Nicki And Adam's Family Blog

New Year's Eve is always fun in my family. Thanks to an energetic and funny sister-in-law: Laurie Wanta. This year we had to convince the Olympic Selection that our event "Musical Canine Freestyle" was worthy to be in the Olympics. I was the trainer and the others were the dogs! Other funny events were: toe wrestling, shin kicking, solo synchronized swimming..etc. It was very funny as always...especially adding the # (hashtags) to what we just witnessed!

Christmas got a little hijacked this year, by the stomach flu. I thought it was food poisoning, until I went to visit my mom for Christmas Eve and her facility, the Aster, was a quarantine...for the stomach flu. And I had been there 36 hour before...sigh. Alas, with a lot of activated charcoal, the rest of the family was spared with just minor bouts of it! Yeah!!!! Here are some pictures of the quiet, but enjoyable Christmas :)

Words can hardly express how much we adore this girl. She is FUNNY! And Witty and smart. we are so fortunate to be your mom. Keep being your sassy self. 

Charlie was in the musical "Annie" through VACT as the character of "Bundles"-the Laundry Man. He did awesome. I am so proud of this young man. He is continuing to impress me everyday:) 

Wisconsin had it's Governor Election on Tuesday. While the "blue" wave, sort of happened here in Wisconsin, and in other parts of the nation (the House is now Blue and the Senate gained a few more Red seats); I am actually more disheartened by this election than I was in the past. One announcer said, "It appears as though the blue side has become even bluer and the Red even red-er" What does this mean? Division... I feel like I am this really interesting shade of purple (you know blue and red mixed together). I vote mostly blue, but I maintain this inner red side as well. So, as I got to thinking, I don't feel my views are way off from what MOST Americans (or people in the entire world) want for the future and specifically our children. --I want common ground on Gun Control. I want people to have their weapons (even though I personally don't have any). But I see no reason why people need Assault Rifles. I'm not talking hunting rifles or hand gu...

This year Nicki went back to teaching at a Public School. Sugar Creek in Verona, WI to be exact teaching music to Kindergarten Only on Monday and Tuesday afternoons from 12:00-2:30ish. While the first few weeks were very trying; it has since been WONDERFUL! I truly love this job. A great team to work with, a great principal, etc..she also teaches part time at the Radish and still does her piano lessons. Charlie is in 3rd grade at Glacier Edge with Mrs.Borchardt. It's been a rough transition to say the least. 3rd grade is a BIG academic jump up from 2nd. We are getting there, but there has been a few tears. And homework. Charlie is also on swim team at Oregon. He goes to practice 3 days a week and then has occasional meets as well. Charlie is continuing to study piano and theater class as well. He is also in "Annie" this fall starring as the famous Mr. Bundles. Carrie is in Kindergarten and Glacier Edge with Mrs. Quinn. She absolutely loves it. Mrs.Quinn is quite the ...

Sometimes you need to "sort" the kids accordingly :) 

Charlie's First Day of 3rd Grade with Mrs. Borchardt. We was a hot mess of tears.  Carrie's First Day of Kindergarten with Mrs.Quinn. She was over the moon excited.  Colin's First Day of 3 year old Preschool at St.James

Here is a great video of the Wanta clan over the years.

An incredible tribute was made to my father, Rhode Wanta, at Germanfest in West Bend. A dance floor was purchased and named in his honor. This was pretty amazing. For my Dad, although he never really knew the song...his theme song would have been "when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...I hope you dance!" And did I ever that weekend....thanks Dad for giving me my LOVE of music and dance. It spurs my soul. Keep dancing up there in heaven, and save a dance or 1,000 for me when I get there. 

I promise we weren't high the whole time..or really at all; except for being HIGH on life and HIGH in altitude!  Colorado was an exceptional trip. The landscape is just stunning. However, the children may possibly say their favorite part was the variety of Waterparks that we stopped at. Eh, can't please everyone all the time, right? We spent 3 nights in Colorado Springs area, 2 in Estes Park, and 2 in Idaho Springs. The weather was absolutely perfect the entire time.  At the Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs-a HUGE Highlight of the trip.  Pikes Peak-eh, a bit overrated. But they are building a new Visitor Center, so... YMCA Waterpark in Colorado Springs. Kids had a blast!  Rock Climbing in Estes Park  Choo Choo Red Rock Amphitheater