Reindeer, Waterparks, Turkey, Running and Relatives

Well its been a couple weeks since I last wrote. So I thought that I should make this a good one.

In the past week, the holidays began with a bang.

We started off with seeing the reindeer at Bachmans and both kids received tatoos. Brooke gets the snowman on the face. Riley got a snowman on the hand and it was quickly removed by the young guy.

On Monday (11/19), we headed toward Appleton but made a stop at the Lodge at Cedar Creek. Its a huge waterpark located in Wausau. As a work reward, I received a mini-vacation with the kids. So we chose the waterpark on the way to the grandparents place. The resort was decked out like a log cabin with themed everything including stuffed moose, deer, bear to name a few. The kids loved the water rides and were too small for the really big rides but I enjoyed them. We ate good food at the Saw Mill Grill, Green Mill and Tony Roma's.

Stuffed animals everywhere!
The girls after a dip in the pool.
Someone like Superman ice cream.
Waterpark king!
Riley loves Ranch dressing!

Back to the waterpark
Just waiting to go the waterpark.

On Wednesday (11/21), we took the short drive to Little Chute. I had scheduled a meeting to look at a waterfront cabin at an unbelievable price near Appleton (too low to mention in this blog); unfortunately I was unable to connect with the seller and he sold it to someone else. So it was a lesson learn for me. Don't be afraid to ask for help and be more aggressive on great deals.

Grandma Carol with all the kids.
Riley causing troubles!

On Thursday, the Vissers family and I ran in the annual Wyld Turkey 5K Trot in Green Bay. Representing the Vissers were Marv, Samuel, Bailey, Jim and Connor. Marv's nieces (on Margaret's side) also raced - Erika and Kendra. The race temps were cold at the start but we warmed up fast. We all finished in the top half (671 runners). The chip times and placing were as follows: Eric (20:51 - 39th), Samuel (25:45 - 155th), Marv (26:09 - 178th), Connor (27:12 - 216th), Bailey (28:29 - 259th) and Jim (29:17 - 296th). This will be a start to a new tradition with the Vissers.

After the race, thats why we are smiling!

Dig In!
This was harder than herding cats!
New hats for the kids!

On Friday morning, I couldn't sleep past 6 AM, so I got up and did some shopping. I came back with chocolate donuts for the late sleepers. We did some more shopping that morning and then took it easy that afternoon. I did make a stop at Simons for some fresh cheese curds and Feta cheese (I know Grandma Peggy is a huge fan!).

We headed back on Saturday and finished that evening with Grocery Shopping. Yesterday was just a working around the house day. Today, we are getting new ceramic tile in the bathroom (its only taken 3 months to get this done).

On Thursday this week, Grandma Peggy and Grandpa Milt are visiting. The kids are excited to see them.

Well, thats it for now!

Milwaukee, Brooke's B-Day, Halloween, Grandpa/Grandma V

Well I'll keep this blogspot short.

In the past 10 days, we have done the following:

• Had Uncle Marv, Aunt Margaret and cousins Sam and Bailey over our house for dinner. The kids enjoyed playing with them and vice versa. Marv, bailey and myself are planning to run together in the Green Bay Turkey Run on Thanksgiving day. My money is on Bailey for beating us all.


• Brooke celebrated her 3rd birthday - we went to TGIF. Food and atmosphere was good but Brooke and Riley were troublemakers. Brooke didn't eat her food and Riley was busy being a one year old.


• Halloween came and both kids went trick or treating. I took them individually. Brooke began understanding the concept even though she couldn't figure out how people put their hands through the screen door (they removed the screen). They both enjoyed the candy.


• Grandma and Grandpa Vissers came on Thursday and stayed through Monday. They had fun on Friday while I worked. The boys did their thing on Saturday (Dick's Southdale, Hoigaards, Tacos at Baja Sol, Picked up a double running stroller off Craigslist) and the girls did their thing (Perkins, Target, Kohl's, etc...)


• On Saturday night, we celebrated Brooke's birthday. Brooke was fighting a cold so she had that deep sexy voice of someone 10 times her age. However, she enjoyed all her gifts.


• On Sunday, I worked around the house while the kids slept and grilled a whole turkey and the Packer fans hit the local Old Chicago to watch the game (non-Vikings).


• This week has been nutts already with Vicki having class on Monday, pix at Mt Zion and a City of BV meeting on Tuesday, Tonight is a teleconf with Japan and Thursday is a window estimate. I am looking forward to Friday.

So here's a bunch of pix. Enjoy!

Brooke brushing Bailey's hair. Looks painful!
Sam keeping an eye on mini-me (Riley!)
Brooke checking out the singers at TGIF!
Before trick or treating
After with the goods

Vicki with her new X-Mas skirt (craftwork by Peggy) made from all her former bridesmaids dresses
Brooke checking out her new (and loud) Dora book
Where's the party?
Let's light the candles!
How many guys does it take to open up a kid's toy?

Brooke - The queen of punk!

Have a great week!!!!!