Munstream.adventures: 4th of July at Merrick State Park in Wisconsin

Our Munstream adventure brought us to Merrick State Park in Wisconsin, the scenery and the park were lovely, but the flooding was unavoidable, in fact, over half of the State Park was closed because the roads were flooded. To make matters more interesting, it rained most of the time we were there. We did our best to get out and explore during breaks in the rain. We drove into LaCrosse and went on a river tour and saw what we could beyond the flooded riverbanks. We enjoyed the scenery and snacks and just as the tour finished up, we were caught in a downpour. We raced to the nearest restaurant and warmed up with a snack and beverage. We did a bit more looking around but kept getting stuck in the rain, so we called it and headed back to the campsite, with a quick stop for pizza and ice cream at David's (a highlight).

The following day was sunny!! We made the most of it and found a beach. We swam and picnicked and made it back to have a campfire dinner and felt like were finally getting back into a groove and then the rain came again, forcing us to pack up the following morning. Total bummer, but we did detour to Okoboji to get in some Arnold's Park fun, so everyone was happy. We were happy to be home in our dry house and to get an extra day of unpacking ahead of our upcoming Europe vacation. 

Truck stop photo op. 

River Ratz Saloon, where all of the 's'es are 'z'es
and the conversations are interesting, to say the least ;).

Inside River Ratz (notice the menuz). 

The River Cruise boarding zone detour. 

Our River Ratz at The Charmant Hotel.

Racing to Big Al's Pizza Shop for 
a t-shirt for my bro. 

The rain stopped long enough for a stop at 
David's Creamery. 

A beach day in Winona, MN (across the river 
from the State Park we were staying at.) 

My grandmother's grave in Minnesota City, MN. 

Our fake 4th of July photo (it was the 3rd). 

Sweet G. 

Feeling very American. 

Our set up. 

Dave and Piper taking out the trash. ;)

Crater Lake NP

Dave and I have been trying to sneak in a summer get away while the kids are at camp during the summer, this was our second year and it has been a great little recharge with the kids home full time. 

Dave secured us a room at Crater Lake Lodge in Crater Lake National Park. We arrived about one week before the park technically opened, but we had lots to do and minimal crowds. We hiked, walked, talked, read, ate, drank, played and played Scrabble. I joke that it was an administrative vacation, meaning it gave us a chance to connect, but also to work on an endless to-do list of a busy life with little kids and Dave's busy schedule. It's amazing how much we can accomplish when we eliminate our Google Calendar commitments. 

The park was beautiful, it surrounded the caldera with the deepest blue water, it was calm and quiet and so darn peaceful. Good choice, Dave! 

Waterfall hike/picnic. 

Bit of snow on the trails. 

Favorite happy hour spot. 

Rim hike. 

"administrative meeting"

Beautiful Oregon highway. 

Not a bad set up. 

Scrabble. 

Summer fun, (a flood!!), and Cookies!

Summer is off to a speedy start with fun for everyone all of the time. Im doing it to myself, really. My summer memories were of nonstop adventures, so I'm trying to do the same for my kids. Between camps and commitments, we have a full and fun schedule. When I was tucking Sully in last week, I was telling him was was on the agenda for the following day and he rolled over and said quietly, "summer is awesome" and then went to bed. 

Piper had her second go around with DAPA as she stared as a baker and a gingersnap in Cookies, the Musical. It was a two week camp and she loved every single minute. I double booked camps for her in order to make it work and what initially felt like an overwhelming driving week, panned out as we had a major flood which completely derailed Leif Ericson. Climate change is real and its freaky...I digress. Piper stole the show (in our eyes) and because of the flood, both Sully and Greta were able to surprise Piper with their attendance. She smiled from ear to ear the moment she saw all of us. 

New patio furniture makes our deck a fave spot again. 

Sully and Henry, a golf outing. 

Mardigon Lillies bloom.

Thunder Road chaos. 

The boys. 

Piper gets a new bike. 

Leif Ericson bus pickup. 

Adorable

Piper's biggest fans. 

The spiciest ginger snap.

Piper's cheering section. 

The flood of '24 at Falls Park. 

A summer of sleepovers.

Dinner downtown, Greta's selfie skills. :)

Father's Day Weekend

We had a great Father's Day Weekend from start to finish. 

Dave and I had a staycation on Friday evening so the kids could have a sleepover with Ellie, one of their favorite people. We caught on conversations (iykyk- life is hectic!) and enjoyed a perfect evening al fresco for dinner and drinks and a long walk, Saturday consisted of a sleep in and breakfast at MB Haskett's, a favorite spot. On Father's Day we golfed and had brunch and then went to my parents' for a low key pizza party for dinner. All in all, it was time well spent. 

Date night.

Father's Day golf fun.

Best life. 

Their dad and my dad, the best duo. 

So thankful for my dad. 

Welcome Wesley!

We welcomed another first-cousin-once-removed and couldn't love him more. Sarah and Troy welcomed Wesley Jude on 6/12/24, he is sweet, content, and the perfect addition to the Klongerbo family. We were lucky enough to meet him when they returned home. We loved our time with their family and couldn't be happier for them all. 

So much joy.

Our three with Calvin and Wesley.

The Catalpa tree blooms!

I try to capture the short window of fresh white blooms on our Catalpa tree each year with the kids. This year's blooms came a bit early because we have had SO much rain. I wish I could capture its sweet smell. We are so thankful for this awesome tree. 

Level Up games.

One part of my New Year's resolution was committing to be a healthier version of me, physically and mentally. So when my gym coordinated a friendly competition, I wanted to try. It was challenging and fun! My friend Ann was my partner and we finished dead last! Ha! We did screw up and doubled all of the exercises which explains the results. We had fun and had a great Saturday morning work out...hopefully our standings improve next year ;).

Ann and I. 

Some of my 8:30 bootcamp squad.
Me, Ann, Ronna, and Mallory