Busy July 2014

I completed my assignment at the Dells on July 11th.  The worst part was having to say goodbye to our friends at Chapparal Campground.  Dennis and Dianne and all our other "family" at Chapparal have been a big part of our traveling adventure.  It's amazing how many of our new friends have become part of our family.  This adventure has been much more than we ever anticipated.    My next assignment is in Pepin, WI, which would start July 14th.  As I had never heard of this place, many of our friends had.  I was told over and over how beautiful that part of WI is.  Pepin is on the Mississippi River.  The road that goes through Pepin (Hwy 35), the Great River Road is a very popular road, especially with bikers.  There are also many little popular, quaint touristy towns along this road.  Did I mention the many wineries....ooftah!!!   My job was at Pepin Manor.  Kirk and I were fortunate enough to find a site at Lake Pepin Campgound right across the street from my work.  I either walked or rode my bicycle to work everyday.  Saved tons on gas this assignment :)   The people that owned the campground also owned the motel next door so that was convenient when Kirk took the motorhome to MN to have the motorcycle lift attached.
Our first hour in Pepin, Ben and Nicki arrived with the Bella and Isaac.  I had promised to take the kids to the cities (Minneapolis) that weekend to see Ady in her play, Alice in Wonderland.  Ady played Creeping Charlie.  She was fantastic!  Being in Pepin now allowed us to be only about 1.5 hours from the girls in MN and about 2 hours from Ben and Nicki in WI.  Ady returned to Pepin with me to stay with us for the week.  Robyn arrived midweek and stayed till the weekend.
During this week, Kirk rode the motorcycle to Gladbrook, IA to help his mom move out of her house and into her new apartment.  He was also able to attend the Jester Jam at Jester Park in Granger, IA where his son, Nate was playing.  Nate also organizes the event which has several bands play throughout the day while raising money for a good cause.  
At the end of the week, Robyn, Ady, and me drove to WI so that we could see Ben play at the Thomas House in Marshafield, WI.    This venue is a slightly high end restaurant with in and outside seating.  Ben and his brother in law, Matt (The Stand Still) played outside.  This is one of their regular gigs.  I enjoyed his show so much.  i can't even explain the feeling this mother has when watching her son play.  Sooooo proud.   I spent the weekend with them, and the girls while watching the kids.  Ben and Nicki attended a wedding in LaCrosse, WI and returned on Sunday.  
Okay, now lets talk about this mouse in our RV....ugh!  I believe we found her while in Wonewoc.   We knew she was around as she was leaving little "trails' in the kitchen drawers.   After several days of trying different things, the good old mouse trap finally caught her.  That's how we knew it was a she.  She was pretty fat (pregnant).  It wasn't until a few weeks later that we found her nesting area, which happened to be in the bottom of my old golf bag.  I now only have a new golf bag.  At least we caught her before she had those little ones.  Haven't had a mouse since then.  
I realize this seems like a long post, but so many things happened the first month in July.   At the end of the month, Kirk and I drove to the cities to help Kristy move into her new place.

 Kristy, Robyn, me, and Nicki at the Thomas House, Fun night!

 These two were probably glad to see us go after this selfie!

 Creeping Charlie....Alice in Wonderland.  What a great performance!

 Staying up late while mom and dad are away :)

 Selfie in car ride to Pepin for Camp RV!

 Ady shrunk!

Time for ice cream

 Can never have too much ice cream

Matt and Ben playing the Thomas House

A "Must See"

Rest of Summer in Wonewoc, WI 2013

July was soooo busy.  I have been enjoying my assignment in Elroy.   Ben and Isaac visited for the 4th of July parade at the campground.  Isaac and I rode in the back of the Ranger (on the tailgate) in the parade, while Kirk and Ben sat in front.  I had so much fun watching Isaac throw candy to the parade watchers.  He had such a fun time.  Since he was the youngest, he even got first swings at the pinata for the kids.  Somehow he also learned how to use a squirt gun (i'm just saying)!  Isaac loves the campground!  The following weekend, Kirk and I drove up to the Marsh for "Blowing Up the Marsh".  The food was great, the company was awesome, and the fireworks were spectacular.  They don't pull any punches when it comes to Blowing Up the Marsh!!

Isaac was an awesome candy thrower.....and the cutest in the 4th of July parade at CC.

The kids "sandbox" on the Marsh.

While in Wonewoc, we were "talked into" joining a Monday night mixed golf league in Union Center.  It was a great way to get to know new people, and visit with friends we have met in Wonewoc.  Oh yeah, and to golf.  I think Kirk and I did pretty good in the standings, however, we had to leave one week before the season ended as my job ended and we had to move on.

Ady was able to attend a week at her annual RV camp at Grandma and Papa Kirk's.  She had only been with us a few days when Kirk got word that his mother was going to have to have surgery to have a pacemaker placed.  So, Robyn, Bella, and Isaac came to the rescue.  They stayed with me at the campground as Kirk had to take the truck to Iowa and I needed something to drive to work.  We had a ball with swimming, playing in the pond and sand, toasting marshmallows for s'mores, and much more.  I forgot to mention that Bella and Isaac were with us, as their parents went to big concert thing in Louisville, KY for Nicki's birthday.  Happy 31st Birthday Nicki!!

 They were in a tube, until Robyn got attacked by a giant fish :)

 Isaac thought playing from shore was more fun.

 One happy Grandma!

Happy 31 Beautiful Lady!!

 Jim, Elena, Joni, and Joni's friend, Maggie Bell visited us for a long weekend.  They decided to go to the Dells (which is about 1/2 hour from the campground) while I was at work.  We all drove up to Marshfield on Saturday as Ben and Matt were playing at the Thomas House.  The guys played on the patio and were great.  I had not heard Ben play in awhile, and although I may be a little biased, I have to say he and Matt (Ben's brother in law) made me one proud mama!  Ben has been playing guitar since he was in the 9th grade.  He is very gifted and talented when it comes to his music.  I have watched him mature into an awesome musician who can play with the best of them.  If you ever get a chance to see him and Matt play, please do so....you will not be disappointed.

 Ben and Matt....The Stand Still

 Playing in Wausau, WI

Ben playing at The Thomas House in Marshafield (with Matt)

Well, as it sometimes happens, my job in Elroy ended earlier than we would have liked.   I really enjoyed working with the staff and residents in that facility.  So, once again, we had to say goodbye to all our friends at Chapparal Campground (CC).  It gets harder each time, especially Dennis and Dianne, and Ronnie and Arlene. They have become like family to us.  We have made many friends there, and I can't write this without mentioning some of their names:  Kurt and Laurie, Randy and Lolly (sp?), Tracy and Michelle.  If you are ever in Mazomanie, WI you really have to stop by Bay 5 for a bite.  This is a restaurant in an old storage bay (reason for name) with great food.  Please try the breaded cheese curds (my favorite). We went there a few times with our CC friends.  We had a wonderful season with all of them.  

 Leaving good friends....Dennis and Diane, owners of Chapparal Campground.  Sure gonna miss you guys!

Kirk's pride and joy!  Summer project at CC.