Waterskiing Nationals

This past weekend we joined the rest of my family in Wisconsin for the National Waterskiing Tournament. We sure had a great time watching some unbelievable skiers. All the kids did a great job too as it was terribly hot being in the sun all day. Maddy really seemed to enjoy the shows. She would wave to the skiers as they went by and then clap for them when they paid off on the dock. It was adorable! Below is a picture of the 5-tier pyramid that the Rock Aqua Jays of Janesville, Wisconsin put up which was one of the highlights of the tournament.


My brothers competed in the team jump competition, as they qualified by winning the Wisconsin State competition. They unfortunately didn't win as they had a fall on a trick called the "organ donor". They named this trick a few years ago when they landed it at nationals to win the competition. They are the only team to ever do this trick, as it is extremely dangerous. It is a back flip ("gainer") over a front flip and under a 360 degree turn ("helicopter"). They tried the trick again and landed it, however it was after the time allowance. Even though they didn't win most everybody was talking about them and had a lot of respect for them.

Here was our cheering section for the jump competition

Jaelyn telling her dad (my brother John) he did a good job

The kids keeping cool in the shade

When we weren't at the water ski tournament we were enjoying the pool at the hotel. The kids were just having the best time swimming together. We couldn't get them out of the pool. Addisyn and Lexi even joined in the fun.

Addisyn (6 1/2 months)

Lexi (5 months)

Part of the Crew

Maddy had a great time with all the cousins, but she really played with Jaelyn and John V the most. The three of them would play then fight, play then fight. It was pretty funny. Maddy really seemed to love Addisyn too, she wanted to be in her face all the time.

Jaelyn and Maddy climbing the stairs

Maddy and John V trying to get candy out of the machines

Maddy taking Addisyn for a stroll

I'm not sure why Maddy isn't wearing clothes in any of those pictures. :) It was really hot in the pool area. Another highlight of the trip was our outing to Culvers. The flavor of the day was Blue Moon. Yummy, I haven't had that it forever.

Maddy enjoying her very own cup of blue moon

Forget the spoon

Do I have something on my face?

What a crew?!?

It sure was a fun-filled weekend once again. I sure enjoy spending time with my siblings and their families and of course my folks too. Maddy loves her cousins and fits right in with the gang. I sure wish we could get together like this more often. I'm looking forward to seeing them all again over Labor Day.