Swimming at the Dog Park

The Dog Park is one of our favorite local hang-outs. When the weather turned 70 degrees this month, we let Sylvia wear her swim suit, and wade in the river.

She had a good time making a sand castle, and trying to avoid the dogs playing tag all around her.
Maya was in heaven, with sticks, water, and a dog buddy to romp with.

Much laughter...

Much laughter was heard from Deb and Noel when we went hunting for the fabled "Lone Tree Bluff Scenic overlook" in a local State Park. We followed the directions, and arrived in a parking lot, with this sign posted...


The laughter started when we tried to figure out what was so scenic. :) The picture below is a view from the parking lot of the overlook. We were used to Western U.S. version of scenic overlooks, where you pull over to the side of the road, and look down a mountainside so steep, it makes you dizzy. Overlooking a ploughed farmers field, after a 90 min. drive, made us both laugh hysterically. We weren't sure if this was Wisconsin's idea of a practical joke, or if they were serious.


I had heard there was someplace to hike, so I wandered around the sign, and saw a trail with steps in the bushes behind the sign. We hiked up 89 steps to a hilltop where their was a short interpretive trail. It taught about the glacial deposits that this hill was made from. Still, the veiw from the hill was less than spectacular. I'll bet it will be nice in fall, when the colors change. We will return then.

At the top of the steps, Noel impressed Sylvia with making little finger people with acorn hats and mud. The weather was perfect, and the area was secluded. Not too many people enjoying the scenic overlook this time of year. It will be a trip to remember though. It will always set the standard for Wisconsin scenic overlooks.

Noel: Landscaper Pro

The days before Easter found Sean and Noel working on a 4-H landscaping project. The goal was to get a path put in our front yard, where we always cut across. They were pressed for time, because Sean only had 2 days off, and a rain storm was on the way. It took hours of work, but they did a great job.

Here is a before picture of the front yard.



This was a tough part... cutting the sod, and smoothing the ground. We have a lot of old trees on the property, and an neighbor had to bring over a saw to cut through on huge underground root.




Here they have filled it with a gravel/sand mix, and started laying the bricks. Noel picked them out. They were a great choice.



And finally, a path. It is really nice not to be slipping in mud as we go in the house from the car. Next step... to fill the spot between the bushes with plants, and edge it with stones.




Noel also enjoys indoor plants. Along with a landscaping project she has been learning about houseplants, and starting them from clippings. Here she is with some of her plant-pets.

Mattias and robots

After Lego League ended in Nov., we were a little burnt out from hosting kids daily in our house, programming and building on the Lego NXT robot. Two other families volunteered to take the robots and keep the activities going. Hurrah for them!

Here is Mattias at the Johnson's house, trying out a catapult he built. He is trying to knock down a lego wall with a ball.


The Johnson's invited a dozen other homeschool kids that were interested, several from Madison, to come over weekly and build together. They have a large space, with several computers set up, and several robots. It is a great experience. We've met some nice boys. Mattias says it is the highlight of his week.

While Mattias is doing robot work, Sylvia and I play outside with the little girl in the family. They like to chase the chickens. Sylvia hasn't been able to catch one yet. Maybe with more practice.

Solo/ Ensemble Festival

Noel and Asher played in a solo and ensemble festival held at their school. It was only required to learn a solo, then play it for the orchestra teacher during class time. Those that wanted (or were pressured by their parents) could show up on a certain Saturday in March, and play in front of judges as well.

Asher worked hard on a piece from the movie Lord of the Rings. A friend on his, Spencer, accompanied him on the piano. They practiced hours and hours, for weeks. They preformed it at a Boy Scout Court of Honor before the festival. It sounded great.
Here is the orchestra teacher, Mrs. Riley, checking to see if Asher is ready to go.



He played beautifully, and got a "1" , the highest score possible. Spencer also did a fantastic job accompanying him.



Here is Spencer. Why is he smiling? Because this shot was taken after it was all over, and we went out for ice-cream! We all survived!

Noel also played a solo. She played "Morning" by Greig. She played it very accurately and confidently. The judge told both kids that they have very good ears, and are very in tune with their fingerings. She also got a "1"! Noel didn't like the solo experience much, so next time, she will just play in an ensemble. I'm very proud of her for trying it at least once.

Here is the quartet the kids played in. They are joined by a couple kids from the neighborhood... Lukas on bass on the left, and Emmee violin on the right. The McMullin hinkypunks are in the middle, with their orchestra teacher helping tune them in the back. They played a slower piece called Goin' Home by Dvorak. It was tricky getting all the kids together to practice in the weeks before the festival... I'm glad they persevered. The quartet also got a "1" rating.

(Just so you don't think the judges were tossing "1"'s out to everyone, very few other kids got that score. I think our kids did, because of the hours of practice they put in.)





Afterwards, we went down to the cinema cafe, for very large scoops of ice-cream. Sylvia had trouble with her icecream hitting her nose every time she licked it. She was a very co-operative sister through the whole festival. She sat and listened through almost a half hour of music. Everyone deserved icecream!

Archery

One fun thing about our town is the Stoughton Conservation Club. If you buy a pass, you can go shoot (guns or bows) there 24 hours a day. We like to go in bad weather, or when it is humid. So far, we have only used the indoor facility, which is air conditioned, and had a lounge, with snacks you can buy. It is usually empty during the daytime.
Here is Mattias...


And here is Asher, with his English longbow replica ...


This is the archery indoor range. We are looking forward to trying out the outdoor course this summer.


Even Sylvia thinks she is big enough to shoot. Robin Hood is one of her favorite Disney movies. Mattias happened to catch the arrow mid-flight in this shot.