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.