2009 Memorial Weekend in Rhinelander, WI

We had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend in Rhinelander, WI. This is Busha's childhood home, and she and Gramps now own. Busha's sister Cathy, brother Don and mother Ann stayed the weekend as well. They were amazing hosts, with gobs of wonderful food! No chance of going hungry, even for a raw foodist! They were gracefully sympathetic to all our different dietary needs. Above and beyond guys!

John and I stayed in the room with the air bed. Considering that we need a new mattess in the worst way, this was amazing. I was happy that we tested mattresses a while back, so I wouldn't have eyes for this one. It sure was comfy though.

Izzy and Tori spent every possible moment swimming in the lake. It was kind of chilly. John and Pops (Gramps) put the docks in the water and dug out the canoe and kayak. The girls started off picking up sticks and pinecones so the lawn could be mowed.

The White Family took the canoe out Sunday morning, while everyone was away at Church. "Aunt" Cathy and "Uncle" Don took Izzy and Tori to see Night At The Museum 2 that night. Thanks!

The girls went fishing in a little stream Monday morning. We put the worm on the hook (my first time doing that - I didn't enjoy it.) They dropped it in the stream and immediately we getting hits. It would have been hard NOT to catch a fish. It was an excellent first fishing experience, if I do say so myself. Victoria's pole wouldn't release the line very well, so she had to stand almost in the water, but was the first to catch one. Izzy caught one a minute or so later!

Isobelle & Victoria Create!

Victoria really loves Martin Luther King Jr. Almost as much as T-Rex and Judy. Here's a picture she did in his honor.

Isobelle drew the turtle and fish a few months ago. Also, the Christmas picture is from a movie we watch every year around Christmas, Home Alone.

Victoria's 8th Birthday

Littlest Victoria turned 8 years old April 12, 2009! I can't believe how time flies. And she's the littlest of the two. Wow. That means Isobelle is 9 1/2 that day... Geez!

Victoria had a low key birthday, which was just fine for all. She had a couple friends over, ate peanut butter chocolate cheesecake (made by mom) and got sick that evening. Victoria and Mom are both lactose intolerant, and the raw whipped cream in the cheesecake sassed back when Victoria had a huge piece. :) I warned her, but she's didn't care. She was wonderful too. John was up with her in the night because her tummy hurt, but she was a wonderful sport and said something to the effect of "you can just go back to bed Dad. I chose to eat it, so I chose a belly ache." She's a hoot.

She got a new bicycle and didn't know how to ride (if you can believe that!) We all went out yesterday and she learned to ride in about an hour. Great job Victoria!

After years of solid conviction against getting her ears pierced, Victoria claimed a few days after her birthday that she wanted to get them done. Mom had placed a "you must be atleast 8 years old to get your ears pierced in this house" requirement. She was a little shakey after it was done, but they look wonderful! She chose the same studs as her Judy Garland Summer Stock doll has.

Victoria's American Girl Doll Felicity gets a flute! Boy can she play well! Mom finds a little humor that she's playing a song about how much she loves the piano on a flute. :)