Wrapping up the summer and back to school!

Wrapping up the summer...

We went to the Vinland Fair in Vinland - just south and slightly east of Lawrence. The smallest fair you ever saw, but it was especially cool because Nan works there with her mom. We enjoyed the animals, the fresh chicken and noodles and homemade pie, and watching the mini-tractor pull. A nice afternoon!

Ham  and Ham Jr.

Max and Aunt Nan! 

We had a spontaneous night on the hill before the "crazy kid college drivers" showed up.

Ham and Ham Jr, part two.

It's as if he can feel the heartbreak coming...

Little man, big thoughts.

Max and the Campanile. 

Moon and Max at Potter's Lake.

Little man, big hill.

 Max hooked up with this guy. Hopefully, Charlie will make us all a little happier this year.

Charlie Weis and Max

The Bostonians were here before school started. Here's a pic Grandma B took at kids sleepover night. I believe Paul, Scott, Julie, and I were well into our steaks and wine at an undisclosed location at this point. :-)

Noelle, Catie, Nick, and Max

Max got his first taste of model railroading thanks to one of Grandpa Joe's friends. Oh boy. And believe me, Uncle Rob is feeding this big time. Oh boy.

Max and I decided to use the fantastic growth from our $3 basil plant to finally make some fresh pesto. Aside from the miracle of it working and tasting great was the greater miracle of Max actually eating it! 

He loves the little food processor. Looks like he's got some hummus in his future.

It's actually on his tongue here. Success! 

Cute chefs with a selfie after cooking!

And finally.... Back to School!

Max in his favorite color with a newly decorated bag for the new year.

Pre-K

So it starts, the last year of preschool before full-time Kindergarten next year. Bittersweet. So school, fall activities, more tennis, fundraisers - wow. We're ready for a busy fall here in Lawrence! 

Wrapping up Wisconsin

Because it was so warm this year, we just spent lots and lots of time in the water. Yeah! 

Max using the "tool" Phil got him - an inflatable water viewer.

'Sup, mom.

Paul with his giant piece of drift wood.

Max riding the hoggie at the Hoggie Doggie.

Max and Grandpa B on their annual gator ride! 

One last fishing trip on the pontoon.

Bringing her in! 

Eh, not so sure about all of that actual fish stuff.

Eagle in the upper right corner in the trees, creeping on our fishing trip.
Looks hungry.

After a great long week, we headed back home to Kansas.

Max, waking up after a little car nap.

Thunderhead in western Iowa at sunset.

High cirrus scraping the moon. 

Home sweet home. Summer was almost over, and we are moving on to school time!

Wisconsin Trip Part III

On Wednesday afternoon, Grandma and Kelly came to the cottage. Max, who had been thinking about this meeting for weeks, decided it was best to greet Kelly with a Silly String surprise! Little did he know that Kelly had her own Silly String for the battle.

Squirting each other! 

That afternoon, Max and Paul went out on the paddle boat for the first try at "real" fishing. Success!

First fish on his new pole! 

Later in the afternoon, Max had another greeting surprise for Aunt Kelly. We made some of the Mexican Confetti eggs, and Max exploded them on Kelly's head.

Hey, little fella, what's in your hand? 

Boom goes the egg! 

He had some fun. :-) Thanks to Kel for being a good sport! 

Thursday, we headed down south of Minocqua to Blue Lake. Grandpa Joe's cousin, Janine, has a place on that lake. In fact, most of her in-laws and family has places around Blue Lake. It's kind of like a cool compound. We enjoyed our visit to Janine and Aunt Marie (Joe's mom's sister). Lovely time! 

Marie enjoying Max hamming it up for the camera.

Want a side of eggs with that ham?

Family pic with Marie.

Back at White Sand Lake later in the afternoon, Max got to shoot off some quiet fireworks that Kel and I got in Flambeau.

Blue smoke bombs.

Smokey smoker.

Got Dad with the champagne bottle poppers! Thumbs up! 

Poor Grandma!

The little boat smoked and sparked and rode across the board.
But the best part was when the little flag popped at the end. Next year, I will take a video. :-)

Sparklers! 

Ending lake time Thursday with a paddle boat ride!

Nice pic of Paul, Max, and Kelly. 

A few more pics to come!