Last week was a tour of eastern and southern Wisconsin. On Thursday I went to my first game at Lambeau field. I had a great time. It was hard to believe that it was 78 degrees at kickoff at the Frozen Tundra. On Friday we went to the Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison. It was a nice day to go to the zoo. Pics are below.
Chris
Monday, August 30, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Annual Family Tree Pic
It's that time of year again. Time to take our picture in front of the tree. Below are pics from this year and previous years. It's neat to watch the kids, and the tree, grow.
Chris
Chris
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Vacation 2010
This blog post contains daily summaries of our recent family vacation. After putting 1,000 miles on the van, eating plenty of sugary foods, putting on plenty of sun block, and hanging out with the fam, we had a really good vacation.
Pics and videos are at the end of the blog post.
Chris
Saturday, July 31
Wedding Day
Today was a day of celebration as my cousin Kathleen got married. It was great to see family members that I had not seen in many years. The ceremony was very nice, the bride and groom looked great, and everyone enjoyed the ‘candy bar’.
Sunday, August 1
To the Cabin
On Sunday we headed east to Hackensack, MN to start our cabin vacation. It was a nice quick trip from Superior to Hackensack. We are used to traveling about 7 hours to get to the cabin. This trip took us less than 3 hours. By the end of the day on Sunday, most of the West family was there. Steve, Marie, Andy, Molly, Kai, Jonah, and Holly. The kids were excited because not only were they at the cabin, but they got to meet Kai for the first time.
Monday, August 2
From Dreary to Sunny
Today started out as a dreary day, but ended up becoming a beautiful day. The kids were able to play outside and spend time in the water.
Tuesday, August 3
Samuel’s Birthday
Today we celebrated Samuel’s birthday at the cabin. We started the morning out with Pop-Tarts for breakfast and enjoyed the beautiful morning in Hackensack. For lunch we headed to Walker for the traditional pizza place and candy store visit. The thirteen of us enjoyed some really good pizza, went to a few shops and then made a trip to the candy store. Later in the afternoon the kids had fun in the water and were able to use the new water toys that Samuel got for his birthday. For dinner we had hot dogs over the bonfire and brownie sundaes for dessert.
Wednesday, August 4
Turtle Races and Jumbo Marshmallow Home Run Derby
Longville, Minnesota is the Turtle Racing Capital of the World. Every Wednesday during the summer, hundreds maybe thousands, of people show up to see the famous turtle races. The town closes down one of their downtown streets for the event. The Payne family usually shows up for the carnival-like games, and leaves before the races. This year was no exception. The kids had fun playing the games, and winning the cheap prizes. After the races, we had fun playing in the water. It’s great to see that all of the boys enjoy going in the water. In the past there was always at least one kid that did not want to go in.
This week we invented a new game. We call in ‘Jumbo Marshmallow Home Run Derby’. The idea is that you take jumbo marshmallows, (they’re really more useful when hit with a baseball bat than cooked over a fire), pitch them to someone and let them hit it as far as they can. The amazing part is that the marshmallows keep their shape after being hit over and over again. We used two marshmallows, and must have hit each one at least a dozen times, and they kept their shape.
Thursday, August 5
Work Day (it was actually just a work morning) and Thanksgiving in August
One of the many cabin traditions, some of which have been mentioned but not noted as traditions, is to have a work day as part of the visit. This year the job was cutting and stacking wood. It was a great team effort. The men cut the wood (with a hydraulic wood splitter) and Cari, Molly and the boys stacked the wood. While cutting the wood we found two separate mouse nests, one in the wood splitter and one in the pile of wood. Not only did we find nests, but we also found seven baby mice.
After cutting the wood Cari and I went to town for lunch. We found a nice little café in Hackensack that served sandwiches and salads.
Later in the afternoon Steve, Marie, Cari, Andy, and Molly went to an open house for a house down the road that was for sale.
For dinner we had a Thanksgiving feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. For dessert we had Carmel corn. Yummy!
Friday, August 6
Another Beautiful Day
We have had great weather while on vacation. The kids were able to spend more time playing in the lake and playing outside. Steve, Marie, and Cari went to the Pine River rummage sales. They came back with a delicious blueberry pie for dessert.
During movie time we saw a deer come really close to the cabin. It got as close as the picnic table and then it ran off.
Saturday, August 7
The Last Full Day
On the last full day at the cabin the boys spent time at the park in Hackensack and enjoyed another beautiful afternoon in the water. The goal of lunch and dinner was to eat as many left overs as we could so we had less food (and garbage) to bring home.
Sunday, August 8
The Ride Home
We were on the road around 8:45 am to head home. After working our way through construction detours we made it to Cambridge, MN for lunch at McDonald’s. For an end of vacation treat we stopped at a Dairy Queen in Barron, WI.
Pics and videos are at the end of the blog post.
Chris
Saturday, July 31
Wedding Day
Today was a day of celebration as my cousin Kathleen got married. It was great to see family members that I had not seen in many years. The ceremony was very nice, the bride and groom looked great, and everyone enjoyed the ‘candy bar’.
Sunday, August 1
To the Cabin
On Sunday we headed east to Hackensack, MN to start our cabin vacation. It was a nice quick trip from Superior to Hackensack. We are used to traveling about 7 hours to get to the cabin. This trip took us less than 3 hours. By the end of the day on Sunday, most of the West family was there. Steve, Marie, Andy, Molly, Kai, Jonah, and Holly. The kids were excited because not only were they at the cabin, but they got to meet Kai for the first time.
Monday, August 2
From Dreary to Sunny
Today started out as a dreary day, but ended up becoming a beautiful day. The kids were able to play outside and spend time in the water.
Tuesday, August 3
Samuel’s Birthday
Today we celebrated Samuel’s birthday at the cabin. We started the morning out with Pop-Tarts for breakfast and enjoyed the beautiful morning in Hackensack. For lunch we headed to Walker for the traditional pizza place and candy store visit. The thirteen of us enjoyed some really good pizza, went to a few shops and then made a trip to the candy store. Later in the afternoon the kids had fun in the water and were able to use the new water toys that Samuel got for his birthday. For dinner we had hot dogs over the bonfire and brownie sundaes for dessert.
Wednesday, August 4
Turtle Races and Jumbo Marshmallow Home Run Derby
Longville, Minnesota is the Turtle Racing Capital of the World. Every Wednesday during the summer, hundreds maybe thousands, of people show up to see the famous turtle races. The town closes down one of their downtown streets for the event. The Payne family usually shows up for the carnival-like games, and leaves before the races. This year was no exception. The kids had fun playing the games, and winning the cheap prizes. After the races, we had fun playing in the water. It’s great to see that all of the boys enjoy going in the water. In the past there was always at least one kid that did not want to go in.
This week we invented a new game. We call in ‘Jumbo Marshmallow Home Run Derby’. The idea is that you take jumbo marshmallows, (they’re really more useful when hit with a baseball bat than cooked over a fire), pitch them to someone and let them hit it as far as they can. The amazing part is that the marshmallows keep their shape after being hit over and over again. We used two marshmallows, and must have hit each one at least a dozen times, and they kept their shape.
Thursday, August 5
Work Day (it was actually just a work morning) and Thanksgiving in August
One of the many cabin traditions, some of which have been mentioned but not noted as traditions, is to have a work day as part of the visit. This year the job was cutting and stacking wood. It was a great team effort. The men cut the wood (with a hydraulic wood splitter) and Cari, Molly and the boys stacked the wood. While cutting the wood we found two separate mouse nests, one in the wood splitter and one in the pile of wood. Not only did we find nests, but we also found seven baby mice.
After cutting the wood Cari and I went to town for lunch. We found a nice little café in Hackensack that served sandwiches and salads.
Later in the afternoon Steve, Marie, Cari, Andy, and Molly went to an open house for a house down the road that was for sale.
For dinner we had a Thanksgiving feast of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing. For dessert we had Carmel corn. Yummy!
Friday, August 6
Another Beautiful Day
We have had great weather while on vacation. The kids were able to spend more time playing in the lake and playing outside. Steve, Marie, and Cari went to the Pine River rummage sales. They came back with a delicious blueberry pie for dessert.
During movie time we saw a deer come really close to the cabin. It got as close as the picnic table and then it ran off.
Saturday, August 7
The Last Full Day
On the last full day at the cabin the boys spent time at the park in Hackensack and enjoyed another beautiful afternoon in the water. The goal of lunch and dinner was to eat as many left overs as we could so we had less food (and garbage) to bring home.
Sunday, August 8
The Ride Home
We were on the road around 8:45 am to head home. After working our way through construction detours we made it to Cambridge, MN for lunch at McDonald’s. For an end of vacation treat we stopped at a Dairy Queen in Barron, WI.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Book Review: Love & War
John and Staci Eldredge (Wild at Heart and Captivating) have done it again. Their perspective on the joys and challenges of marriage are straight, to the point, and offer a challenge to every married couple.
Love & War, sounds like the title of an epic novel where the handsome young prince defeats his enemies on his quest to rescue his true love. This story of love and war is not a fictitious novel, but does include many battles along the way. Throughout the book the authors give very clear recommendations on how to fight the enemy that is waging a war against every married couple. The enemy is not the mother-in-law, the father-in-law, or the weird uncle that you only see on holidays. This enemy, the devil, has been attacking marriage since the Garden of Eden. The only effective weapon against this enemy is the solid rock of the Lord Jesus Christ (another key theme of the book). Although spiritual warfare is a key element of the book, the authors cover a vast array of topics that occur in marriage.
On a personal note, Love & War had a powerful effect on me (similar to how Wild at Heart did. If you haven’t read that book, you should). I would recommend this book to all married couples whether you’ve been married for months or decades. Engaged couples will also find great value in this book, as you will get a glimpse of the joys and challenges that are to come in your marriage.
Chris
Friday, June 25, 2010
Rafters Game and the Vietnam Memorial Traveling Wall
The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters Baseball Club opened their inaugural season earlier this month. We have talked about taking the boys to at least one game this year, and earlier this week I had a chance to go to two games.
About 30 minutes after buying my ticket for me and Josiah to go to Thursday night’s game, I got a call from a friend that had tickets for Wednesday night’s game that he wasn’t able to use. The game was going to start in two hours so I had to decide if I wanted to take the younger two (the older two were at Nanny & Papa’s for the week) to a game that night. I decided to go against my normal ‘everything has to be planned weeks in advance’ personality, and decided to go to the game.
The three of us had a good time, even though we only saw the first 5 innings. Taking a 4 year old and a 2 year old to a game all by yourself does not really allow you to stay for the entire game. I think the boys enjoyed playing in the big sandbox more than watching the game.
On Thursday, Josiah and I went to the game that I had bought a ticket for. This time we made it to the top of the 7th inning before it was time to go. It was a beautiful night for a game (unlike the night before where it was cool, windy, and rainy).
Here are a few things I learned about minor league baseball:
-The home team players serve as the ground crew (it was strange to see a player in uniform putting down the chalk lines).
-Tickets are very affordable. $6 will get you in the door for a bleacher seat, and $5 will get you in for standing room only. Standing room only was a nice spot. It was right by the big sandbox, and you were at ground level of the field.
-Concessions are affordable. Unlike big league stadiums where you need a second job to bring a family to a game, food and drinks were very reasonable.
-You will likely see many people that you know. This is especially true in a small town. If you don’t want to see someone from work, church, etc, don’t go to a small town minor league baseball game.
Thursday night was Vietnam Veterans night at the ballpark. What made the night even more memorable was having the opportunity to view the traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall. The Wall was setup just beyond the outfield fence. The Wall was a miniature version of the big memorial in Washington, DC, but just as moving. Having been born 2-3 years after the Vietnam War ended, I am still amazed how moved I was the first (and second) time I saw the Wall in DC. I remember my dad talking about guys that he knew that had died in Vietnam, but it never affected me directly. I was very surprised how emotional I was the first time I saw the Wall. Having lost a classmate, and knowing others that have been wounded in the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the traveling Wall was just as powerful.
As we approach the 4th of July holiday let us know forget the men and women that have died protecting our freedom.
Chris
About 30 minutes after buying my ticket for me and Josiah to go to Thursday night’s game, I got a call from a friend that had tickets for Wednesday night’s game that he wasn’t able to use. The game was going to start in two hours so I had to decide if I wanted to take the younger two (the older two were at Nanny & Papa’s for the week) to a game that night. I decided to go against my normal ‘everything has to be planned weeks in advance’ personality, and decided to go to the game.
The three of us had a good time, even though we only saw the first 5 innings. Taking a 4 year old and a 2 year old to a game all by yourself does not really allow you to stay for the entire game. I think the boys enjoyed playing in the big sandbox more than watching the game.
On Thursday, Josiah and I went to the game that I had bought a ticket for. This time we made it to the top of the 7th inning before it was time to go. It was a beautiful night for a game (unlike the night before where it was cool, windy, and rainy).
Here are a few things I learned about minor league baseball:
-The home team players serve as the ground crew (it was strange to see a player in uniform putting down the chalk lines).
-Tickets are very affordable. $6 will get you in the door for a bleacher seat, and $5 will get you in for standing room only. Standing room only was a nice spot. It was right by the big sandbox, and you were at ground level of the field.
-Concessions are affordable. Unlike big league stadiums where you need a second job to bring a family to a game, food and drinks were very reasonable.
-You will likely see many people that you know. This is especially true in a small town. If you don’t want to see someone from work, church, etc, don’t go to a small town minor league baseball game.
Thursday night was Vietnam Veterans night at the ballpark. What made the night even more memorable was having the opportunity to view the traveling Vietnam War Memorial Wall. The Wall was setup just beyond the outfield fence. The Wall was a miniature version of the big memorial in Washington, DC, but just as moving. Having been born 2-3 years after the Vietnam War ended, I am still amazed how moved I was the first (and second) time I saw the Wall in DC. I remember my dad talking about guys that he knew that had died in Vietnam, but it never affected me directly. I was very surprised how emotional I was the first time I saw the Wall. Having lost a classmate, and knowing others that have been wounded in the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the traveling Wall was just as powerful.
As we approach the 4th of July holiday let us know forget the men and women that have died protecting our freedom.
Chris
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Compassion International
