Discovery World

Next it was on to Discovery World, along the Lake Michigan shoreline in Milwaukee. There are lots of activities to keep the kids busy, and the first one they hit was the aquarium. Here, Sean gets up close to one of the critters that ordinarily would be swimming around in the lake. There was also a touch tank where Nate and Sean got to pet a shark and a stingray.

There were many interactive computer displays for experiments. Nate posed in front of a computer with two cameras side-by-side. The computer then combined the digital photos into a three dimensional object on the screen that could be moved in any direction.

There was also a camera that detected ultraviolet light in the form of heat radiating from the people who happened to walk by. This is probably the strangest portrait of Nate and Sean we've ever taken. They are standing in front of papa who is wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Circus World

The next stop on our vacation was Circus World in Baraboo, a large museum operated by the Wisconsin Historical Society. This is the location where the Ringling Brothers got their start and where they used to winter their famous circus in preparation for the next performing season. Quit clowning around, Nate!

It's unlike any other museum we've ever visited because it's not just a bunch of unchanging exhibits. It includes live performances, which really adds to the overall atmosphere and helps tell the circus story. The afternoon performance lasted almost an hour and included several acts including a dancing elephant.

There was even a huge shed devoted solely to circus wagons that have been restored to their original grandeur by craftsman who work on the premises. Nate and Sean liked the wagon that used to house giraffes. They also enjoyed the one that played songs using several different instruments, similar to an old fashioned player piano except a whole lot more complicated.


When they got tired of walking around it was time to get some wiggles out on the playground. Now mom got to do all the work! We were all sorry when it was time to go home.

Wisconsin Ducks

While on vacation this week we took the kids up to the Wisconsin Dells to ride the famous "Ducks." These are old WW2 army surplus amphibious trucks that also operate as boats. Nate and Sean thought this was the greatest adventure ever as we rolled along dirt roads and dropped into the Wisconsin River.

Sean wasn't really sure if he really liked the whole "float down the river thing" at first but he quickly warmed up to the idea once he figured out that it was safe. Mom was holding on tight just to make sure. Don't worry Sean, we're not going to leave you behind!

Nate sat between grandma and papa, not so much for security but because he was cold. It's a little cooler in Wisconsin than he's used to, even in June.

The real attraction, other than riding in the Ducks themselves of course, is the spectacular scenery along this stretch of the Wisconsin River. Trees cling to sheer cliffs along the riverbanks with just inches to spare.

Celtic Festival

Yesterday we went to a local Celtic Festival. There was lots of music, vendors and things to see and do, but Sean and Nate liked the medieval warriors the best. Between bouts the reenactors let the kids (and the young at heart) get closer to the weapons. Sean decided to take Nate out with a hatchet but Nate blocked the blow with his trusty shield. These are not nearly as dangerous as they look. The blade is basically a thin layer of aluminum skin on wood. The "sharp" part of the blade is flat, sanded wood and would never cut anything. Still, this could probably give someone a pretty good bonk.

Nate extracted his revenge by grabbing a spear while protecting his head with a heavy metal helmet. The plume coming off the back appeared to be hair from the tail of a horse. None of this intimidated Sean who remained on the offensive.


There was also a really neat demonstration of shepherding using highly trained border collies. It reminded the kids of the movie "Babe." A man used a whistle and voice commands to instruct his dog to turn right or left, to lay low, etc. It was quite amazing to see the dog lead these sheep from one side of the field to another, both through and around obstacle and gates.

Summertime Splash

We're visiting with grandma and papa (the kids' maternal grandparents) this week. First thing's first, Sean and Nate wanted to jump in the hot tub for some splashing and playtime. Sean was doing his best to catch any fish that might wander into the tub so he could pull it in with his rod and reel. Fortunately, no real fish, just little plastic ones floating along the surface.


Anyone who ever met Nate knows he makes relaxing an art form. He's perfectly content to rest on one of the seats built into the tub. You'll never meet anyone else who works so hard to do nothing.

An Artist is Born

Save these photos for when Sean is a famous artist. He has a certain way with and understanding of colors and loves mixing them into new patterns. Like any true artist he has no concern with splatters and spills as long as it adds to his interpretive approach.


Check out his excellent technique and his determination; his seriousness. Either than or he just loves making as big a mess as he can.

98 Degrees with Matching Humidity

Oh! was it hot last weekend. 98 degrees with matching humidity. Day after day. Nothing better to do than spend some time in the sprinkler. Nate and Sean jumped back and forth through shifting streams of water.



We're glad the kids had a great time because mom and dad were much less happy. It's not even summer and it already feels like late August! This doesn't bode well for the next three months.

Surprise Trip to the Beach

We went to the beach on Saturday. This was a little out of the way but we had business in the general area. Otherwise we probably wouldn't have gone all that way for a couple hours of sun and sand. Nate and Sean loved hunting for shells along the waterfront. Nate even found a couple of shells with their occupants still in them! The highlight was when one of the local fishermen pulled in a skate -- not so much for him but the kids thought it was pretty cool.


Sean tried his luck digging through the sand. He wanted to make a hole that would fill with water. He didn't have to dig down too far but then a wave would come and he would have to start over again.


Nate was more into beachcombing. He walked along the shore looking for whatever might be interesting. He climbed out on this jetty into the sea. It was low tide and the plants had dried so it wasn't as slippery as it might look. Nate was fine.