The Dells

We spent some time with my family at the Dells last week and weekend. Thanks to my parents for renting a wonderful house with lots of room for all of us to hang out, sleep and eat.





It rained on the day we got there. Grandpa and Maren thought it would be fun to play in it.

We went to Storybook Gardens/Timbavati Wild Life Park on a HOT Friday. Maren loved riding the train.

Maren helped all the guys build a fire so we could eat s'mores! I think she just prefered the marshmallows.

All of us took a boat tour of the Wisconsin River on Saturday. Here's me trying to make sure Maren doesn't fall overboard.

Standing on Uncle Eric and waving at the passing boats.

On Sunday afternoon, we went mini golfing. Maren thought this was very cool and grandpa joked that we were the only ones on the course with a constant moving obstacle.

Uncle Eric and Maren reading about the hole.

Typical shot - Maren running down the middle chasing or being chased by (in this case, an orange) ball.

There was also plenty of pool time and golf time for the guys. We had a great time!

Cousin Ashley's Birthday!

Cousin Ashley turned 6 this week and had a water-themed birthday party yesterday. Maren was excited to be in her swim suit and see so many little pools!

She even took many turns on the slip and slide!

Before she left, she opened her birthday gift sent by her Aunts and families on the esat coast. She loved the dresses and puzzle, and obviously could barely wait to eat the lollipop!

She happened to be in front of the window, so I got some great shots of her eyes.

Lollipops make Maren silly!

Summer Happs'

It seems I haven't posted for TWO weeks, so I owe some people photos, otherwise they might stop checking!

First up....cute toddler on a rock.

Next...cute toddler profile. ;)

The fort interests continue, so we built one on the couch!

Maren has also been up to swimming lessons this past week, I just haven't been able to get pictures since I'm always in the pool! She likes being in the pool and the 30 minute sessions are too chort for her! Lucky for her, she is going on vacation on Thursday and will get a lot of pool time!

Baby J.O.

We went north to visit my brother and sister-in-law's new addition, Johann. Maren was very excited to see a new baby! She sat on Grandpa's lap to check him out.

Lee holding baby Johann.

Maren holding baby Johann in the morning.

Entertaining herself in Bubba's house.

Balloon Glow

Last Thursday, we went to the Balloon Glow event at a historical site here in town. Maren was so excited to see the balloons! Her dad even had to scout a balloon out for her to take home.

The balloons start going up...
Dancing to the music...

The first balloon getting there...there were 5 total.

Taking a break from dancing to enjoy a smoothie.

At dusk, the balloons were "lit" by a change in the type of flame the balloon operators were using to keep them up.

Fudge Pops

MMMMmmmm.....fudge pops!

Since the fudge pop was melting down her chin and neck, Maren decided is would be a good idea to tuck her napkin under her chin. That worked really well to cover a napkin-sized area! (See the drips below the napkin?) Fudge pops were Maren's choice at the grocery store...that, and grapes.

Rain, Rain, Rain

Our third day of rain and, boy, does the grass look great! But that means not much outside time. In addition, Maren has been working on learning to potty train and we are exhausted by the afternoon when it is done raining! So this morning, she was begging me to put on her suit and swim in her pool. So I filled the tub instead.

Works for me!