Lake Geneva

I am a bit belated on making this post. We traveled to Lake Geneva July 19-21 for another work event for Pete. This time it was with his firm. Unfortunately, Pete had a meeting late in the day Friday up in Rhinelander. Jack and I traveled down solo to get settled in at a reasonable hour- set ourselves up for success!!

The weekend started with a lively lunch at the Dahms house in Sussex. The kiddos had a lovely time together- why we did not take a picture I do not know!! I reminder to me to remember to document all this fun!!

Onto the Grand Geneva... 

Jack and I started with our 2nd annual date night. Same restaurant on the resort, one table over from our table last year, same waitress, and fantastic view!

Jack at Ristorante Brissago

Pete of course had meetings to attend on Saturday so Jack and I were out on the town in quaint Lake Geneva. Somethings never change but I do LOVE the new restaurant Boatyard Bagel Co. Local food, mostly organic, incredibly delicious with a touch of flair inside. Of course, we also had to stop by Kilwins, our favorite candy spot- yum!

Boatyard Bagel Co and Kilwins.

Downtown Lake Geneva

Jacks favorite part of Saturday was when Uncle Ian came for a visit! There is always one dinner that I am required to attend with Pete. Ian agreed to drive down from Milwaukee and babysit for Jack at the hotel. A success on all accounts- Uncle "In" was a hit.

On the way home we stopped and saw the Bobziens in Madison (again- I need to make sure I take pictures of all these kiddos!) Jack will never forget that day- not only because he loves his pal Lucy but also because he had his first Popsicle at their house- and now he asks for them every day!

First Popsicle...

... Many more to come!

Young Men Hard At Work

It's time for some hard work his Sunday. Therefore, all Young men will be wearing Carhartt attire. It's a good day!

Going on a bug hunt

It has been a little chilly here in Wausau. It's a welcome change after the 90+ days of last week! But not necessarily prime pool or park weather. Jack LOVES to be outside so the idea of playing indoors all day is just not acceptable.

Mommy has needed to get more creative to find fun activities for the outdoors. As luck would have it, I was cleaning out my classroom last week and found these gems! 

BUGS! I had made them years ago and Jack was all too thrilled to go on a bug hunt! Of course- everyone wears their rain boots on a bug hunt, right?

Jack ready to find the bugs

We hid the bugs through out the yard and Jack would find then, "unclip" them (or yank them off.) and put them in the bowl. No need to get too over zealous in hiding bugs for these little guys- it takes effort just to see them in the grass, on the hose, or in a bush.

To make these I used clothespins, furry balls, google eyes and hot glue. Three colorful puffs glued on each clothespin makes every one unique. Leave enough space at the end where the clothespin closes for a couple of eyes. You too could have your own exciting bug hunt.

Make sure you put on your rain boots too!

Haircut Time

This was not Jacks "first" haircut (we had take him to get two trims on the ends) but this time seemed different. I had gotten tired of looking at Jack's "mullet" as we fondly referred to it and took him to my salon, Terradea, to have it styled by Kelley. I had a whole bag of "bribes" just in case. Toys, fruit snacks, crackers, water, you name it... These were all items I thought may help in case we found ourselves in a position that was less than accommodating for a proper haircut. 

Kelley did a phenomenal job. she was wonderful (and quick!) with him. And now, Jack is showing his new, sophisticated look.

Even more handsome than before! And he did great- no bribes needed. :)

Gymnastics- "Rug Hoppers"

When we moved, I found out there was Gymnastics class  at our local YMCA for kids Jacks age. The session was already underway but due to the circumstances they were willing to prorate the class and let us join "Rug Hoppers"! A cute idea with equipment for them to jump, swing, and climb on. Plus it's great to have them time in our day set aside to be together and a place to go in our new city.8

We finished up tonight- some nights Jack was a better participant than others.

I am pretty sure you will find Jack on the Olympic podium in 2032. 

Getting big

I have moments where I suddenly realize that Jack is getting big. It may sound silly but sometimes you forget how much they have really changed. They are still your "baby"- and this is probably why MY mom and dad still tell Jack that I am THEIR baby... I have always thought this was a strange comment growing up (clearly by the age of 10 I was NOT a baby) and second only to when my mom would annually tell the story of the days leading up to my birth and then my birth (another time honored tradition I found myself doing for Jack this year and probably will continue for the next 30) 

This means one of the following: a) I finally "get it", b) my parents are not strange or c) I am strange myself. Probably all if the above. When Jack is 45, he will still be my "baby".

Well Monday several of my teacher friends from Rhinelader made the trip with their kiddos to see the new house and visit- with the tiniest visitor being Baby Sutton. She was born on June 24 so she's only 3 weeks old! We are completely smitten with her :)

In preparation for this visit I wanted to make sure that we had toys and activities that "the whole workplace could agree on". Jack made sure to test every thing out to make sure it was in working order...

Jack getting the play area situated.

And then proceeded to crawl into the baby bouncing seat. And he didn't just crawl in and then get out. He would sit, grab some toys, bring them back to the seat, sit some more, grab his snack, bring that back to the seat, sit some more, and on and on we go!

Well all these shananigans got me thinking about when he really did use the seat so Jack and i spent a part of the afternoon flipping through photos going back to his teeny tiny days. Is this really the same little guy? Still my baby...

Jack almost 20 months old.

Jack about 3 weeks old.

The Farm- Door County

One of our favorite adventures this year in Door County was The Farm. We headed there this afternoon. This was a first for all of us and what an adventure it was. It is described as a living museum of rural America. www.thefarmindoorcounty.com

Here are some of the highlights from our day...

Mom and Jack feeding the goats a bottle

More goats in the barn

We probably could have just stayed by the goats all day

Jerry the giant cow

Jack looking out into the field at The Farm

Jack greeting the sheep. "Hi seep"

Checking out the baby chicks that were hatching today

Jack has a current obsession: "ocks" (rocks). He was most confused as to why this one could not be a souvenir.

A tractor ride with dad.

There was plenty of grown up education as well with historic buildings, farming techniques, gardens, and other exhibits. I think we will be back again...

"Bye bye farm"

Door County Get Away

Pete is lucky enough to have a work retreat in Door County every summer for the Wisconsin Association for Justice. So that means Jack and I are lucky ducks too that tag along :) I visited here as a kid and have great memories. There's a great mix in Door County of traditional spots that you can go back to again and again as well as new adventures to explore!

Some of the time Jack and I are on our own. We are always looking for great spots for meals that are kid friendly! First order of business everyday: breakfast. We headed down to Fish Creek for Breakfast at The White Gull Inn. www.whitegullinn.com Perfect for both Jack and I! Pete has always wanted to try Al Johnson's as well (the spot with the goats on the roof) in Sister Bay... So we went there as a family on our way out of town.

Pete an Jack in front of Al Johnson's Restaurant- Sister Bay, WI.

One evening we went to the restaurant on the resort called Carringtons Pub.Jack was the perfect dinner date:

Jack at Carrington Pub- Egg Harbor, WI.

On Friday night (fish fry night- of course) we tried something a little more unusual. Pete found a spot on his bike ride called The Penninsula Pub. Voted the best fish fry in 2012 in Door County- and it was delightful! Located in Peninsula Center you may not ever know it existed- but it sure was good!

But of course onto the adventures! Jack is like a little fish in the pool- he spent time on the resort jumping in, chasing his frogs, and watching the other kiddos. He has no fear of the water- which I have not decided yet if it is good or bad. At least we know swimming lessons are a good investment. I wish I had a photo but if I turned away for one moment- this kid would be on the diving board or belly flopping in the pool.

One afternoon we went to The Farm. What an awesome spot for both little kids (Jack) and big kids (Pete). I posted an entire entry just on the amazingness of The Farm but here's a peek of Jack having a spectacular time.

Jack at The Farm- Door County, WI.

Finally- everyone knows that rules are made to be broken on vacation!! Someday soon I am sure Jack will ask Pete and I for more ice cream, a later bed time, one more ride on the tractor, etc. Today I am thankful that the little things seem to make him so happy.

Nothing like eating crackers right out of the box...

'Til next year DC! We can't wait to see you again!!

Chef Jack makes Blueberry Banana Bread

Those of you who knew us when we got married may remember our fabulous caterer- Chef Jack. Well- there is a new Chef Jack in my life. When closely monitored he can be quite the cook!! However, he gets four times as many dishes dirty as he is constantly shifting where things belong. Worse problems to be had when discussing a 19 month old and cooking... 

Today we were very busy and adventurous and made banana blueberry bread- this was after his dentist appointment, playing outside, and swim lesson   (How come mommy is the only one tired!?!?) Very delicious and moderately healthy!! Jack approves because there are many things to stir...

It was a success and can be enjoyed tomorrow morning or frozen for enjoyment later- I am sure Pete will not allow our bread to last too long as its a favorite of his too...

Banana Bluberry Bread

Ingredients:

1 c all purpose flour

1/2 c wheat flour

3/4 c uncooked oats OR grits

1/2 c sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

3 tbsp canola oil

1 c mashed banana

3/4 c blueberries 

2 large eggs, lightly beaten

1. Preheat your oven to 350

2. In a large bowl combine both flours, oats, sugar, salt, baking powder, and bakin soda. Make a well on the center if the mixture.

3. In a smaller bowl, combine banana, oil, blueberries, and eggs. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just moist.

4. Spoon batter into an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan coats with cooking spray. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until a wooden tooth pick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

Cool 10 minutes in pan in a wire rack then remove from the pan. Cool completely on the wire rack.

Yum! 

Mid Year Resolution

(Written July 4, 2013)

So here I am on the 4th of July in the emergency room for my dads toothache and I think it's a great time to start my blog again. Really, I have been thinking about it for a while now... But suddenly I have the perfect moment. Well, maybe not for my dad but you know what I mean...

Quite a few updates around the Young household but here's the nutshell version:

- Pete was relocated to the Wausau office of his law firm starting this past January

- I left my job in 1st grade at Pelican (Rhinelander Public School)at the end of this year

- I have a new job at GD Jones in 1st grade (Wausau Public Schools) 

- we bought a new house in Weston, WI and moved in on June 12

- we are selling our home in Rhinelander (any takers??)

A lot, I know, but all good things! 

Jack and I are taking this summer to get acclimated to our new environment. So for now, I will just leave you with a glimpse at our beginning of summer fun. But of course, many more shenanigans to come. Until then...

Taste of Home from Tennessee

Written: 7/7/13

My parents have been visiting this past week. They arrived on Tuesday and left today. I feel a bit like a kid they just dropped off at college. I was eagerly anticipating their arrival, they came, and now they left. Here we are, in our new town, on our own. It's very exciting! At the same time- you have that tiny ache where you know change is coming. That's not bad... It's just, well, change.

But before I shed too any tears, I have to remind myself of how much FUN we had this week and weekend. Jack absolutely adores his Grandma and Papa. And they were able to stay with him Friday night while Pete and I ventured to Milwaukee for Meghan and Charlie's wedding. The "getting fancy grown ups only time" was fabulous! And we spent it with Pete's family including Lizzy and Graeme- even better!

Pete and I at dinner

Liz and Graeme busting a move

With Walker and Susan at the wedding 

Pete and his Uncle Fred in matching seersucker suits- summer fun!

Jack had many adventures to the park and is particularly found of "Gracie" my parents 7 month old corgi/Australian shepherd mix.

Jack with Grandma Kris and Papa

 Jack swinging with Papa

We are already looking forward to their next visit! Grandma B also stayed with us in the guest room a few weeks ago!! 

Grandma B on her inaugural journey to The Weston site of the Youngs

With a few visits by trusted advisors I can safely say that the Young B&B is now open and accepting visitors! Any one want to make their reservation?