Chily Expeditions: 2015-01-04

Monday, January 5, 2015

First half of Summer 2014

I started my new assignment the day after Memorial Day in the Wisconsin Dells. I was fortunate to have made some connections with this rehab company from previous assignments I had worked with them. I also changed to a new traveling therapy company, so was excited to see how they would perform for me. We had only been in Wonewoc,WI for about a week when Ben (my son) had to have an emergency appendectomy ( 6/2 ) in LaCrosse. He did very well and was sent home the next day.
On 6/13 Kirk and I took the motorhome back to Citizens Lake campground in Monmouth to attend my niece, Alyssa's wedding. Rudy and Bev drove their RV also and stayed next to us. Alyssa and Devon were married 6/14. It was a beautiful day and evening. Our brother, Paul ( whom we hadn't visited with in several years) also attended. We met his girlfriend, Kimberly and their little girl Sidney. The 5 of us siblings had a great time together ( Rudy, me, Angela, Elena, and Paul ). Forgot to mention that Kristy, Robyn, Ben, Nicki, Adyson, Isaac, and Bella were all there. They stayed with their Grandma Greta Ryner.
On 6/27 we spent the weekend in Gladbrook, IA for Corn Carnival. Kirk and I actually stayed in a hotel in Marshalltown. By this time, the For sale sign was in the front yard of his moms house. It's a bittersweet situation, but for the best. She will be living in the apartments behind her house. We know this is hard for her, change always is, but it's a positive change in her life. The weekend/carnival was nice. Kirks son, Nate, played Saturday night in the beer garden at the carnival.
Ben and Nicki and the kids surprised us on the 4th of July weekend. They bought a camper and drove it from the place of purchase to the ChaPparal campground in Wonewoc. We had a great time. Even went to the fabulous fireworks in LaValle. I got my 2 weeks notice at the Dells as they had hired a full time SLP. Well, once again, that's the nature of the traveling therapist :(. My new assignment starts 7/14 in Pepin, WI.

Alyssa and Devin's wedding....Dancing with her big brother, Chris!

Reina, Rudy, Elena, Paul, and Angela. Love em all!!!

My attempt at a selfie on the golf course...Bev, Reina, Angela, and Elena

Rudy and Paul....Shot time!

Ady and Bella trying out their quarter machine prizes

Bella and Isaac getting ready for the fireworks!

Nate playing at the Corn Carnival

Heading North May 2014

I took an assignment at Wisconsin Dells, WI for the next 13 weeks. Our first night out of Florida we stayed at a Flying J truck stop in Lake Park, GA. Most FJ's now have a separate area for RV's to park overnight away from the semi's. Much quieter! Kirk and I decided we would travel a little out of our way to visit our new friends Frank and Sharon ( we met in RV park at Beverly Hills, FL). On 5/16 we arrived at Frank and Sharon's in Allardt, TN. We stayed at the Zenith horse stables just down the road from them. Our first time staying in this type of place. Frank even came over with his chainsaw to cut down some limbs so we could fit in our site. This is beautiful country and I can see why they love it here. Everyone rides horses. Their horses are Snickers and Russell. Ida and Brody are their corgi dogs. We had a fun cook out with a few of their friends. These two are the best.
The next day, 5/17 we headed out again and spent the night in Mahomet, IL at a small, privately owned campground called The Tin Cup. They have a really neat driving range, but was too dark for us to use. We left the next morning and arrived in Monmouth, IL ( my hometown) and stayed at the Citizens Lake campground. We spent the evening with my sister Elena and her husband Jim. Elena had made an awesome brisket, and homemade rhubarb dump cake. Sure do love and miss this lady!
The next day ( 5/19) we headed to Gladbrook, Iowa to visit with Kirks mom for 3 days.
While at Mavis's , we went to Granger, Iowa and visited with Nate ( Kirk's son)and his wife Lindsey, and their little boy, Mason. Grandma Mavis went with us. We all drove over to Docs bar and had steaks. A very nice night. It s always great visiting with them, and especially Mason, our grandson.
On another evening, we met Heather at Zenos. Now that is some great pizza. Grandma Mavis went along also and I believe she had a good time. I know she likes Zenos! Our last night at Kirk's moms we cooked out smoked pork chops that we had purchased at the Fareway store in Marshalktown. We also picked up brats and sausage to freeze.
We arrived at Chapparal campground on Friday just in time for Kirk to start work right away to help prepare for the Memorial Day weekend. We had to leave on Saturday to attend Isaacs birthday party in Warrens, WI at the Three Bears Lodge Waterpark. What a fun time! We spent the night and returned to the campground on Sunday.