Adventure: Camping at Starrett Lake

Starrett Lake is one of the gigillion lakes up in the famed North Woods of Northern Wisconsin. This was one of our best camping trips. It was a short trip over Labor Day weekend and we had our pick of lakeside campsites. No bugs, not hot. Warm enough for me to dip myself, early morning, into the lake. The only negative was the water from the pump, it tasted like rust, so if you go, bring your own. Oh and Nate forgot to pack the dutch oven I had planned to make all our camp meals in. But these things happen. We went into town for lunch with beer to wash out the taste and fresh water for our morning coffee. Also, Owen learned how to use the potty all by himself and was so excited to wear underwear that we couldn't get clothes on him. He loved running around and watching the campsite big kids on bikes riding by.

Adventure: Wildcat Mountain

This is a camping (and hiking) trip we took to Wildcat Mountain in the Driftless Region of Wisconsin this summer. It rained, a lot. And we were on a hill, a hill where we had to fashion a moat around our tent to keep the rain out. But that didn't stop us from making s'mores and we managed our hikes between storms. These boys hiked all the way to the top of Wildcat Mountain. Wildcat is full of biodiversity with the sweet and winde-y Kickapoo River meandering betwix and between this area's unique ecology.

Adventure: Pineapple Hill Orchard

Sunday was a gorgeous Fall Day. Nate was due at Heidlehouse for the annual Wisconsin Chaplain's Conference in Green Lake so we made a day of it. If you follow along on instagram, you can see our shenanagins. We visited Pineapple Hill Orchard, a imepecable and oh so adorable family orchard started by a couple in the 80s. We over heard a woman asking the owner if he has any Honeycrisps as she had "got some from you last year and they were incredible." We didn't get any because we never bring cash, ever (working on that), so when you visit be sure to bring cash. We're going back on Tuesday, with cash. for cider and apples. Let me know if you want me to pick some up for you!

Brendan bear turned 5

It has been quiet on writing front. Summer has come and gone and Brendan turned 5. We had a Star Wars Birthday and we made some awesome Lightsabers. I honestly can't remember where I found the how-to, but If I find it before Halloween, I'll update this post. The boys are obsessed. 

Father's Day Camp

My husband, Nate Bettger, is a wonderful father. He loves our boys with all his heart. He is patient, and gentle, and firm, and fun, and really just a sweet man. I am so honored that he chose me to be his partner in parenting, really, I could not do it with out him. Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, doing the work and being present in their families. giving and receiving love, support, and wisdom.