Munstream.Adventures: Ashville Overnight

We had an unexpected early departure from Leech Lake, which worked in our favor as we were anticipating a 9 hour travel day. We were excited with the opportunity to knock off a couple of hours a day early. The only hang up was not having a space to stay, when the idea of a Walmart parking lot dawned on us. Funny, definitely, but I thought it would be fun to take this camping opportunity, so we found a Walmart in Ashville, WI and made our way. We traveled for 3 hours before finding our ‘campsite.’ We jumped out, took the bikes off and rode into town for pizza and a sunset cruise, it was really fun. We made it back to Walmart with time to grab some groceries and supplies, had a movie night and a food challenge in the camper and early to bed. Dave was nervous about draining the batteries, I was nervous about the police showing up and asking us to leave, but neither happened an it was a pretty slick deal. We didn’t even have to unhitch! We woke up at 8am the next day, used the clean bathrooms at Walmart and hit the road. 

The campsite. 

Pizza Pub 

Sunset cruise. 

Leech Lake with most of the Connelly fam.

Our annual Connelly family vacation looked a bit different this year. We changed locations to Leech Lake and had about half as many people. Between life and jobs, it proved to be too complicated to get 100% attendance. While we missed the ones who couldn't make it, those of us that where there had a great time. The weather was nearly perfect, a rainstorm here and there, but warm and calm. We played by the beach, had a couple of boat days, prepared meals in and ate out, fished, shopped, crafted, and mostly were happy to just spend time together. 

We hauled the Airstream up as this was the first leg of a two week trip, we were happy to start it off so successfully. 

Thanks mom and dad for providing the fun...off to the next adventure! 

Greta woke up with me for an early morning
stroll before we took off...she was so excited. 

We've arrived! 

Bear Island

Boat Crew. 

Pip, Mag, Anna

My dad and Dave, I love this photo. 

Pip in front of Pipe Island.

Crafting fun?

Candy stops all day long. 

Mike and my dad, old high school buddies 
and the reason we choose Leech. 

G

The kids and I. 

The crew.

Grandkids and parents. 

My mom and Dave working through something. 

Potato printers. 

So much fun! 

Welcome baby Cal!

Baby Calvin is finally here! Sarah and Troy welcomed Calvin James Klongerbo on 7/27/22, 8 days late. Sarah and Troy were made to be parents, they are tender, sweet, and smitten with sweet baby Cal. 

We brought the kids up to meet Cal the day after he was born and they were so excited to meet and hold their 'new baby cousin, once removed." We cannot wait to watch that sweet little boy grow and to be a part of his life. 

The crew meets Cal. 

Group selfie. 

Dave and his newest great nephew. 

Piper's excitement. 

Cal and I, sweet newborn snuggles. 

The lily's bloom on my mom's birthday.

It's no coincidence that my gardens's showstoppers, the lead in the play, would bloom on my mom's 72 birthday. My lilys are tall, fragrant, strong, and incredibly lovely, all characteristics my mom shares. It was memorable to celebrate them both on the same day. 

Happy Birthday, mom, I love you. 

The kids with my lilys. 

Piper and Lor. 
I love his expression in this photo.

Mama and her girls. 

Guess who's back!?

From the moment Lor left, the kids anticipated his return, 6 weeks felt like an eternity. Once you throw in a couple of camps and trips, the next thing you know, he is walking onto your back patio, and that's exactly what happened. The kids were elated when he was here in the flesh. Greta and Piper squealed and when Sully came outside, he was so take aback, he could not contain his tears of joy. He is such a tender heart. We are all so happy to have Lor back for a couple of weeks before he begins his next adventure in Missouri. 

The reunion.

Greta, so excited to give him the bracelet
she made for him, 

This photo melts my heart. 

Back in the blink of an eye. 

Group hug masters. 

More pool fun with Lor, although he isn't pictured. :)

Munstream.Advenures: Mahoney State Park with the College Crew

We had the BEST week in Nebraska with 3 of my college friends and their families. It was loads of work, we knew it would be. We spent 5 nights in Mahoney State Park as Dave and I knew the lay of the land and were excited about the abundance of family friendly activities within a short drive of the park. 

Leanne and Joe rented a camper next to ours while Becky and Stacy stayed in a State Park cabin about a mile up the road. Our kids woke each morning and immediately found the Gehlens and the fun began. Shortly after, we were connected with the cabin crew. We swam, hiked, biked, picnicked, found a waterfall to play in at Platte River State Park, found the floating playground (two times) in Louisville State Rec Area, had campfires, s'mores, moonlit movies, and above all, spent some much overdue time with each other while the kids developed sweet relationships with one another, above all, this was the highlight for me. 

Hey! Let's meet in the middle-ish! What a life. xoxoxoxo

It was worth all of the hard work, but I think it's safe to say, the next gathering will be a mom's only get together. ;) And hopefully it will work for those who couldn't swing NE, fingers crossed. 

Movies under the stars. 

Campfire hang for the kids.

Pancakes for breakfast. 

The dads. 

The trash pandas, constantly having their way with us.

Louisville State Rec Area, constantly counting 11 heads. ;)

Dutch oven birthday cake, it was a success! 

Platte River State Park hike. 

I caught them on their own for one minute.

Greta made me a handful of jewelry. 

Trash pandas strike again. 

The gals. 

Aperol Spritz me, please. 

Gorgeous sunset. 

All 16.