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?

Happy Birthday Jack!

First, let me apologize for the long absence. More to come on the ear infection and tubes saga this fall. But for low, onto more happy times :)

This was our little guy 1 year ago today. Even though he was not officially 1 util today, Pete and I have been talking about "last year" for about a month now. Things we remember...

- when it was finally November
- the weather leading up to the due date
- thinking my water broke... Twice.
- my due date arriving, but Jack did by.
- the induction date being set
- Pete shattering an entire glass of milk induction morning
- every minute of November 21 until 10:50pm when he was finally here.

It's been an amazing journey so far. Cheers to what year 2 will bring :)