Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore About a week ago, my long-time friend Kate and I strapped on our daypacks and ventured to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to explore Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls. We’d spent little time mapping out where exactly our hiking boots would take us. We simply showed up at the…
Milk and Cookies After School Party
If you Give a Kid a Cookie…. The first day of school is filled with new experiences; a new classroom, a new teacher, new expectations and new routines. One of the new routines for our boys this year is riding the bus home. To celebrate this transition into more responsibility, I wanted to greet them…
Skol Vikings Party
Our house gets pretty excited for the start of the Viking’s football season. While the boys of the house focus on quarterback ratings and starting line-ups, I see the kick-off of the NFL season as a chance to get crafty. Break out the hot glue gun and scrapbook paper, this post explains how I put…
What to do in the Windy City; Chicago with Kids
Chicago is a city that doesn’t disappoint. Museums, sporting events, parks, theater and nightlife all make Chicago appealing. It’s the third largest city in the United States, yet it’s easy to navigate and most sights and attractions can be covered in three to four full days. With a seven and almost five-year-old in tow, our…
Back to School Treat
The first day of school is exciting, nerve-racking and exhausting. I can’t image how my kids must feel. The stress of new teachers, routines and expectations is hard. Each year I’ve put together a little back to school treat to help remind them they are special and this school year will be the best one…
Iceland/Germany/Czech Republic
Hill topped medieval castles, juicy currywurst, and frothy bier halls. All images I presented to my husband as I was trying to convince him to book a trip to Iceland, Germany and the Czech Republic to celebrate our tenth anniversary. Germany and more specifically, attending Oktoberfest, was on his life list but when I pitched…
Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse State Parks
My husband grew up spending almost every weekend of his summer vacation camping or at the lake. I did not. Part of loving him has meant learning to love the things he is passionate about. As parents, we also think it’s important to share our passions with our kids and give them as many experiences…
Pirate Birthday Party
Birthdays are a big deal. Especially when you’re turning five and especially at our house. To celebrate turning a “whole hand” my son requested a pirate birthday party. Bring on the pirate hats, eye patches, treasure chests and a bounty of other pirate booty. Here’s how the party came together: Walk the Plank! On our…
George Crosby Manitou State Park
August 2019 One pack. Just one pack crammed with all you need to survive in the wilderness for a couple of nights. It’s liberating and empowering if you’re willing to tolerate the latrine situation. About two hours north of Duluth, MN on the North Shore sits a secluded and less visited state park called George…
Grinch Party
December 2017 Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas movie is a favorite at our house. This holiday season we decided to take in a theater production of the Christmas classic. The show was put on by the Minneapolis Children’s Theater, a nice introduction to live performances for our young boys. If you’re me, a…