Wisconsin

A couple weeks ago I left cold, brown Kansas and flew to Indiana (where there was a foot of snow!) to be a nanny for the Wilson family. Uncle Todd is "da Dad" in charge of Familyman Ministries. He had been asked to speak at a winter family camp at Camp Forest Springs in Wisconsin. The Wilson family consists of Uncle Todd, Aunt Debbie, and their eight kids: Ben, Sam, Katherine, Ike, Abe, Maggie, Cal, and Jed.

During the car ride, Cal entertained himself
part of the time with a mirror. Isn't he cute!

Jed has such a great smile.

We went through Chicago, and I saw
the Sears tower for the first time.

In Wisconsin we saw "snowmobile super highways." Periodically they run along-side the highway and they have their own miniature road signs!

Cal is sporting the neon hats that
the Wilsons (and I) became famous for at camp.

We went skiing (and snowboarding)! None of us except Aunt Debbie had ever done it before. I was surprised at how well we caught on. By the end of the second day, we all had graduated from the bunny hill and were experimenting on the big slopes.

The last two days the weather began to warm. (Who said WI can't get to upper 40s in February!?) As a result the top of the lake turned into six inches of slush and water. These wet conditions made it possible to water ski and snow ski together! The bad part is the camp had to close the tubing hill which was a blast. I don't have a picture of it, but I'll just say the heavier your chain of tubes is the farther and faster you go.

Trying to teach Maggie to ice-skate.

Ready, set, go!

We had the opportunity to go dog-sledding.
Lot's of fun, but my dogs were not very focused.

Katherine is resting halfway. It is very tiring
to walk a fourth a mile in ski boots!

Katherine had her birthday at camp.
We (Sam, Cal and I) got creative with the decorating.

On the way back to Indiana, we ate at a
food court that was built over the interstate!

I had great trip and a wonderful time with my cousins. I look forward to my next trip with the Wilsons which starts on Tuesday! This trip is to Hawaii! Go here for more details.