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.