Summer Vacation - Back to School

Sami got her first hair cut.

After spending some quality time in Michigan, the boys decided to enjoy the hose at home. It not as good as Papa's pond, but you still get cooled off.

Getting ready for Jenny's wedding in Chicago. Nathan wanted a picutre of himself in a shirt and tie. I think Dylan looked a little more professional.

Back to School

2nd grade for Dylan and 1st grade for Nathan. Summer is too short, but it lasts too long. Time to get these kids learned up a little.

Madison Zoo - 1st Grade Field Trip

Before School let out last summer, Dylan and I went on the 1st grade field trip to the Madison Zoo. It's only a 1:30 bus ride, just long enough to watch a movie. I should have posted these a few months ago, but it's been a busy summer. All in all, not bad for a free zoo.

Some Rhino's

And Tree Frogs

Penguin's

Rock Climbing

Don't look here Grandma

It's been a while but things have been pretty busy around here. Melissa got a new job working in the records dept of a local doctors office, which is great, but full time employment takes the wind out of the sails. House breaking the dog has been a never ending chore, she'll get it some day.

I haven't made any progress on the master suite since dad left, though i worked him hard enough i doubt he'll be coming back. Thanks Dad.




The boys have been busy too. Learning to ride their bikes without training wheels.The boys have been busy too. Learning to ride their bikes without training wheels.





Nathan had his kindergarden graduation ceremony. That went pretty quick, Dylan was happy to get out of there.

Master Sweet - or is it Suite

We started the demo on our new master suite. i never knew so much junk was on under the walls and floors.


We first ripped out the old teal 80's carpet only to find a sweet 70's linoleum. After scrapping on that for a week, i found an 1/4" underlayment that had to come up too. Looks like they used about 500 staples on each sheet, only half of which stayed with sheet.



Anyway, here is a view of the newly reclaimed space

I'll post some more pictures after dad and i spend a couple of days knocking this project out.

New Addition

Well I finally broke down to all the whinning and we got a puppy, Sami. Hope it makes everybody in the house happy. Dylan is on poop patrol, Nathan is in charge of water. Miss is the night watch and all I have to do is play with her (all part of the deal).

12" of Snow and 2 more snow days

I'm not having 90's flashbacks.

We got 12" of snow on Tuesday night / Wednessday. The boys and I took the opportunty to try our hands at building an igloo.

Not too bad for our first attempt.

Eagles Everywhere

Seems like the frozen Mississippi is a good place to watch for Bald Eagles. I counted 12 sitting on the ice and a few more flying around. Wish they would have gotten a little closer, or I had a better camera.

Getting Started

Earl and Jess started a blog for their baby on the way, it looked like a good idea .... so here goes.


Dylan was trying on his tie for Jenny's wedding. He liked his "working guy" picture.

The boys are enjoying their snow days.