Brooke Takes the Kids to the Fox Valley

While Scott was in Florida I drove to my parents to get my babies.

Theo: Mama I have a surprise for you in my bed.

Awwww...

I think this is going to be the last time he sleeps in the crib.

Viola or baby Chelsea?

Every summer trip to my parents house means a day at Bay Beach. We picked up some sandwiches to eat at the park.

Jello. I was stuck in the Florida heat and they were going to Bay Beach? Unfair.

Even though some of the rides require more tickets now, it's still the cheapest amusement park in the US.

I'm glad my parents were along to take my kids on the Ferris Wheel.

The slide attendant was explaining the rules while Theo just headed down anyway.

"Mama, take a picture with me and put your hand on my heart."

Mr. Afraid of Heights decided he wanted to try the big swings. The first ride he screamed the whole time and still wanted to go again.

Glad we bought our sticker when we did.

These cool kids got some new shirts.

The next morning I met up with my Little Chute friend Amanda for breakfast at Sap Brunch. My potatoes were so good.

I love that even though we don't see each as often it's as if time hasn't passed.

The kids were jealous that I went out for breakfast without them. So I made them walk to Seth's Coffee.

Theo asked for a bagel of course. When the server brought it out he says, "What?! That's tiny, I got scammed!"

I love that this place is still in business and busy.

My mom got an Instant Pot for Christmas. I had always wanted to try making a bundt cake in the Instant Pot. Turns out it works great.

My mom wanted to take Theo to the playground. She even went on the swings with him.

The kids hung out in the backyard all day. They could do this at home, but they don't. "There's not a deck."

Ugh...

Brittany has a membership to a trampoline park. Apparently on Saturday nights they have a glow night.

That's their cousin in the mask. FYI.

Usually we get all the wildfire smoke. I guess it followed us here.

Picking up the kids timed out perfectly with Viola's 1st Birthday Party. Chelsea held the party at a landscape nursery.

There was also a playground for the kids.

Happy Birthday Viola!

Comments

Backcountry Camping with Kids in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Day 1 Back in May I stumbled upon Theodore Roosevelt National Park. I had no idea there was a National Park in North Dakota and that it was the northern end of the Badlands. Usually our summer vacations coincide with Scott's work trips. Since he didn't have any this summer I thought we should take advantage of actually taking a vacation. What, my workcations are always classics? I suppose a second real vacation this year wouldn't hurt. We definitely have more time than normal. As long as we took Covid-19 precautions and avoided people. We finally settled on a time to go. Blake joined us so we borrowed our dad's van so we could ride together. Scott had just driven from Michigan the day before. Blake had met my parents in Wisconsin to get the van and then drove from Duluth to pick us up. I offered to drive since I literally only drive twice a month. I was still pretty tired from a long drive home. Since we were near Fergus Falls we had to stop by the abandoned state ho...

With Spring Comes Biking

Whenever daylight savings changes I flip the mattress. (I know I'm a little late) Every new season I change the duvet cover. Scott actually helps me this time. Yup, I'm cool like that. I was a little worried we had too much dough so we got out every pan that could be used for muffins. I was wrong, we only needed two pans. By the time we actually eat "breakfast," at least that's what Brooke calls it, Peanut has already finished most of his Organmix. I know, we spoil the little runt. Speaking of Brooke's fascination with breakfast, she will not eat anything that resembles lunch for her first meal of the day. So, even on the laziest Sunday, breakfast comes before lunch. As you can see Brooklyn really loved her muffin-fast -- even if it was already 1 p.m. While I finish up some dishes Brooke cleans the kitchen. Did you know that Brooke is a cleaning expert (really, she'll clean your house or cook for you. H...

Freaster Sunday

We decided to stay home for Easter this year. We've missed the past few years and seem to be okay with it. We still celebrate in our own way. For breakfast I made oat bran. This time I sweetened it with a little agave. Scott seems to think I only like my oats bland, but that's not true. I make truly interesting oats. Agave, my friends, does not make oatmeal tasty. If you're looking for a quick, but complex variation try this recipe the next time you have a few extra minutes -- unless you like bland-meal. Steel-cut Oats w/ Apple Chips, Raisins and Cinnamon 1 C Water 2/3 C Steel Cut Oats Handful of Apple Chips 1/4 C Raisins 2 T Brown Sugar 1 t Cinnamon Pinch of Salt Cook the first two ingredients for a few minutes over medium heat. When water starts to simmer lower heat and add dried fruit. Cook until tender. While still on heat add a teaspoon of cinnamon, two tablespoons brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Eat. Scott looked for his Easter ba...

Search This Blog