Johanna's Summer

 

Johanna got to spend more time at home this summer but we put together a schedule to keep her organized and active. 

More time at home meant more time creating works of art. 

She was able to spend two weeks at YMCA Camp at Union Park.  Walter joined her 1 week and she had a well stocked backpack with all their supplies. 

They were in different age groups so were able to enjoy their own activities.  Johanna was happy to report that the only ALL GIRLS team won the tug-of-war competition.

Johanna had another great year of Softball.  Tony was able to help coach.

Team picture after the last game of the year - unfortunately the main coach and a couple of girls weren't there for the picture. 

Johanna's big new adventure was attending Loras All Sports Camp this summer.  She was a day camper meaning she arrived around 8am and left around 9pm!  Her major was Track and her minors were Softball and Rock Climbing.  Tony and I were able to attend the Olympic ceremonies on the last day.  

She was excited to try hurdles and other track events.  She definitely wants to attend again next year and also stay overnight! 

This summer Johanna was also able to go fishing and learn to drive the lawn tractor!

Walter's Summer

 

Walter had his last summer at Mercy Daycare before aging out.  He had a couple of cool field trips in his last year including a day trip to Camp Wakonda for a cub scout adventure day. 

Walter also attended summer school.  This year he was able to get picked up and dropped off at our house.  

This was Walter's first year attending YMCA camp at Union Park and he really enjoyed it. 

He was especially glad to go fishing again with Grandma and Grandpa. 

Walter showed a lot of growth in his swimming skills this summer.  In our last pool visit of the year, we finally let him try the diving board (at Sutton).  He did great and loved it!

Of course, he also had plenty of time for dancing and chilling.

Branson Vacation 2024

 

Our summer family vacation this year was to Branson, MO.  You could call it Wisconsin Dells on steroids which is right up our alley.  Walter said it was his "best vacation ever!" and Johanna wants to visit again too.  Although the vacation started out a little rough - Walter thought we forgot him!  Tony and Johanna were making a run to Hy-Vee for ice and I was quietly getting ready in my room. I hear Walter crying and exclaiming, "They left without me!" He thought we had all left and forgot him while he was still sleeping.  Poor guy.  

It was our longest ever road trip - 8 hours - and we did well with the license plate game.

We stayed at Still Waters resort.  They had several great pools we enjoyed.

The kids especially enjoyed the pool right outside our room where they played until way past their bed time (the pool closed around 10pm). 

 Still Waters also had great lake activities.  Johanna was excited to Paddle Board for the first time.  Walter got a little fishing in and was a pretty natural first-time kayaker.  

We spent a day at Silver Dollar City.  A couple of long lines but we all LOVED the raft ride where Tony got especially soaked.  Johanna and Tony went for the bigger roller coasters (at one time, Tony asking what he got himself in to), well Michelle watched Walter hit up the smaller rides.

We went to the  Dolly Parton Stampede where Walter was excited to "get his BOOO" on.  It's the only time he is allowed to yell boo at an opponent, and he especially enjoyed the "Stampede!" where everyone stomped their feet.

Another highlight of the trip was Lost Canyon Cave & Nature trail.  We enjoyed the golf cart ride, the beautiful scenario, the trivia along the way, the Cave with a bar, and the animal sculptures!

And being so close to Arkansas, Tony insisted on hitting up one more state!

And on the way home, we got to stop at our first Buckee's. 

Glad we got some rest in-between all the fun.