.  

Walter didn't enjoy the change in weather to much cooler temperatures so he and Michelle hung out in the van while Johanna and Tony explored. Johanna even got to pet and feed a giraffe!

Next we went to the mall to play arcade games at the Entertainium.  And finally, saw a show at Medieval Times!  The kids really enjoyed the show.  Johanna wished the princess would joust and fight for herself instead of letting the knights do it for the princess.  Walter enjoyed the lack of silverware and "Dragon Blood" (tomato soup) which he happily ate by dipping his finger in and licking it off. 

The kids were excited to get some souvenirs.  An axe for Walter and a goblet for Johanna.