And even More NB pics

My crazy co-workers in NB....miss them already.

Edith bribing us with Chuy's to go out for dinner....anything for you Edith.

Fishing on the Guadalupe at our campsite on the River Road.

Beautiful Fall view from our RV at Camp Huaco.

Kirk and Doreen.....doesn't she look great!!!!! You too Kirk :)

More New Braunfels pics

The Jester and Bird lady....5th annual Halloween party!

The Blue Angels.....fabulous airshow!

Rudy relaxing near his RV after a long drive.

Our site at Camp Huaco on River Road.....so peaceful!

Our site under the bridge on I-35 in NB....nice place, extremely noisy!

Texas, the second time around.

At Salt Lick with Dave & Karin, kids, and Frank and Peggy!

Devastating aftermath of the Bastrop, TX fire.

The REAL Riverwalk.

The 6 second rule kiss......"or it doesn't count"!

Ava and Dylan! We have missed you so much.....my, how you've grown.

My assignment in New Braunfels was supposed to last til after the first of the year. Unfortunately for me, but good for the nursing home I was working in, they were able to hire a full time, permenant SLP. So, of course this shortened my assignment considerably. My last day of work would be November 11.....just about half-way into my original contract. Kirk and I were able to fit in most of our doctor and dental appointments while there. However, we weren't able to spend as much time as we would have liked with old friends. The day afer arriving in NB, Dave made up his famous D & D BBQ. It was great to see many of our old neighbors. Rudy and Bev also visited us for a few days at the River Road campground. They were on their way to LA, among other places in their RV. It is always a good time when they are around.

Some of the other things we were able to fit in during our short stay in NB were a night out for dinner at the Riverwalk, the Randolph Airforce Base Airshow, Karin and Dave's 5th annual Halloween party (delicious eyeballs), fishing with Dave, Karin, Ava, and Dylan, visiting my ex co-workers, and fun evenings with Carmen, Cheryl, Edith, Gabriela, and Corrine. Oh yes, and of course WORK. Kirk was also able to fit in some golf lessons (thanks to Groupon), and some golf dates with friends. Although short-lived, we enjoyed our brief stay/job in NB and hope to return soon.

Traveling to New Braunfels, TX

Riverwalk replica at the Gaylord in Grapevine, TX

Another pic of the Riverwalk at the Gaylord

Camyrn, Austine, Jordan, and Ryss. What a darling family.

On our way to Texas 9-2011

After leaving Wisconsin, we stopped for a few days in Iowa to visit with Kirk's mom. While there we celebrated Al's birthday (Kirk's sister's fiance). We were also able to visit with Kirk's daughter, Heather and her grandson, Damon. We were also able to help mom rearrange some things in her home. It's always nice to visit with them all!

After leaving Gladbrook, we drove to Des Moines, Iowa and spent the day and evening with Nate and Lindsey (Kirk's son). They had moved to Iowa from TX just this past year. We had a fun time together. The next day we drove to Shenendoah, IA to visit with Nate's daughters (our granddaughters) and their family. We ate at Mexico, and spent a fun evening with them.

The next day we drove as far as Windstar Casino in OK which is on the TX/OK border. They have an RV park where we have stayed before. It's a great place to stay. While there, we ate at the Toby Keith restaurant in the casino. We then drove to Grapevine, TX near Rudy and Bev and spent some time with them and their grandson, Henry. We were also able to visit with Henry's mom and dad, Courtney and Dustin. Courtney was 9 months pregnant at the time and had their new son the next week.

I found out on our drive from Rudy and Bev's that my next work assignment would be in New Braunfels, TX. Kirk and I were really excited as we had stayed there before, and this was very close to where we used to live. We were excited that we would be able to visit many of our friends, and also get many of our doctor/dental appointments taken care of. After arriving in New Braunfels we stayed at the River Ranch RV Resort under the bridge on I-35 for a few weeks, then spent the rest of our stay at Camp Huaco on the Guadalupe River on River Road. This was a much more quiet and pleasant spot.

More Wisconsin Pictures!

Ady and Bella on the Marsh

Isaac having a fun time with Aunt Kristy

Bella enjoying a ride around the Marsh with "PaPa" Kirk

Leaving Chaparral Campground.....so sad!

September 2012 Last Days in WI

Sunset on the Cranberry Marsh.

Ben and Nicki all dressed up for a friends wedding.

Ron, Kirk, and Rich at Nerd golf outing. They look the same to me.

Kirk, Reina, Dianne, and Dennis at the Supper club. Last night at Chaparral.

Kirk and Reina.....total Nerds!

Chaparral Campground holds an annual golf outing for all the seasonals on Labor Day weedend. This year the theme was Nerd. Now for some of us it didn't take much to look OR act the part. Afterwards, there was a potluck at the shelter with meat provided by Dennis and Dianne. We had a great time!

The week before we left WI we were able to spend more time with Ben, Nick, Krisity, Robyn, Adyson, Bella, and Isaac. We had a wonderful time on the Marsh, and enjoyed the time we were able to spend with them this summer.

Our last night at Chaparral was mostly quiet. We ate at the supper club at the campground with Dennis and Dianne, and some of the seasonal's. Our time at Chaparral Campground will never be forgotten. It has definitely been one of the most enjoyable places we have been in our RV. Kirk totally loved being campground host for the summer. Thank you Dennis and Dianne for allowing us to share your little piece of Heaven. We will definitely be missing you and returning as soon as we can.

Up North, August 2011

Yes, that's Ady's birthday cake in that flower pot. Made by Nicki.

What a beautiful birthday girl!

The outside view of The Infinity room at House on the Rock in WI

Happy Surprise 50th birthday Elena 8-24-2011

Fun with Dan and Amy at Rock Creek campout.

Okay, so I lied about never getting behind again. I'm not making that promise anymore. My intentions are good, but so many things happen, along with just plain laziness, that before I know it I'm 3 months behind. A true blogger should be consistent ( I'm thinking at least once a week, or month). I am consistently inconsistent. Well, August was a great month. Kirk and I took a day trip and drove to Spring Green, WI where we toured The House on the Rock. The builder, whose name escapes me at this moment, was quite an eccentric person. Along with his "fiance", they built and furnished this house with extravagant, and unusual decor. The architecture itself is rather unique also. Kirk and I spent over 4 hours there and that was the fast tour. It would take much longer if you really took your time. It is a must see though. My favorite part was the Infinity room.

On August 8 our granddaughter, Adyson turned 8 years old. We celebrated her birthday at Ben and Nicki's. Robyn and Kristy met us there as Adyson had spent a week with us at the Chaparral Campground. Nicki made Ady's birthday cake which was a dirt cake with gummy worms placed in a flower pot and decorated perfectly for an 8 year old. Adyson was simply beautiful in her birthday dress. She's growing up to be such a beautiful young lady.

Kirk and I drove to Gladbrook to visit his mother, and also to spend some time with Dan and Amy at the annual Rock Creek campout near Grinnell, Iowa. It is always good to see them and the food was great. Lily and Chuy got to spend the day with Grandma Mavis while we were at Rock Creek.

We were able to surprise Elena for her 50th birthday in Monmouth. Elena's daughters had planned the surprise birthday party. Jim (Elena's husband) had mexican food catered and the girls brought drinks and appetizers. The theme was an Hawaiian Luau. Many family and friends were there to celebrate. I really believe Elena was surprised and had a great time.

Our week with Ady....more fun at the Chapparal pond

Ady on the pond with Jared and Tracy...she's a pro!

Bev and Al visiting us at the Chapparal

The Whites....a beautiful, fun family!

Dan and Amy...getting ready to enjoy a campfire.

Topping off a fun day of canoeing with a cookout.

Still in our Jammies..Isaac, Ady, Bella

Enjoying the sandpit at the Chapparal pond.

On our way to the pool, at Chapparal, with Papa Kirk

July 2011

Sorry that I'm a few months behind on our blog. Everytime I get caught up, I swear I won't get behind again. Well, now ya'll know I'm a true procrastinator! But I swear I won't get behind again. July was probably one of our busiest months while in WI. Kirk and I were fortunate to have Kristy, Robyn, Bella, Ady, and Caleb for the 4th of July weekend. They all loved the campground, especially the swimming and riding in the golf court. LaValle, WI put on a spectacular fireworks display. All the fireworks are bought by money raised from collecting aluminum all year long. The local volunteer fire department does a fantastic job of "safely" displaying the fireworks. They are very comparable to the ones we saw at Disney World. We also enjoyed more 4th of July festivities at Ben and Nicki's on the Marsh. The annual 4th of July Parade in Pittsville, and our own private display of fireworks on the Marsh.

Kirk and I also canoed down the Kickapoo River near Ontario, WI with the group from Chapparal Campground. We had a great time and also enjoyed a cook out later in the evening at the campground. We made many new friends this summer and will never forget them.

Dan and Amy, our wonderful friends from Gladbrook traveled over to visit us for a weekend. They stayed in one of the cabins here at Chapparal and went to the Dells during the day. In the evening we sat around the campfire. We had an awesome time!

Bridget, Jason, Drew, and Kinsey from Decorah also came to visit. I worked with Bridget in Decorah. She's like a daughter to me....and a forever, wonderful friend. It was so good to see them all. Drew and Kinsey have grown so much. Bridget, we need to get together more often. I miss you!!

Bev (Kirk's sister), her fiance, Al, and Chipper (Al's beagle) also stayed in the cabin while visiting us. We cooked out steaks, sat around the campfire and tried to go canoeing. I say tried, as we got there and a storm blew in, so scratch the river. Despite all that, it didn't keep us from having a great weekend.

To end the month, I took a trip to the cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) to visit the girls. One of the best parts of the trips was bringing Adyson back to the campground to spend a week with Papa Kirk and I.

Corn Carnival Gladbrook, IA 2011

Momma Mavis...the Queen of coffee grind!

Kirk on the Midway at Corn Carnival.

Even Lily enjoyed Corn Carnival with cousin, Chipper (Al's dog)

The new front steps...way to go Kirk!

Once again it was time to go to Gladbrook, IA for the annual Corn Carnival. It's always a time for a family reunion, however brief, of Kirk's immediate family. Bev and Al, Gena and Courtney, Kirk and I, and of course Mavis (Kirk's mom), along with Kirk's kids, Nate and his wife, Lindsey, and Heather and her son, Damon. Bev's son, Brad and his wife, Shaila also visited. Shaila is going to have a baby in October. How wonderful. We ate bbq's and lots of other food. Mavis made a special treat of "coffee grind", which is a favorite for the whole family, but everyone knows she makes it for Kirk cause "he's her favorite"! The carnival itself was slightly disappointing this year, but it's never a disappointment when the family is together. Also, got to see great friends, Dan and Amy. Kirk also rebuilt his mom's front steps, and placed a basement window well with Al's help. Another great weekend with family and friends.

Golf Outing 6-19-11

What a picture...Bella, Nicki, Ben and Isaac, Robyn and Ady, Kristy

Women's team wins again! Bev and Alex, Reina, Nicki, Elena

Pretty Pink Lady!

Jim and Elena....Awesome hosts!

Bella, Chuy, and Papa Kirk making rounds at the campground.

Kirk and I made our annual trip to Monmouth, IL for the Rainbow Riders Golf Outing in memory of Bob Almaguer (my brother). Nicki, Bella, and Isaac drove down to our campground the night before we left for Illinois so that they could ride down with us. While at the campground, Bella had a ball riding around with Papa Kirk in the golf cart while he made rounds (campground host). Elena and Jim hosted a party at their home the night before the outing. They are so great and do this every year. Everyone enjoyed food, drinks, swimming, and wonderful company. There were 17 or 18 teams of 4 entered in the tournament this year. Kirk played with Rudy (Bev's husband, and my brother), Jim (Elena's husband), Adam (Rudy and Bev's son, and Alex's dad). I played with Bev (sister-in-law), Elena (sister), and Nicki (daughter-in-law, and Ben's wife). Our women's team had won last year and so we were having to defend our title. Mary (Adam's wife) had played with us last year, but couldn't make it this year because of work, so Nicki gladly joined us. The women retained their title (YAY), and not sure where our guys placed. We all had a blast though! After the tournament we all gathered at the club house where Ben, Isaac, Bella, Kristy, Robyn, and Ady joined us. Oh yeah, I won a driver in a drawing which Kirk loves. A big thanks to Penny Mackey for putting the tournament together and making sure everything ran smoothly. She's the best!! As always, another great weekend with family!