Two weekends ago Travis, Dana, Lauren and I took a trip to Wisconsin Dells. Before my surgery, when I had to wear oxygen, water activities and roller coasters were not an option for me. You can’t really hold your breath with a tube sticking out of your nose. And holding on tight to an oxygen tank when you are upside down doesn’t exactly seem like it would end well.

Lunch at Sprecher’s before hitting the park

We started off at Mt. Olympus on Saturday with one of the wooden roller coasters. It was fast but we heard there was a faster one. The weather was hot and humid which was perfect for a day at a water park, but it made the wave pool look irresistible. It generates over nine foot waves and comes crashing down taking you with it. The hilarious thing is, after everyone bumps and slams into each other, all at once the crowd heads into the eye of the storm and waits for about two minutes for the next wave.

With the hot weather, I think the entire state of Wisconsin thought it was a good idea to be in the Dells with us. According to the signs, there was a one hundred and twenty minute wait to go on some of the water slides. After spending some time floating down the lazy river, we were nearing the end of the day but had enough time to hit one more ride.

We weren’t going to leave without a spin on the coaster with the highest thrill factor. The notice for the wait time to ride Hades 360 predicted a little over an hour wait. It’s the world’s first upside down, underground, wooden roller coaster. After over two hours shuffling in line we were finally set to ride this beast. It was so worth the wait!! It was the most exciting roller coaster I have ever ridden.

Hades 360 action shot. Travis & I loving it! Dana & Lauren, eyes shut tight!

Saturday night after grabbing some dinner we tried our putt putt skills at Pirate’s Cove mini golf. The winner wins a free ice cream after you finish. Travis eked out a one putt victory. He may have received his free cone but he was sweet enough to buy me and Lauren ice cream too.

Pirate’s Cove Putt Putt

Sunday, we hit Kalahari indoor park where I took the checkered flag on the go kart track. I had the fastest car and lapped all but one car. Really, it was not fair competition but I enjoyed smoking the three of them.

Driver’s, start your engines

Afterwards we decided to take a Wisconsin Ducks Tour. The Ducks are amphibious trucks that were used during World War II. They take you on an hour long tour through scenic trails and go from land to water a few times along the Wisconsin River. After a relaxing history lesson, it was time to hit another water park at Chula Vista. We definitely all have different choices when it comes to water slides. Dana likes the nice, calm, and relaxing rides. Travis and Lauren are a little adventurous. I prefer straight up crazy, the faster the better!After climbing countless stairs we worked up quite the appetite. After grabbing some dinner, we finished the long day by visiting Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum.

Dana & I found the secret stairway upstairs by accident during the photo

Super excited!

Travis and Lauren trapped. We eventually let them out of their cage.

The next morning, Travis had to head to Missouri for work but the girls hit one more stop before driving home. We gorged ourselves at Paul Bunyan’s Cook Shanty. An all you can eat breakfast stop. Yes, we all had a second portion but I was the only one to take a third 🙂

Paul sure is tall!

After we arrived home Monday, Honey and I had to prepare for her obedience class. We had been gone for a few days and it was test night. I was a little nervous because I didn’t have the chance to work with her while we were gone, but she did incredible! She passed Obedience 1 with flying colors. Honey was even used as an example that night. This week we start the second round of classes.

Proud doggies (and parents)

This last Thursday was Travis’ birthday. Two weeks ago, his mom was in town and we were able to get to celebrate with her.

Me, Travis, Colleen, Dana, & Lauren (not pictured, Michael)

On his actual birthday, the two of us went out to dinner again. After we finished eating, Dana met up with us to celebrate with her brother. They put one candle on the cake because forty-one wouldn’t fit 🙂