Celebrating Independence Day

Happy Belated 4th of July to everyone. Here in Madison the 4th seems like a quiet event since the big party takes place the week before at the Rhythm and Booms Fest. We went out on the lake to view the 31 1/2 minute firework display choreographed to music. It was really cool, and Mary Ann especially liked the fact that they played her favorite songs from Mary Poppins and Sound of Music. Robert did a fantastic job navigating the boat in the dark, dealing with a lot of boat traffic and pretty choppy waters. We also discovered that brownies are excellent for smooshing into the carpeting of the boat too. : )
Robert had a three day weekend for the 4th of July, a nice little break. We didn't make any big plans, which was nice. Both girls had little colds and Mary Ann developed an ear infection, so it was a good weekend to lay low. We did go out on the lake with our friends the Cornetts to do some tubing and explore the lock system between lakes Mendota and Monona and that was pretty interesting too. Robert also got to go to the Mendota Mental Health Hospital to do the orientation for his moonlighting hours there. He's pretty excited about the opportunity to work there a bit on the side.
Rose has learned a few more words, she especially likes pointing out the parts of the face, with particular emphasis on the eyes. She also likes to say the word "Mine" whenever the situation may or may not warrant it. She also says "Thank you" without prompting, which is rather nice. And her favorite song appears to be the "Wheels on the Bus", favorite action being "Beep, beep, beep".

Madison When It Drizzles (and pours)

We just wanted to let everyone know that we haven't floated away yet. The hardest hit areas in Wisconsin are close by and many of our roads and highways are closed due to flooding, but we are all safe and fine. We are thankful that the only effect of the recent rains has been a bit of water in the basement, and our thoughts and prayers are with those that have not been so lucky. We are also not able to boat for an undetermined time because the Madison lakes are contaminated with sewage because of overflows at the sewer plants. But again, we are thankful that is all we have to deal with.

Weather aside, we are doing well. Robert has happily adjusted back to working days in the Stroke ward and the girls and Katie are adjusting to not having him home during the day. Our major activity most days is a visit to our gym. The girls have just completed ten weeks of swimming lessons and both are very comfortable and confident in the water. In fact Rose would rather have her face in the water than not. Mary Ann can take a dance class and yoga class at the gym, so the benefit to Katie is that she does actually wind up going and so the investment is paying off. And just for the record, she completed a 1/4 marathon (which she thinks sounds better than 6.5 miles) in 70 minutes and ran a 5K in under 30 minutes this past week. Firsts for her.

Belgium humor?

Just saw this on CNN. A spokesman said "the plane is very seriously damaged." Duh.

Boat!

We did it! We picked up the boat today from the Wisconsin Dells. We bought a 2000 Crownline 180BR. That's an 18foot bowrider (open at the front so you can sit there). We towed it back with the minivan; we just had a hitch placed on it by U-Haul earlier this week. We have several pictures of it on our photos page. We've also finally got around to posting a bunch of pictures--3 more albums, all the way back to Easter.

Katie heads to KC and Lawrence this coming week, so Robert will either be stuck with a boat and no way to transport it (Katie will take the minivan) or else we'll have to find a slip to keep our boat in during the summer months.

Additionally, my next year's schedule came out, so now I know when I'm free to have guests come up. So, start making plans to come visit us in Madison! You can stay in the new guest room in the basement and then go out on the water!

Images to Savor

Congraulations and Thank You, Coach Self

Super Mario!!

Welcome Back, Danny!

Rock Chalk Roy!

Rock Chalk World!!!

National Champions! There were yells, screams, tears and shouts of joy (followed by a rapid flickering of the porch light) to signal the Jayhawks amazing win over the Memphis Tigers. 75-68, I've never seen sweeter numbers! A dream come true! Rock Chalk!!

Traitor

Well, it's almost here. Final Four Weekend. It seems to me that the 2 best teams are playing each other on Saturday: North Carolina and Kansas. A poll on ESPN had people rank who they thought would win the championship; North Carolina got the most votes, then Kansas. It's really too bad they are already facing each other. I wouldn't want to face Benedict Williams until the most important game of the year. Facing them in the semi-finals is like the US facing Russia in ice hockey, another semi-final game. I mean, who cares that they beat Finland for the gold medal? While I would rather win the championship than beat Roy (if I had the choice between the two) it is a little bit of a letdown to face UNC on Saturday and not Monday.
But still, I will be rooting for KU and against Roy. UNC used to be a team I would root for, and I probably still hate Duke more than UNC, but the feeling of betrayal is still there.
I remember from years past Roy would get emotional if people criticized him. Hopefully all the comments from Kansas fans in the last week have hurt Roy's concentration, though I doubt it has. Still, any edge is still an edge.
Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!