Devils Lake Camping

We did a camping vacation of 4 Nights at Quartzite Campsite at Devils Lake State Park!

 We enjoyed all of our dinners over and around the campfire!

The girls worked on their marshmallow roasting technique.

HAPPY CAMPER

 The nature center was a short uphill stroll. Lydia & Abigail took a moment to pose in front of it as happy camper and flamingo.

FLAMINGO

We caught craft time on one of the days... They made leaf prints by pounding the juices or chlorophyll out and onto fabric!

 

We took 2 big hikes. The girls did great the whole way on the steep rocky climb on the West Bluff Trail reminiscent of Colorado mountain trails, with just a few breaks.

 The view and sense of accomplishment was so worth it.

 Prospect Point has an amazing view over the lake and we could also see the beach.

 They were proud and Lydia said, "We're not too little to do big things!" Yes, remember that, Girl!

 These goof balls had a good time,

 and an extra good time with Grandpa and Grandma camped out near us the first 2 nights!

 The second hike we did was in Parfrey's Glen Natural Area, which is 5 miles from the campsite.

 Peaceful and challenging with 4 wet creek crossings. The girls ended loving this hike because it was like a jungle gym or obstacle course!

The girls went through this tight space. Adults opted to climb around.

 We helped each other out and all made it to the waterfall!

The beach had a very nice large shallow swimming area. The girls swam off and played and played...

Catching minnows,

 building sand castles.

We had beautiful weather those first 2 days, and then it was rainy. So spending a day in the Dells worked out perfectly. 

To be true to the touristy Dells, it was a bit gimmicky, but really a lot of fun!  

The girls got to drive the Duck (DUKW) in Lake Delton

and be co-pilots on the Lower Dells of the Wisconsin River!

2 amphibious landings,

 

Some army history, and a guided tour of the natural wonders of the Dells.

After that fun morning, we ate lunch at Buffalo Phil's and went shoe shopping at the nice Outlet Mall.

No pictures to expose our geocache, but here's one of the girls sister chatting on "nature's couch."

Glad we got in a family camping trip this summer!

Jellystone Park

As one of Abigail's classmate's family is part owners of this park, we have been seeing their billboard van (you know, when people have their vehicle completely painted-windows and all-with advertisement) all year, and it finally wore us down to visit-and we're happy we did! The girls never even watched a Yogi Bear show before, but that didn't matter.

First-timers to Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park!

"Hey there, Lydia!"

The jumping pillow was super fun. The kids were coming up with all sorts of games to play on it, like flip the pancake and line tag.

We had Donuts with Cindy Bear :)

They came around with donuts, frosting (3 choices) and sprinkles-a clear hit with these girls!

"My tongue is my napkin"~Abby

We played 6 holes of mini golf.

And then finally got in the water!

Going on a Wednesday, we were busy with the activity pool, water zone, and water wars,  but the whole facility was not...just right!

Whee!

We had a "pic-a-nic" lunch and then discovered this separate area with inflatables, a remote control car race track, and archery!

The balls hovered in an air stream and the arrows had rubber ends...ingenious!

 We took showers and ended our day on a 'hey'ride with Yogi

Singing C-I-N-D-Y to the tune of BINGO on the ride through the campgrounds.

"WE HAD A BEARY GOOD TIME AT JELLYSTONE PARK IN CALEDONIA, WI"
To wind down at night, we found and watched some YouTube cartoons of Yogi and his sidekick Boo Boo.

Boat Ride

Last weekend we got to celebrate Aubrey's 1st birthday, visit Grandma with Aunt Lisa & Diane, and go on a Mississippi boat ride with Grandpa!

 This is Lydia driving the boat!

 This is Abigail enjoying the ride, haha!

 

Carefree on the river! 😄

SLIME

We're in on the slime craze.

It's fun and easy to make;

and it makes funny faces!

http://www.whatsupmoms.com/diy/best-kid-friendly-slime-no-borax/

Discovery World

 Playing tic tac toe against a robot is a daring choice.

 Automation

 How are the balls floating? This air stream demo captivated the girls for a long time.

While I successfully landed a plane!

 Bed of Nails! Lydia laid on it too!

 Racing sail boats.

 Virtual Reality exhibit was new. They both explored a coral reef!

Can you lift your own weight?

 The changing exhibit was all about the human microbiome.

The basement aquarium held the best part:

TOUCH TANK!!

 

Lake Sturgeon were spiny.

Cortez Round Stingrays were velvety and and squishy.

Now I invite you to drift away with the jellyfish...

Bay Beach

The 3 of us, Grandma and kids spent a mid-week day and Bay Beach for a fun time!

helicopters

Pull bar to increase elevation.

Tilt-a-Whirl was a favorite! Go Grandma!

Baby Boats (That new drop in the back was a fun screamer for most of us!)

Carousal

 Hot summer days require ice cream!

While cooling off and enjoying the sweet treat, we discussed best parts of day.

Past favorite Giant Slide was knocked to the bottom of the list while Tilt-a-whirl and bumper cars rose to the top.

The kids didn't mind squeezing in for the miniature train ride.