March went out like a lamb, similar to how it came it in...but the latent lion roared into mid-April with a record setting snow storm. Snow day and all after a three day blizzard that left nearly 24 inches of snow, the most in 130 years. The week before the temperatures were balmy and the sun was warm and we hiked the grass covered trails in Oconto. The birthdays came with equal flurry of the blizzard, as they always do and we chalked up more years and packed on the cake. They both got new bikes and added a few miles before the snow storm hit. Merrick scored a new scope as well and Grace didn't get the horse she asked for but she did get to ride Betty. Somewhere among the cake and gifts the Easter bunny stopped by to spread the eggs and delivery some much needed sugar treats just in case the cake started to wear off.
The soccer season wages on but it was time to head back to the Boot for the annual trip. well at least some of us headed to the boot...as the kids get older and more involved we spend both more time at in the Nicolet and seemingly less. This year Grace was at the lake the longest! Her and I headed out early Saturday morning and spent the first two nights without the rest of the family. We survived the quite with steak meals and early morning fishing. She even caught a nice bass on her first cast. Amy dropped Ella off at camp and then brought Sophia, her friend and Merrick up on Monday morning...oh and Oliver too. Ella would miss most of the week at Boot but she had a great time at her Traditional style Summer camp. This year we set up a huge hammock village and had the campground mostly to ourselves during the week. The temperatures hit the mid to high nineties so there was plenty of beach time and sunscreen to go around. The kids were old enough to take the trail or canoe to the rope swing and everyone spent plenty of time staying cool and wet. Even Oliver got into the action and loved chasing the ball in the lake as we tossed it from the boat dock. He even jumped into the water from the canoe when Amy called his name from shore. The pump was broken but the camp host was friendly and Ron got them to fix the potholes in the road. We celebrated Sophia's birthday in the big woods and even had chicken for breakfast. It was a typical year at the Boot but plenty of new memories to set apart from the years past.
We dragged out the kites for a windy and cloudy Father's day flight and some flew better than others. The wind was strong when we were at the house and after about two hours of getting ready and finally getting the the best kite flying spot in the world, the wind had abated. The week also found us a kid short as the shortest one was dropped off in the north woods at Camp Uni. It was Grace's first traditional summer camp experience and there is little doubt that she will go back again. The camp was also pretty plush and included air conditioning....really more of a spa than a camp!
The school year is about wrapped up and we put some time on the road and others spent some road time to come and see us. Munkle Arky stopped in for a while, bringing bikes and laughter and we headed to see the Holmen Clan and celebrate Evan's endings and new beginnings. The final week of the school year bore witness to Ella's 8th grade graduation ceremony as well as Sophia's soccer awards ceremony where she received offensive MVP. Grace and Merrick both started up their summer soccer leagues and the weather has been cooperative. Sophia spent her first week of summer vacation at Med school camp and came away with a new career path of Pathology from the experience.
The indoor soccer season continues for Sophia and Merrick, Ella is still getting up early for Jazz band and Grace is working on her guitar pieces for the upcoming concert. She did have a spring sing, her last one at Heritage, and had a speaking part as well to introduce the next song. The winter temperatures are mild and the snow is crusted over on the ski trails so Grace and I hit the trails with Oliver for a high sun wander.