Klassy Kamping 2017 :: Day 4

The last day of our weekend. It's always so sad saying goodbye to our friends, and to the summer. After we packed up, we stopped at the lake to do some fishing. The boys had fun catching a ton of little fish and tossing them back. I couldn't help but remember the year H was crushed because C dropped his Spiderman fishing pole in the lake. Wasn't that just yesterday? On our way home, we stopped for gas at our favorite gas station -- the Concord General Store. We've been here a million times. Gretel's trainer is about a mile away. But one thing we have never done, is visit the Concord Petting Zoo. C and I took a peak inside and decided we needed to continue our adventure there. We bought a couple ice cream cones filled with petting zoo animal food, and made our way inside. It was so cute! There was even a pot-bellied pig and alpacas. I'm pretty sure we'll never be able get gas here again without stopping in and saying hi to the animals. With that, our weekend came to an end. Until next year.

Klassy Kamping 2017 :: Day 3

What a day! It started with the men going for a trail run while Penny brought the rest of the adults Bloody Marys while we made breakfast. I don't know why, but Bloody Marys while camping are just the best thing ever. When the boys came back, it was time for breakfast burritos -- one of our favorite meals of the entire trip. Except someone (ehm, ME!) forgot pretty much all of the key components. Like flour tortillas. And beans. And hot sauce. Oh, and salsa too. I was the one who even made the list and sent it out to everyone! Yet, I forgot every single thing. Fortunately, we were able to make due with what we had, crumpled up some tortilla chips, scooped some chili from the night before on it, and breakfast was still enjoyable. Unbelievable. I may not live this one down for awhile. That afternoon, some of the group stayed behind, while many of us went to the Iowa County Fair. Our family isn't much for the rides, so we spent most of the time visiting the animals and playing games. The fair was super cute. When we came back, we headed to the beach. The water was pretty cold, but that didn't stop a group from jumping in. We also had SUPs and donut tubes to play on (again, courtesy of Aaron -- maybe I should just start calling him Mr. Fun). That night we dined on hot dogs and cowboy beans. Other than an ER visit (unfortunately, the kids were playing in some gravel, and one got stuck in an ear. Ugh.) it was a perfect night.

Klassy Kamping 2017 :: Day 2

We took a slow start on our second day. Made breakfast, hung around the campfire -- the kids slack-lined and long-boarded thanks to Aaron -- and waited for more of our crew to show up. First came Chris & T, then Amy & S. We made PB&J sandwiches (which, let me interrupt here to say how much I absolutely love PB&J sandwiches!), then went for a hike. Last year, we somehow didn't fit one it, and I personally really missed it. We went on the Cave Trail, passing through forests and fields to get there. It was amazing! We were all pretty exhausted by the time we got back, and figured out that we logged over 7 miles! Not bad. The remaining Frigs made it in time to join us for dinner. After frito pies and gourmet smores, it was time to hit the sack. The day definitely wore us all out.

Klassy Kamping 2017 :: Day 1

We just got back from our last hurrah of summer -- our annual Klassy Kamping trip. Once again, we met up at Governor Dodge State Park for a Labor Day weekend of camping adventures. The cast of characters changed a little bit this year. Unfortunately, we lost another member of our tribe to college and the Elsmo Four weren't able to join us. An unexpected surprise was that the Frigs, who weren't going to be able to make it last minute, had a change of plans and were able to come! We also had a new family added to our group this year. Since the boys hadn't started school year, we were able to take advantage of the full weekend. There were just a few of us on Friday night. We set up camp, made dinner, and just relaxed by the fire. Which we really needed, because it was chilly outside! It sure it make for a great night of sleep, however.

Last Week in Moments

Kicking off his U14 season wearing new club colors. So weird! He's having a blast -- but I'm taking it a little hard yet. The old club just felt like home to me. I'm sure I'll get used to it. I'm just so glad he's happy and feeling good. His team played in the Battle of the Border tournament. They did ok. Plenty of room for improvement, but definitely potential. Exciting.


Celebrating his 13th birthday with family and ice cream cake.


The birthday boy and our lovely niece.


This guy ... trying to be a weirdo or my picture, but still awesome.


Me and my girl.


So, this guy turned 13! Cannot even believe it. Two teenagers in the house. So sad how fast they are growing up, but I love these years. Just taking it all in while I've got them.


First stop, pedicures for all, per the request of the birthday boy. They all loved it!


Second stop, coffee. This is a smores mocha.


Next, lobster lunch.


Laster in the day, H had a soccer game, and C had training. We finally were back together to enjoy a late dinner (hard-shelled tacos) and dessert we picked up at the market. C said this was his best birthday yet.


A birthday poem by H.....

For C,
I remember that day
you came out of your nest.
(not really)
And I really wanted you to be the best.
But now that you're 13,
I have realized
You are a mess.

Happy Birthday.

Ummm....


Taking advantage of the last few days of summer break.