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.

May and June 2013

We have been in Wisconsin for almost 2 months.  The weather is finally starting to be decent.  We were not able to celebrate Isaac's birthday weekend as that was the same weekend as Austine's graduation.  You just don't miss an event like that.  So, we celebrated with Isaac the next weekend.  It's hard to believe he is 2 years old.   I went to MN the first part of June to stay with Ady and Camyrn for the weekend while the girls went to a retreat in northern MN.

Then on Father's Day weekend, we took the RV and drove to Monmouth to participate in the annual golf outing that is held in memory of my brother, Bob Almaguer.  Bob loved golfing, and the outing was sold out.  Nicki, Isaac, and Bella rode down with us in the motorhome.  Friday evening before the outing, friends and family met at Elena and Jim's for potluck/pool party as we do every year.  Everyone had a great time as always.  Jim and Elena are awesome hosts!!!

A blessed event!  Kristy and Adyson were baptized this past year in the river in MN near their home.  They love Jesus so much and it shows in their lives and all they do.

One of the yearly events we also like to do with the seasonals at Chapparal Campground in Wonewoc is the canoe trip down the Kickapoo River.  It was a gorgeous day and you couldn't help but have a good time.  After returning to the campground, we all gathered at the "scenic outlook" aka Tracy and Michelle's place for a cookout and potluck.

 Happy 2nd Birthday Buddy!!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day, even though I wasn't able to spend the day with my kids.  They did get together and took an unmustachable Mother's Day selfie pic that I will always treasure!  Apparently, they were all in charge of putting on their own mustache!

 Cowgirl Ady having fun at Target.

Camryn and Adyson....BFF's forever!

 Our annual golf outing in Monmouth, IL in memory of my brother Bob Almaguer.  From left to right: me, Kirk, Nicki, umm let me think, Jim, Elena, Bev, and Rudy.

 Kristy at her baptism.

 Adyson after her baptism with her mommy;

 Kirk and I canoeing down the beautiful Kickapoo River in WI

 The gang on our canoe trip on the Kickapoo.

10th Anniversary

Kirk and I celebrated our 10th anniversary very quietly this year while at Chapparal Campground in Wonewoc, WI.   We decided that after my assignment(s) are completed WI, we will take a 2 week vacation  to celebrate our anniversary before heading south for the winter.  This past 10 years has definitely been an adventure.  We were married in Iowa, moved immediately to Texas, lived there for 7 years, then downsized to a motorhome, and have been on the road for the past 3 and 1/2 years.  Chuy and Lily are also tagging along.  To be continued.............

 At the AT&T Center in San Antonio getting ready to see our Spurs play!

 At a wedding in Laredo, TX for one of my San Antonio co-workers.

 Golf Tournament......in memory of my brother, Bob...Monmouth, Il

 Halloween at Dave and Karin's in SA....Kirk went as a golfer.

 On the Riverwalk in SA.....we love going there just to people watch.

 Attending another co-workers wedding in SA...need to work on evening out my tan.

 In Corpus Christi ...one of our favorite spots to go in the RV for holiday weekends.

 Nashville, TN.....what a blast we had there.

 Arlington, TX...at the market picking up our Hatch green chili's and heading back to Rudy and Bev's to can.

 The Woodlands, TX....10-10-10 for Nate and Lindsey's wedding.

 Kennedy Space Center, FL...Fun and interesting place.

 Bringing in the 2011 New Year in Daytona Beach, FL

 Key West....a quick weekend trip....now this is a fun place.

 Our marriage license...only the beginning!

 Tempe, AZ...the Hawkeyes playing at the Insight Bowl....tailgaiting was so much fun!

 Dancing to our song at our "surprise" going away party in SA

 Greenbay, WI...Lambeau Field...home of the Greenbay Packers.  Great Tour!

 Chuy and Lily posing for a Christmas picture.

 Kickapoo River canoe trip with friends from Chapparal Campground in Wonewoc, WI

 Door County....Eagle Tower (75 feet high) at Peninsula St Park.

 The Everglades in FL....Wear your earplugs on this ride.

 Florida, waiting to see the last shuttle launch..

 Hoover Dam, NV...we are on the walkway of the new bridge....great experience.

Orlando, FL at Epcot Center.....met the girls and Ady for a day of fun.

Austine's Graduation May, 2013

I know that this may be hard to believe for those who know us, BUT, our oldest granddaughter graduated from high school.  Yes, May 19, 2013 Austine Nelson got her high school diploma.  I've only known her for 10 years, as I married her grandpa about that long ago, but I've watched her grow from a grade school, little girl, to a beautiful, young lady.   She has excelled in sports, dancing, education, and fun.  She is attending Simpson college in Indianola, Iowa.  She is one smart girl and her grandpa and I know she will do well in whatever it is she sets her mind to.  Congratulations Austine!  We love you!

 Austine, one happy young lady!

Finally, ......I'm outa here!

Ben's 30th Birthday weekend

Benjamin Robert Ryner turned 30 years old on April 26, 2013.  He is my middle child and my only son.  This 8 lb 13 oz baby boy is now an amazing man.    Ben has grown into a wonderful husband, father, brother, son.  He has an adorable wife, Nicki, and 2 awesome children, Bella and Isaac.  Ben is a cranberry grower/musician.  He does both exceptionally well.  When Ben does something, he gives it his all.
Ben celebrated his 30th birthday weekend in Minneapolis with his family and friends.  Kirk and I stayed at Kristy and Robyn's place and provided entertainment for the grandkids while the kids and their friends participated in a scavenger hunt in downtown Minneapolis, and partied.   There are no words to adequately express how proud I am of him.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEN!!!  Love you so much.

 Ben and Nicki out on the town during the 30th BD weekend.

 Ben and the 2 Gingers.....Dani and Nicki

 Isaac and Bella.....just so dang cute!!

I think we are being mustacherious here..... :)

Chapparal Campground 2013

We arrived at Chapparal Campground on April 8th.  The weather was cold and snow was predicted.  This was not what we had expected for Spring weather.  However, we are in WI, and anything goes when it comes to the weather.  We literally had to dig around looking for our heaviest, warmest clothing.  The heater was running non-stop to keep it half-way warm in the RV.  We were so excited to see Dennis and Dianne, owners of the Chapparal.  They had talked to Kirk earlier in the past month or so to see if we would be staying in this area as we would be their hosts, but we just couldn't commit at the time as I didn't know where my next assignment would be.  So, they hired another couple (Scott and Sue) to be their hosts.  When I got my assignment in Elroy (which started 4/10), we knew we'd be staying at the Chapparal.  It was too late to be hosts, but they found work around the campground for Kirk (he loves to keep busy), and we are now their 2nd set of hosts.   Kirk works all day around the campground with Ronnie and Dennis, and at night we take firewood around to the campers, and do anything else that may arise.  Of all the places we have been so far, this campground is one of the most spacious and beautiful.

 Snow and ice in April at Chapparal Campground, Wonewoc, WI.  View from our RV.