Top Ten Highlights of Our Trip to Wisconsin

10. Never underestimate the power of a good bug zapper and fan. Without them we would have been eaten alive by the biggest, most aggressive mosquitoes this side of the Mississippi. As it was we were only mildly attacked. 
9. Food. I cannot tell a lie. Isn't this a big deal breaker on what makes or breaks a good vacation? Is it just me? We enjoyed many meals that I'm now suffering to work off: Friday Fish Fry for starters! A favourite among all of us and something we look forward to every year. A Wisconsin tradition! These unbelievably good steaks my Dad grilled. Grandma's slow roasted pork ribs with her special BBQ sauce. Breakfast at the Island Cafe and our usual order of Greek Omelettes with a side of hummus that makes the perfect storm of belching up the garlic concoction throughout the day and causing us to relive the meal all over again except in a less satisfying manner. Mom's chicken salad served in her colourful, antique chickens. And on. And on. 

8. Boat rides on the lake! The kids took turns being pulled along in an inner tube at the lightning speed Dad's pontoon would allow. No matter - they were thrilled! And I was thrilled just to keep moving so the mosquitoes couldn't catch me. 
7. Flea markets and Harley rides (depending on who you're talking to). Mom and I continued our tradition of browsing as many area flea markets as our schedule allowed and usually dragging one of my children along for the fun. I love the shade of blue of the Ball Mason Jars! I have a few now in varying sizes. I get weak in the knees with the dishes - so many dishes, so little time. Books. Oh, the books! Wayne got to ride Dad's Harley but under unfortunate circumstances that had to do with a fast boat, water-skis and my Dad pretending to be 20 years younger followed by a pulled groin area or something of that nature. 

6. Looking at something other than our four walls. We needed a break! Just to leave our home and be able to come back to it and be grateful again to be home is such a gift! The trip is long - about a 16 hour drive but we try to come prepared. The kids are to the point where they pack their own stuff to do. That way if they are bored it's their own fault! We listened to many hours of Issues, etc over a variety of topics. We listened to some audio from Vision Forum I was given at the homeschool conference in the spring. And we listened to the audio book "Hatchet" by Gary Paulsen which was really good! It all helps pass the time. 
5. Zanna got to spend special time with Opa which included going fishing with her new pink Barbie fishing rod. No actual fish was caught but the experience was a treat in and of itself. She was also able to go for a sleep over at her Great Grandpa and Grandma's house all by herself! She didn't have to share them with anyone! Let's just say she was showered with love and treats.

Meanwhile Wayne and Will took a guy's trip to Watertown, WI to visit Luther Prep School. They got the tour and even stayed the night in the dorms. When Will was asked how likely he wanted to attend on a scale of 1-10 he gave a 9.5. What's with the .5? He hadn't seen the cafeteria yet! That's my boy! Anyway it really helped for him to see the campus and he's excited to have this high school experience next year (a year from now). But Mama's not ready to go there yet...
4. 4th of July! For the 3rd year in a row we were able to spend Independence Day in the States. Unfortunately it's meant not being in Canada for Canada Day since they're days apart. So I'm thinking that maybe it's time to stick around for awhile. But we had the opportunity to watch the fireworks from a pontoon boat out on the lake again. It never disappoints! To see the light reflected in the water and enjoy how the bright lights fill up the night sky is a treat. The tricky part is the bathroom ....

Miniature golf, anyone? 

3. Attending the 50th LWMS Convention in LaCrosse, WI with my Mom. Not only is this a great girls' getaway but an incredible opportunity to be built up in the Word and sacrament, participate in some pretty powerful worship and be inspired by missionaries all over the world. There's so much to say it may need to be a separate post. 
2. Hanging with the family! 

Speaking of all over the world, so is my family! So it's a treat to visit with them when we as sometimes the chances are few and far between. Here we're hanging out with my aunt and uncle and cousin who are home for the summer from their missionary work.  And as always it's wonderful to be at my parent's home on the lake and enjoy their company. My grandparents are also in the area and I cherish the moments spent with them. 
1. My husband and celebrating the last 15 years of marriage to him!!

Our marriage is so hot that in the States they have fireworks on our anniversary every year - whether we're there or not! That's right.  I am so blessed to have him as my husband. God is good! Because let me tell you, I was pretty young and stupid when I think of those dating years and despite that the Lord protected me and guided me to the right man. I was pretty short-sighted when I accepted his proposal 161/2 years ago, under a palm tree in Antigua (vacationing with Wayne's parents) and after having a few rum and cokes, never really contemplating the enormous decision I was making in that moment and the consequences it would have. Thank. You. Lord. I am so proud of the man I married and the husband and father he is today.  He's a man of God, not just because he's a pastor and it's his job but because that's who he is through faith. And our marriage isn't just the two of us and thank goodness for that or we'd still be jumping off balconies and making a spectacle of ourselves (can I get an amen, honey?) but a relationship that includes our Saviour and his mercy and forgiveness that we then extend to each other. Because boy, do we need it.  Love ya, babe!
And that's the top 10:)