Camping

Last weekend, while Jenni was retreating with faculty, Eric and the girls went camping.

Playing in the tent was definitely popular.




So was jumping out of trees.


Jeneric's photography skills are improving.


Everyone enjoyed the campfire and the popcorn (no s'mores for this family - toasted marshmallows are too messy, according to Toddler Wily and Jeneric).


Not sure the chipmunk enjoyed any popcorn, but he did have the girls giggling with his antics.

More than just a movie name...

The past week was rather busy for the Wily Jeneric family, as we visited both Minnesota and North Dakota. Highlights from the North Dakota part of our trip:

We visited several bison...




A tasty thin-crust pizza place...

(in business 'since "1956"' - whatever "that" means...)

A fantastic yarn store...


Nichole's - an outstanding local bakery...


And an awesome bicycle shop.


Oh yeah, there's a river here, too.

and it floods. Every year. We'll let you know how badly it floods next year!

Disney, Part 4

We'll finish up our Disney series with a bit of random.

We visited Mickey's Speedway where Grammy let Jeneric drive!




We took a spin on Pooh's ride...






Visited Hundred Acre Wood...


Took a twirl on the Mad Hatter's Tea Cups...


Watched the Electric Light Parade...


And played bop the balloon while we waited for the fireworks.


All around, a great day!

Disney, Part 1

Jeneric was over the moon to visit Mickey's house - aka Disney World.

A tram ride...


and a monorail ride later...



(Bye, bye monorail!)

and we were on Main Street, USA.


First stop, the Merry-go-round.

And once again, Jeneric's fear of large wooden horses takes over and she exits the ride.

Toddler Wily, however, remains for what appears to be a less than thrilling ride.




Much happier as an observer.

Random Wednesday

1. We promise the volume isn't turned all the way up - although odds are Beethoven's Wig is playing.


2. Reflexes a second too slow. Toddler Wily was holding the phone to Lady Argon's ear for an extended conversation with Elmo.


3. Reading time!

The next Ansel Adams?

Who knows! But for now, Jeneric (and occasionally Toddler Wily) is having a ball with her nearly indestructible camera.
Row 1 (l-r): Toddler Wily; Eric; Christmas Tree; Toddler Wily and cooking set.
Row 2 (l-r): tree taken on bus; Jenni & Toddler Wily in airport; plane; Christmas lights.
Row 3 (l-r): airport floor; Toddler Wily; back deck; cardinal colorforms on window.
Row 4 (l-r): road; Christmas Tree; view from bus window; Jeneric!

Sleigh ride

No, not a sleigh ride. Sledding. Jeneric is very clear on the distinction. A sleigh ride involves a horse, jingle bells and, well, a sleigh. This weekend, we went sledding - and for those who've forgotten, may we remind you of:
Attempt #1
Attempt #2
Attempt #2.1

Yes. Well. We had exceptionally high hopes. Eric and Jeneric had taken several runs down the small embankment on the west side of our house. She was thrilled. We talked of bigger hills, where the ride was longer and faster. She was ecstatic. We set a date. We ate a hearty breakfast. We bundled up (even poor Toddler Wily, who, once bundled could not walk, move her arms or turn her head. Think "A Christmas Story").

And we hit the hill with high hopes. Then the wind picked up... and up and up. As in years past, Eric, this time accompanied by Toddler Wily, showed Jeneric a sample of sledding.

Toddle Wily was ecstatic by the ride. Jeneric, however, was not amused. She did not want to go sledding. She wanted off that hill. It had taken longer to bundle up than we'd spent on the sledding hill. So we did what any decent parent would do: we bribed her. Yes indeed, with the promise of some tasty hot chocolate when we returned home, Jeneric took one ride down the hill and then headed for the car.



Once home, we discovered Jeneric's true winter passion: snow angels.


Checking out their handy work.


Hi Mama!


Demonstrating the correct method for avoiding the ever-distracting footprint-in-the-snow-angel-when-you-stand-up problem.