Mississippi River Island Camping

Ever since our first jet ski camping experience this summer we had been wanting to get lots of people together to do a Mississippi River Island Camping weekend. The dates finally worked out in late August. Jonathan and I started a day early and hauled all of the gear out to the island via jet skis, kayak, and "jon boat barge." It was hard work, but well worth it to have it set up early.

Part of our spread included a campfire pit and covered cooking area.

Because there were so many of us we even added a private changing/bathroom tent....

....complete with a luggable loo toilet. I know that a five gallon bucket toilet probably doesn't sound that great, but then maybe you've never tried to squat in the woods before. This was pretty posh. One might even say we were "glamping" instead of camping.

We went kayaking. Susie and Jon Dyck paddled over from the marina in Bellevue, Iowa

We also did some jet skiing and water skiing. Susie towing me (Emily) behind one of the jet skis using a booster ball to keep the rope up out of the water and prevent drag. It was my first time trying this and it was a blast. Can't wait for summer to come so I can try this again!

Jon suited up for jet skiing. He got up extra early and jet skied at sunrise - one of it's prettiest times to be out on the river.

Jen and Erin, some of my co-workers from Taft, also joined us for a night. We picked them up via jet ski at Ferry Landing in Galena, IL. They had all their gear loaded into hiking backpacks which worked great for the jet ski ride.

Werner spent the weekend camping with us too. He loves to ride on our laps on the jet skis. It was his first experience with sand....it got up his nose and made him sneeze. He spent most of the time digging in the sand and harassing two little boys that were trying to fish. He kept sneaking up and taking there cup of bait.....it was pretty funny even though the boys were somewhat distressed about it.

Werner catching some ZZZ's after a swim. I think we all felt like this by the time Sunday rolled around. It was a great weekend that we hope to repeat several times next summer. Stay tuned for an email with upcoming 2010 Island Camping dates.

Iowa State Fair 2009

We spent a day at the fair again this year. We were really hoping that Werner was going to be able to join us, but we found out at the gate that they don't let dogs in anymore even if they are only 9 weeks old, really cute, and on a leash the whole time.

So Werner hung out in the truck under a shade tree and enjoyed frequent visits from us throughout the day.

We still managed to have a good time giving out the champion ram trophy in memory of my Dad, catching up with old friends, and eating good food. We are holding Hot Beef Sundaes from the Beef tent.....yum! Always a favorite.

Susie and Jon Dyck joined us for walking around the fair. Susie is doctoring her walking taco in the pic above. Another state fair classic. Good times were had by all!

A new addition to the family!

In celebration of our first wedding anniversary we decided to get a black lab puppy. He is a purebred Labrador Retriever with hunting bloodlines. His registered name is Klein's Maximum Blue Werner (you have to make it long and fancy to fit in). He is only 9 weeks old and has been a great little guy to have around.

His first week with us and he is already happy hanging out in the bed of the truck.

He loves to scoot things around on the ground and hold things in his mouth. So far he has a very soft mouth and has not been destructive at all. We hope he keeps up this good behavior.

Yes! He is named "Werner" after our favorite brand of kayak paddles. We've always thought it would be a great name for a dog and it is really fun to see that idea come to fruition with our first puppy. He's a keeper!

Wreck Diving in Lake Superior

Jonathan went on a week long tour of wreck dives with the scuba shop that certified him. I got to join him for the weekend and do 2 dives. It is different then tropical dives in Florida, but just as fun and interesting. Especially when it comes to learning the history behind each wreck. There are whole books published on the topic! Pictures coming soon.