Post Camping Update

Camping went great! Besides the extreme heat (camping + poor weather = normal Ruwe camping), we had a great time. I was really surprised that Maddie enjoyed sleeping in the tent with her Dad; along with that, she didn't even mind the dirt. We may be able to turn her into a camper after all. Sadly the two of us didn't eat a single S'more, but we sure didn't go hungry. Emily had us some great Brats when we got to the campsite on Saturday and had some famous salsa to go along with it. Mom had a big container of cookies, homemade Chex-mix, and a "Colossal Cinnamon Coffee Cake" that filled in the gaps between breakfast, lunch, dinners, and snacks. Made some pizzas over top the campfire for dinner and then Sunday morning blueberry pancakes! We also swam and went to the nature center, but really it was about the great food.

Maddie enjoyed playing with all her cousins (little cousin Leo is still so excited that "Maddie got bigger")and we can't wait to go back next year with a much more crowded tent.


Scott

Widolff Summer Camp 2010

I'm packing up, getting ready for me and Maddie to go to Brown County camping tomorrow morning. We are leaving mom behind to take care of "the baby", so it should be an interesting trip. We are staying just about 24 hours but we have around 72 hours worth of baggage. Maddie is extremely excited about camping and spending time with the cousins. She has talked all week about riding her bikes with Leah/Brendan, and eating with Leah/Brendan, and sleeping in the camper with Leah/Brendan. All the while mom and dad are stuck packing everything up in the truck. Things use to be quite simple. When we were younger it used to just take a cooler of beer and some Beef Jerky and we were set. I know I'll forget something! It's just too bad Abby is going to miss out, because on Sunday when we get back she will have to put up with all the great stories we will have for her (plus some stinky laundry).

Wish us luck!
Scott

Dearborn County 4-H Fair

On Tuesday evening, the Ruwe Family headed down to the Dearborn County 4-H Fair so that Maddie could see the farm animals up close. Several times throughout the day, we talked about where we were going to go. When Scott got home, she said, "Daddy, go see an-e-mals?" She was so excited to get to see all of the farm animals, even though she sees cows up-close and personal at Grandpa's farm all the time.

Maddie had a preference for goats last summer at the fair and she seemed to like them again last night. While we were in the rabbit, duck, and poultry area, the roosters began to crow and Maddie was in awe. She instantly began to imitate the roosters. She can do a pretty good, "Cock-a-doodle-doo!"
Before we left Maddie got to ride one ride. She got to choose between cars and the train. As you can see... she chose the train. When she chose, she had to throw in the following comment, "Brendan likes trains too, Mommy!" Lately, she is making connections between what others around her like in comparison to herself. I am glad that we took her to the fair because she had a great time. As a child, I experienced many situations and gained a sense of responsibility due to my own 4-H experiences. We will see if the Ruwe children choose to join Dover Dandies when they get older. If they do, I am sure that Grandpa Lutz will sponsor any animal projects they want to try.

Happy Father's Day!

I think all of the dads in our family got to spend the day doing things they enjoy. Scott, his dad, and grandpa spent Sunday morning golfing. My dad spent the afternoon round-baling hay which is one of his favorite things to do. We went to my parent's house for our weekly Sunday Night dinner and before long it was already almost 9:00 before we headed home. So Maddie is beginning to get really tired when I took this picture of her and her daddy.

Here is Maddie and Jake helping Grandpa open up his presents and cards. They both enjoy spending time with their Grandpa Lutz!

A Play Date At the Park

Today, Maddie and I met Kaylynn, Lainey, Nora, and Jessica at Miami Whitewater Park for lunch and some play time at the water park and playground. Maddie had a good time eating a picnic lunch in the shade, even though the ducks wanted to see what we had for them to eat. By the time we finished eating, she was saying, "Shoo, Ducks!" She enjoyed herself at the water park. I couldn't believe how independent she was. She just went off by herself and went down the water slide again and again and again. I hope to take her back there soon, she absolutely loved playing at the park! Here is the only picture I took today of the girls before we headed to the water park.

Maddie's School Visit

On Wednesday, June 2nd my mom surprised me and my entire class by bringing Maddie by for a short visit. All of my students had been asking when Maddie was going to come and visit all year long. So when she finally arrived they swooned over her! Maddie is not so happy in the group picture where I am holding her because she wanted to sit on the bean bag chairs so bad. After the group picture, we took one picture of the students hoovering over her while she is sitting on the bean bag chairs.

Edward's Confirmation Day

On Sunday afternoon, my cousin, Edward celebrated his confirmation day. We joined him for the church service, punch and cake, and dinner at his family's house. After dinner, the whole family got very involved in a Rock Band marathon, complete with me on vocals. I did alot better than I thought I would....98% and 95% scores. However, I got bumped to vocals after failing at the drums! Here is the Oehlman Family! It was really nice that the whole family could get together to celebrate Edward's Confirmation and also the departure of Deysi and Laura. They are leaving the country on Tuesday for four weeks to spend time with Deysi's family in Honduras. The Ruwes wish them save and happy travels! We can't wait to hear all about it when they return in July.

Here is a group photo of the Oehlman crew including my dad's sister, Elaine. Grandma Oehlman is missing from the photo. She was already checking to see if they needed any help with the reception.

Going Camping

About a month ago, Maddie's Christmas present arrived from Grumps. Grumps had ordered the cutest sleeping bag combo sets that include a child sized sleeping bag, a water bottle, and a flashlight for the kids. This gift was so Grumps because it came in blue and pink camo patterns. Grumps ran into a problem because after ordering them he found out that Leah and Maddie's were on backorder until the spring, so Brendan got his, but the girls had to wait. Well, we got a picture of Maddie trying her sleeping bag out. It is a little on the heavy side for her to carry, but she can't wait to take the whole set camping with her in a few weeks! THANKS, GRUMPS!!!

Aunt Heidi's Bridal Shower

On Saturday, we had Heidi's Bridal Shower at Lutz Auction Center. Maddie has been helping me and mom plan, shop, and cook all week for this event. On Friday, Nana asked Maddie if she was going to Aunt Heidi's Shower and she replied, "NO!" However, if you call it Aunt Heidi's party she would say, "YES!"

Heidi requested cupcakes and it turned out pretty well. Her colors are yellow and coral.

Maddie and Jake loved the cupcakes so much they each had to have two!

When the shower was over, we got a group picture of Amanda, me, mom, Heidi, Kyle's sisters, Dana and Jessica, and Kyle's mom, Ashley. The Ruwe's wish Heidi and Kyle all the best and love them both very much!

PUPPIES!

On Friday evening the Ruwe's ventured to Greensburg to meet Aunt Emily's new puppies. Maddie really enjoyed petting and playing with the puppies. It surprised all of us that Maddie did not mind Sansa, the mommy dog, licking on her due to her large size.

Maddie was so excited when Scott helped her hold a puppy. The puppy started to cry while she was holding it and she seemed excited to learn that puppies cry too.

Summer Begins

On Memorial Day weekend we had the pool ready and the Moores were in town to enjoy some swimming. Maddie really tries hard to swim with her floaties on. She seems to be just as fearless around the water as she did last summer! As you can tell from the pictures and the smile on her face she was having the time of her life.

Brendan, Leah and Maddie riding around on the dragon. As you can see Brendan kept sliding toward the back and the girls were squashed together, but they didn't mind.Before getting out of the pool for the afternoon, the three kids decided to sit on the edge of the pool and kick. We have gotten in the pool a couple of times this week and Maddie always wants to know if Brendan and Leah can come over and kick. She loves her cousins!!