A Day At The Beach

The Larsen's packed up and headed for the beach today. Northern Wisconsin experienced a sunny day in the low 80s. Perfect for Jack's first day at the beach. We chose St. Croix County's Homestead Parklands at Perch Lake. It is known for it's clear water. A dozen scuba divers were in the water when we arrived. The lake is crystal clear and 90 feet deep. It is an immensely popular scuba lake and is known for superb trout fishing year round.

Fortunately for us, it's beach is quite isolated from the rest of the park and doesn't seem to draw the crowds. Our trio and one other family were the only beach goers on this day.



Hope you enjoyed the pictures. Hopefully, we will get more soon!!

Hot Air Balloon Video

As promised 60 days ago. Here is video from my balloon flight.

Jack's First Haircut

After 13 months of growth, we finally decided to get Jack’s hair cut. And as long as we were cutting one, why not cut them all!

Jack received his first haircut this week. Mom and Dad were a bit apprehensive given Jack’s reputation as a squirmer, but he did quite well. He even sat in the chair all by himself.

After about 5 minutes of clipping and cutting, he started to grow frustrated. But Mom planned for this and packed a little bottle.

Once the bottle hit Jack’s lips, he relaxed and let the stylist finish the job.

For his steadiness, Jack earned a certificate proclaiming his good behavior and one other item of note.

The haircut would not be Jack’s only “first” of the day. The stylist gave him a lolipop. I had some reservations about this. But it seems that the ability to handle a lolipop is engrained in the DNA. Like ducks flying south for winter, proper technique for consuming a lolipop just comes natural.

Jack dutifully licked the lolipop until only about a pea sized chunk of candy was left on the stick. Then just as the millions of children experiencing their first taste of heaven have done, he threw it on the white carpet. With cat like reflexes Mom saved the carpet from permanent damage and the episode ended with a happy ending.

The View From Up Here

I was recently invited to take a hot air balloon ride as part of a media tour for The Hudson Hot Air Affair. The HHAA is a hot air balloon rally/winter carnival in Hudson, WI. Today was the first day that the winds cooperated and we were able to take flight. The highest altitude reached by our balloon was just over 1300 feet. It was quite an experience. The balloon pilot was incredible. Our landing was like sitting down on the couch. Enjoy the pics. I will be at the event all weekend and should have some more photos on the way.

Santa Claus comes to town

Jack’s first visit with the big fella went quite well. Santa Claus and his reindeer made the trek to our town square this afternoon. The line was quite long but Mom, Dad, and Jack braved the chilly weather for a chance to sit on St. Nick’s lap. While waiting in line Jack visited the reindeer, a monstrous camel, and a pair of jackasses. Two donkeys were also on site. When it looked like mom was nearing the front of the line and the moment was about to arrive, the Larsen boys crept back into line. The crowd was jubilant and would have much rather let us cut back in line with a happy little boy than to stand there with a bored, screaming youngster.

Well, our time was about to come. We stripped off Jack’s coat to show off his stylish Christmas sweater. Mom’s saliva held most of Jack’s hair down as we plopped our little guy onto Santa’s lap. During our wait, we thought about the many things that could go wrong. Jack could start screaming. He could use his patented squiggle to break free from the jolly old man’s grip. Or he could pull his great beard and make Santa scream!

Jack took a good look at Santa and decided on none of the above. He took a swipe at his glasses but Mr. Claus was ready for him. He dodged Jack’s hand and one of the elves started ringing some bells to distract the little fella. It was certainly not their first trip down from the North Pole. Santa and his elves have seen Jack’s kind before and were ready.

The bells put a spell on Jack. He had more of a puzzled look than a smile on his face. But he wasn’t screaming so we consider this visit a success.

Trip to the Park

Hello everybody,
We recently took the camera along on a trip to our neighborhood park. This November weather is complete crap for duck hunting. But it is incredible weather for toddlers in parks. Jack loves playground equipment. He especially enjoys the slide and swings. Maybe Al Gore needs to just chill out. This whole global warming thing doesn't seem that bad!

Enjoy the pics.