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.