Fall.......

We had visitors back in August....cute, as long as they stay away from the chickens.

Jada overlooking her domain.

First day of school.  16 and 12 years.

The team took second at the Two Rivers sectional.  Little Chute took first...the top two teams advance to state competition!

Maddie couldn't go to state with us, but she decorated the car to support Joey!

Beautiful day at the state cross country meet in Wisconsin Rapids.

The Valders tent, Joey on the right.

Some young talent checking out the course with coach Dietrich - he has been a great mentor for Joey.

Having fun before the race :)

Last minute plans?? with coach Karyl and Justin.

The starting line...the boys run north towards the trees.  The weather was ideal.

The race (3.1 miles) at the 1 mile mark.  Look for Joey on the right at around 26 seconds.

The home stretch to the finish.

The boys took 9th in the state!  Not bad, and they beat Little Chute - the team Valders took second to at the sectional meet!!

Happy coaches and happy kids.  All done.

Group picture before leaving Rapids.

Spring and Summer 2011

Maddie had an end of the year project in science. She had to make an egg drop experiment. She added some artistic flair to it, plus a parachute. Her egg survived a 25 foot fall! All of us after Joey did the 1 mile run in La Crosse.

The two lone state qualifiers for Valders track. Tyler took second in the high jump.First camp on our canoe trip.

Brad.They just finished a portage, and they are smiling! Was an easy one.Ready to cross from one lake to another - a portage. We did all of them in one trip. Heading north on the Beartrap river. A wildfire went through this area about 8 years ago.On the Beartrap, this is Kyle and Matt getting ready to pull across a beaver dam.Gotta have a food shot!All the boys at Rebecca Falls, Canada.Another shot of the falls.

Joey at Curtain Falls. He is facing the Canadian shoreline of what will be the beginning of a 12 mile paddle on Crooked Lake. The rock in this area of the country is over 3 billion years old. The mountain range that used to make up this area had peaks greater that 30,000 feet! We had to wait about 3 hours before leaving the falls - white caps on Crooked.So, we decided to fish and have a shore lunch! Brian with a nice smallmouth.

Joey got a northern.Almost done with the long paddle. Here we stopped to check out some pictographs.Here is a pictograph of people in a canoe and a pelican above it. It is estimated that these are about 500 years old.Reflecting.The view from our Lower Basswood Falls camp.On our way out, this is the Horse river.Found these at our last camp - left by girl scouts?Joey and Brian cliff jumping on our last day. Shoes and lifejackets worn - we were in the wilderness.Brian.Joey and Brad setting up the tent on our last night.

Been too long!

Jim with a real nice small mouth!

Steph at the Valders "Heart and Sole" run-walk for Childrens Hospital Milwaukee.

Maddie learning to drive!

Joey and Maddie at Red Rocks, Co.

All of us right before William's and Colleen's wedding.

Maddie's first year of Cross Country!

Jada - she is a real pal cat-dog, she greets me everytime I get home by running up to me.

Maddie at the Valders Invite.

Valders Varsity girls - take off at the Valders Invite.

Trempealeau landing - this was taken early October........can you say wet?

Joey at Sinawa. He is a tall as I am.