Grandma B's Birthday Extravanganza

The last leg of our vacation was a first for our family of 3- camping! Grandma B turned 60 on the 24th. We came up with several ideas of how to celebrate and decided to camp out in Herbster, WI. She owns a piece of and on Lake Superior. After a little bit of weed wacking by Pete, we were ready to set up shop with our tent.

Here are a collection of "tips" I have compiled for camping with small kiddos...

- it's the little things. We had many things on hand just in case, but Jack was fascinated by water, sticks, and rocks. And using strange objects to drink water!

- bring the pack n play- particularly if your kiddo sleeps in one regularly, it was familiar and made bedtime much easier!

- have your uncles present at all times to entertain little ones- they were very patient and very fun

- a weed walker is critical for a piece of land you are trying to turn into a camp site. We would have lost our kiddo in the grass.

- after kiddo is in bed, kick back and enjoy the view

New Favorite Game

This week we are on vacation in Presque Isle, WI. Jack has a new favorite game- Hide and Seek. He only has one hiding place so it's a very predictable game. We will save the strategy lesson for a different trip...

Where's Jack??

Aha!

Gets me every time.

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!

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!!