November 2020 - Fall Update :)

 Oof - been a bit since I updated.  Sorry folks!  The fall seems to have flown by.  As I type up this post I am looking at a Christmas Tree and garland over the mantle - all lit up for the season.  The smell of conifer mixing with the faint scent of pumpkin pie would tell me exactly what season we are in if I was sans calendar.

Going waaaaayyy back to the last post, I'll start with the "Boys Trip" to the Lake!  Poppi had the idea to take up his three sons-in-law for a long weekend.  Unfortunately Quatro couldn't make it, so he had to settle for just Ryan and I.  We had an amazing time - our highlights are below!

This was the summer's first stop by Pattison State Park to see WI's largest falls.

We had great weather - and one can definitely feel the difference in the September mornings. Brisk air and clear skies were there to greet us.

Ryan and I went on a 12 mile bike ride through Duluth, all the way down to Brighton Beach.  Ryan is from Phoenix this past many years - so Lake Superior was quite a sight.  If one hasn't seen quite that much pure, fresh water before it is pretty breathtaking!  I don't think he'll be moving to the tundra anytime soon  - but he plans to visit in the summer.

We managed to get down to the range - Ryan was a crack shot!

Full moons over the lake are a sight to see - what a night-time shot.

I even managed to whip up some pretty amazing steaks for these boys.  And Jack stopped by to join in.  Always great to see my little bro, and even better to get to feed him.

And don't for one second think that I let the colder water stop me.  I thought the temps were great, and enjoyed a swim every day.

September had a lot to offer - Chinch and I got to go out on a lovely date to Jonah's - I had forgotten how beautiful the views are from that place.

The Kid and I went out for our breakfast at the OHOP - "Breakfast with Daddy" is a fun behavior reward, and it feels good to see the kids so excited to earn that treat 😊

A week or so later it was Lovey's turn!  She chose Le Peep (I was happy with that, OHOP isn't bad, but Le Peep is definitely better).  Cutest breakfast date I've ever had that is for sure.

Lovey and I had time after for a walk through the out-door mall.  

September brought the season's first pumpkin pie!  Enjoyed out on the patio.  Chinch sure knows how to whip up a pie.

We managed to get one walk in over on Grandview - unfortunately it was before the fall colors came in.  That's okay - it ends up that we got to experience fall colors that put Illinois to shame - thanks to COVID19.  You see, our family caught "the Virus" in mid-September.  Don't worry, we are all fine - mild symptoms for everyone.  But it did force an 11 day sabbatical from work... and you know what that means...

Impromptu trip up North!  After all, what better place to socially isolate than in the middle of the Northwoods?!  Don't let that picture fool you - the kids were thrilled.

We had a great time hiking through a small state park up north of Ashland.  What a cool place!

While our weather wasn't perfect - we had some gorgeous mornings.  I think that Autumn is going to be my favorite season up there.  It was so quiet - and the colors!  My word the colors.

Aaaaaaand - we managed to snag this fantastic Christmas card photo.

On our rainy days we had a good time exploring Duluth - including our return (after many years) to the Duluth Zoo.

When we got back, it was Baber's turn for Breakfast with Daddy - look at this kid!

And then... thats right, it was time for one final trip up for the year.  Markus, Sonny, and Oslo helped me close the cabin for the year. It was a short weekend trip, but we made the most of it.  Even managed to hit up a supper club.

Game night!

And so here we are.  Not much to report from early October until now.  Work has kept me busy.  The Kid and I started a D&D group with some homeschool friends, I wrapped up a campaign with a group I've had going for a while, I continue to put in work at Warhammer painting and playing (thanks Tim) and we are preparing in hearts and minds for our upcoming move.  The Fall is flying by - and Christmas will be here before we know it. I regret that I didn't get any pictures of our turkey, or any of our Halloween fun - but alas, I have not been vigilant taking pictures.  I'll try to do better.  Life gets busier and busier it seems.  Sort a theme with three kids.  Time flies by when you're having fun :)

Stay Healthy!

"The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you.

The LORD lift up His countenance on you,

And give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26

July 2020 - Trip to the Lake!

If there was any doubt about summer, it is long gone now!  We have just gotten back from our first of two trips to the Lake this year.  Take a look :)

This year we traveled up the "front way".  That is to say the fastest, mostly-interstate route.  We did so out of sorrow over the closing of the Blue Boy Bakery in Lancaster.  That place was the best, and we just couldn't stomach driving past it knowing we couldn't stop.  Seriously people, the sadness over this closed bakery is real.

That said we had a lovely drive.  Weather was great, I got some work done, and there were some fun landmarks we hit along the way - including the CHEESE stop in Mauston - which was a classic from when I was a kiddo.

Ah, it feels good to be home!

We started the week off right with a trip to Bond Lake to see Grandma.  Lovey was eager to get back out on the kayak!

We also spent more time at our own place this year than ever before - it keeps getting easier as these kiddos become more capable.  Baber loved jumping off the dock, and Lovey found a great place to play in the shade right by the shore of our property.

The Kid Captain!  He is just starting to appreciate how far back this tradition goes.  Fourth generation driving Old Red!

Grandma came over and joined us for a ride - she definitely prefers her new boat I think... but its still fun to relive the past a bit.

Oh Lovey.  You are too much!

Baber was NOT going to be left behind.  He needed to have his turn driving the boat too of course.

We don't get many photos like this anymore.  Its almost always one of us taking a picture of the other with the children.  Great to share a moment with my best Chinch.

Too much!

While our weather was overall amazing, we did have a couple of whopper storms up there.  Nice that it kept the fire danger low, but it did mean some work on the trees!

One of the definite highlights of the trip was getting to see family.  My cousins Eddie and fiance Madison (pictured above) were up, along with my cousin Casey, her husband Nick, and their 5 children.  Watching The Kid, Lovey, and Baber playing with those five children was an absolute delight.  Friendships were woven, and good times were had.

The simple beauty of this place just gets me some times.  Before we knew it the week was over, and it was time to hit the road again.  But that's okay, the next trip is less than 2 weeks away!

Stay Healthy :)

"The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you.

The LORD lift up His countenance on you,

And give you peace."

Numbers 6:24-26