Groundhog Day

What to do on the hottest day of the year? We went to Babcock Hall Dairy Store for ice cream, at ten o'clock in the morning. Monte and Avery observed milk being bottled, cheese being packaged, and ice cream being made.

Due to the heat and our child care duties, Monte spent the rest of Wednesday at home in his crate while we traveled to the farm to show our little human where vegetables really come from. Yesterday when asked where vegetables come from she said, "The Grocery Store." Then we traded our 5 year old child for a seven year old child.

Not wanting to play favorites, we started Lexie's vacation with a trip to the Children's Museum and finished at the Splash Pad in Middleton. It was like Groundhog Day, the movie.

Learning from our prior experience, we limited Monte's exposure to the chickens on the roof of the museum. We concentrated on greetings with children and relaxing with the flurry of activity, with a little guide dog education for the children.

The Splash Pad offers unique opportunities. In addition to the food distractions, high excitement, and multitude of greeters, we practiced SIT, DOWN, STAY, COME, and LEAVE IT amidst the temptation of the water fountains. Yes, Monte remained in a STAY one foot away from skyrocketing, cool water. Our frequent sessions always ended with a release, "Okay", and some water fun. Not sure who enjoyed it more, Monte or the kids watching.