Vis Family Vacation 2009

Grandpa and Hailey

This past week was the annual Vis family vacation and the destination was Schreiers Campground on Lake Shetek. The weather was outstanding allowing us to spend a lot of time on the water. We also did some fishing, mini golfing, volleyball, and ping-pong. The big events of the week included: Hailey knee-boarding for the first time, my crash on the boat landing, Carter's 45 minute tantrum in the boat, and the physicist at church.

Carter was a busy boy at the camp ground.

This is the group that spent the most time in the water. Taylor got better in the water as the week went on, but preferred to stay in the boat.

Carter really liked the boat and loved to sit on Uncle Eric's lap when he was driving.

Hailey is giving the the "thumbs up" sign and Taylor is loving it!

Out to dinner on the water

Our family at the "end of the railroad".

The MEN

Grandpa and Grandma with the 9 grandchildren

Another Milestone

Last night Michael was recognized for his one year of service of as a chief resident at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. It was a great year for Mike and our family. He had a flexible schedule and was able to do a lot of teaching. Several physicians approached me and told me how Mike had done such a wonderful job; I am so proud of him. Abbott was a wonderful place for Mike to train over the past 4 years with excellent staff and physicians.
On July 1st he will begin his 3 year cardiology fellowship at the University of Minnesota. This will be a big change for everyone here, but a great new challenge for Mike. This will be the last leg of a very long journey.

Hend, Michael, Ann, & Jackie (resident program coordinators)

The four retiring chief residents of Abbott Northwestern Hospital

Good Old Como

Como Zoo was once a place that we frequented up to 10 times each summer. It was just a short trip from student housing, but now having moved south it has been difficult to get there. We had been really wanting to take Carter as his interest in animals has exploded recently. He has a new "elephant sound" that he uses to impress us with; this is an improvement from using "grrrr" for every animal.

A trip to Como Zoo is never complete without a few rides at Como Town. Carter was devastated after being taken off of the car and really never recovered.

Taylor's 1st Dentist Visit

Taylor had her first dentist visit last week. I would be lying if I said that it went well, in fact, the smile she did for the camera is the best we got for her showing them her teeth. They called it a "happy visit" and next time they hope to do more and actually clean her teeth.

A quick picture before church.

Kindergarten Graduation

Congratulations to Hailey Joy on the completion of her kindergarten year! It feels like it was just weeks ago that I was driving away from this unfamiliar place filled with unfamiliar faces. Now it is difficult to imagine months without bringing Hailey to this wonderful place. I can hardly wrap my mind around how much she has learned this year. She is now a fluent reader, an expert on the planets, the ocean, farms, Arabian culture, God's creation, and math. The other day I heard Hailey say to Taylor "Don't worry Taylor, it is not real, it is fiction."
We are looking forward to the adventures that 1st grade will bring.

Hailey and Mrs. Johnson

Hailey and Julia.

Hailey just lost her second bottom tooth just a few days ago.