Sunday, August 7, 2011

Wisconsin Dells or bust!


Every year we are so blessed to be able to vacation
with Grammy and Boppa Wangerin!
They have a great motorhome with room for us all.

We load up the essentials, and plenty of other stuff,
and head out to explore our great country.

This year we were short 1 dad (Dave) and short
on time, so we decided to head up to the Wisconsin Dells.
I'll admit, my expectations were low, but we had a great time!
The best part is always the family, and the unexpected
adventure!

Our first stop was to visit Dean, Rachel and Sophie.
That was one of my favorite parts of the trip.
I love getting to spend time with my brother and his
family.  There is just something so special about
being with your family and the unconditional
love and comfort that comes with it.
When I locked the keys in the RV, on the other hand,
was not my favorite part!

Then we headed to our campsite in the Dells.
Estimated arrival time was 8:30.  We made it
to the Dells on time, and just a short 2 1/2 hours
later we found our campsite!  Yes, that's right,
2 1/2 hours later.  But, at least we'll always remember
our time with the Sprint GPS lady! : )

Once we found our way, we were able to enjoy
the great pool, splash pool and park at the campsite.

From there we had a great time riding boats,
exploring the town, golfing, playing and
enjoying our time together.

The "most fun" award goes to the Jet Boat
ride and the great captain who gave us a ride
we will all never forget!!


Visit with cousin Sophie, oh and Uncle Dean
and Aunt Rachel were there too!

Wisconsin Dells or Wall Drug???

She looks so innocent.....

The girls and I did a really cool virtual
fantasy game.  It was this amazing,
interactive gaming place. The object
was to solve all these quests and
rescue 4 wizards.  The girls loved it and
convinced me to go again the next day!

Success!  We rescued the 4 wizards!  There was a
lot of climbing and crawling.  I didn't look quite
so fresh afterward! : )

Next, a fun and relaxing "Duck boat" ride through
the Dells.  These are the boats that drive on land
and in water.  Pretty cool experience!

No trip is ever complete without a little mining!

I think she found gold!

Avery struck gemstone too!

Grammy and Boppa had the great idea to buy all
3 girls huge weapons, oh wait, I mean wands ~

My beautiful girls ~

We went miniature golfing along the river and the
only person to get a hole in one; Avery! (twice!)

The ladies ~

The 'staged' photo before boarding the boats!

This was taken toward the end of the trip.
I love hearing it in "their own words"!

I miss my Claire bear!

Claire is off to Riverside Bible Camp again this year.
She did the 3 day Alpha camp last year and loved it.
This year she'll be gone for 6 days!!

I have to admit, I miss her already! 
I think I have gotten very spoiled having Claire
around all summer.  She is so helpful and happy
and just plain great to have around.

I want her to have lots of fun. 
I want her to praise God and work on
that relationship.
I want her to meet new people and grow
closer with those she already knows.
But, mostly, I want her to come home soon!

Claire with her 2 best buds: Ellen and Katie


The Rouse Family