The Bishop Diaries: A Very Bishop Vacation, Destination: Wisconsin Dells

Some say that vacation is going to a beach or another exotic location.

We decided to travel back in time and explore the frontier.

(Please note two things about this photo:

#1 - Gene's hat. Priceless. #2 - The jug of moonshine that Mom was guzzling.)

After we ditched the old fashioned duds, we painted the town red. Our version of painting the town red consisted of eating dinner on an outdoor patio, shopping for fudge and then playing some serious games.

Oh, and Red Dog. There was also Red Dog.

We ran into the Arnez family, who coincidentally, looked a lot like Beth and Gene...

...oh and the Red Dog. We weren't kidding about that small, yet amazing detail.

They say that laughter cleanses the soul.

Red Dog + Cards Against Humanity = Some serious soul cleansing laughter

Next up? Swimming.

We went to the World's Largest Waterpark, better known as Noah's Ark.

Unfortunately, Noah's pool heater was broken and the water was a bit too cold for a little nugget to enjoy. Jackson liked swinging in the kiddie area, but other than that, he wasn't into the water park much, except for admiring all of the colors, sights and sounds. He couldn't get enough of that.

Matt and Gene, sharing a brotherly moment

Back at the hotel, Jackson had a little more swimming success

Mini Golf is a must when vacationing in the Dells.

Dad and Matt tied for first and Jackson was so excited to be at Pirate's Cove,

that he pooped his pants.

The Bishops have been known to take an awkward family photo, or two, but add

Wisconsin Dells to our "tourist T-shirt" tradition and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

See for yourself.

(These are our Sears Portrait Studio poses, although we still aren't sure what Jerry is smelling here...)

Matt and I have been trying to jetski for years.

Wisconsin, Hawaii, Jamaica, Minnesota, Florida, California - and every time, the weather was too rainy, windy or cold. This time, we lucked out. Just look how excited we all were!

If you have ever been to the Dells, then you know that souvenir shops are a dime a dozen. In each store, there is guaranteed to be a pair of crazy sunglasses or a ridiculous hat in the shape of an animal. We wanted Jackson to get the full Dells experience, so we made sure to expose him to as many accessories as possible. He loved it.