Spring Break ... finished.

It looks like it's been a couple of days since I blasted everything out there. As before, work seemed to get a bit in the way of play! Friday, Amy and the kids came up and played a bit, while I had to go up to the office to work*. After quiet time, I met everyone at Auntie Karen's to see the Havenwood Art Show and then we went over to McDonald's for an early dinner. Amy and all the kids ate, but Cyndie and I did not as we had a date that night! We have a new baby sitter, Rachelle. Anyway, the kids had a good time and so did we. We tried a new Italian place in downtown. The food was excellent, and only a tad pricey.

*It turns out my sojourn at the office in Waukesha was productive on Friday. Not only did I solve a couple of tricky problems that I was experiencing, but I also was introduced to a yummy little hole in the Italian deli place that had excellent hot Italian sandwiches!

That's all I have time for now ... I have a busy day ahead, but I'll try to blog about the rest of the weekend later today.

Weather gets in the way of play

So yesterday we had that darn job interfering with some good spring break fun*. Now, today work is actually cooperating, but the weather is not. We were supposed to take a picnic up to a state park about 20 or 30 minutes from here so that we could pick out several possible campsites for our camping trip later this summer. However, we are currently getting snowed upon. Not nearly as much as late last week, but enough to put the kabash on picnicing. Oh well, we'll do that some other time. We do have some events going on anyway ... Emma has the girl from next door over that we've recently become acquainted with (Katherina), and this evening we're going to the library to watch Ratatouille.

*It turns out I was able to participate. We went to see Horton Hears a Who at the local theater.

The movie was pretty darn good, and we had fun playing arcade games both before and after the show.

Work gets in the way of Play

So it turns out that working is not as much fun as playing! Emma is on spring break this week, but I still have to work*. And in the case of yesterday (and today), I have to drive into the office because I'm testing some software with a hardware device that is there. Suck! Oh well, that's life (in both the big city and the country apparently). I'm hoping to get done early enough today to make it back to Lake Geneva for the Spring Break in Lake Geneva events ... a movie (Horton Hears a Who - I think) and time at the arcade.

*I have a bit of a bone to pick with our way of working here in these United States ... shouldn't we get to be retired when are kids are around to enjoy it with and when we have the energy and health to fully enjoy our retirement?

Yesterday the Caspari kids came up for a visit while Dave and Amy had the "one year checkup" on their house. I think that they had some kind of 1 year warranty, so this was their last chance to claim any defects or something. Anyway, they played a bit and then went to the library for storytime and a craft before hitting McDonalds on the way home.

Rental fun!

I guess we're experiencing our first* rental home issue. We got a call today saying there is a leak in one of the bathrooms, so Cyndie has been on the phone a bunch trying to get that straightened out.

*I guess this really could be considered the second issue if you count the whole fiasco with getting the first check cashed.

Anyway, hopefully it will be something simple and the bill will be on the smaller side!

Lake Geneva Spring Break, part 2

So we went bowling today. I can't remember whose idea it was, but we had a nice time. The place was pretty empty, so that was nice. I think we all had a good time, although Emma was a bit upset at the end because Timmy beat her*.

*By Timmy beating her I mean ... Timmy, with Daddy's help to point the ramp thing.

Actually, Timmy beat all of us. I think he got around 135, I got just over 100, Cyndie just under 100, and Emma around 85. Anyway, it was fun. Afterwards we played a few video games in their arcade. The kids really liked the motorcycle game that you actually sit on a motorcycle.

More updates on the Spring Break events as they occur.

Weekend recap

So we had a nice weekend. Jane got in late Thursday night and then Cyndie, Jane, and the kids went swimming Friday morning. The snow started around 5 am Friday morning and finally stopped around 10 or 11 pm. I think we got around 12 inches total. All that snow was a bit disappointing for me as I was geared up for Spring, but the kids sure enjoyed it! Mom and Dad were over for the afternoon too.

Saturday was the big Easter meal for the DeVries/Caspari clan. Amy and the kids got there around 9a. Dad and Mom a bit later (with Auntie Karen), and Dave's parents around 11 or something. Dave was under the weather, so stayed home. It was a nice relaxing meal and basic hangout. The kids did an Easter egg hunt that Auntie Karen had made for them. The older girls had a bit more complicated hunt with clues, etc.

Sunday was Easter (He Is Risen!). We got there early to help with the egg hunt (Cyndie) and practice music (me). After the service the egg hunt happened. It was a pretty low key day the rest of the day as Mom and Dad left for their Louisianna mission trip and Casparis were with other family. All of us (Cyndie, Jane, the kids, I) were very low on energy and just mellowed out.

So that's it for now. The weather is supposed to be in the 40s and 50s again this week, so I anticipate the snow melting fairly quickly. Jane leaves midday today, and we'll probably move Emma into the guest room so that we can start working on her room next.

That's it for now,
Neal

Spring???

A friend of mine at RedPrairie, who is a long time Wisconsin and Michigan resident, told me that in Wisconsin, there is no spring. It goes from snow to mud to green (summer). I'm starting to get the feel for that. The snow is largely gone. The "grass" (brown, both from being dead, and from being covered with dirt/sand/whatever) is showing. However, the skies have been mostly gray, with not even a peek of sunshine. No wonder my friend is thinking about moving to Atlanta or LA! Well, I guess it's just something to get used to in the new location! At least it's beenfairly warm ... upper 30s and low 40s.

Cyndie and I spent some time on Craig's List last night trying to find a spa. We miss having one, so may try to purchase one with tax return money. Unfortunately, it looks like a large hunk of cash will be spent just moving the thing!

Yesterday we let the kids choose some fun activities to do for our Spring Break in Lake Geneva. Timmy chose to go to a movie and to the Arcade. Emma chose to go roller skating and swimming. We'll make them fun little outings during the day next week. The kids are amped!

Adios for now,
Neal