On the eve of laying Nana and Papa Florence to rest, we took their ashes to Happy Acres so we could have one last camping experience together. It wasn’t a happy occasion, but as family gathered around us, I started to wonder a little bit less about what becomes of the broken hearted…

My first session of golf lessons came to a close on July 12th.

To celebrate, we kidnapped Colin for the day and night (with his parent’s permission) and embarked on a FULL day of fun.

First stop: Introducing Colin to Noodles & Company for lunch!

Next stop: Springbrook Park on the south side of La Crosse for zip-lining and splash padding!

Third stop: Sparta’s Aquatic Center, where we rode 2-person inflatable tubes down the water slide, and competed against others for the fastest time.

Fourth stop: Another park!

Fifth stop: Sparta Cinema 6 to watch The Boss Baby: Family Business

Sixth stop: Taco Bell… because tacos.

Last stop: My pillows!

I wish we could wander Winona with the Docan-Morgans every day! Even though I took a hard fall off my bike and bruised more than my ego, I would do it all over again just to make memories with them.

After pedaling around the lake, we walked to Lakeview Drive In to cool off with root beer floats and ice cream cones. Then, we worked up more sweat at the playground before finding a nearby basketball court to shoot some hoops. To bring a fun-filled day to an end, we followed our appetites to El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina for refreshing margaritas, delicious guacamole and flaming queso appetizers, and abundant Mexican entrees, where we cheered on the Milwaukee Bucks during game 3 of the NBA Finals.

And that’s how you make the most of a warm, summer’s day… Great friends, great food, great times!

Oh hey, Hayward… we came back for your ice cream, boat rides, swimming, sunsets, and 4th of July fireworks.

Thank you for never disappointing. You can keep your mosquitos though.

I love it when Aunt Bethy comes up with fun ideas, like a summer slumber party at her place! Ummm… yes please!

So, after my early morning golf lessons on June 21st, we all headed to Rosie’s Cafe for a delicious breakfast and then played our hearts out at the Trane All Abilities park. Once the afternoon rolled around, Beth and I had work to do at the bookstore, so Mom and Genesee went to another park with Noah, Matt, and Carrie. Finally, we gathered back together and topped off the night with some Rocky Rococo’s pizza, enjoyed among friends, around the fire. I provided the entertainment, of course, by encouraging everyone to partake in my bottle-flipping challenge. No one could match my skills, but they gave it a good effort.

We woke up the next morning to a cute little tea party and homemade breakfast and then jumped on our bikes to patronize Ranison’s Ice Cream & Candy Store before we had to pack up and head home.

It. Was. The. Best.

Thanks for the hospitality, Beth! We should probably make this slumber party an annual event, right?

It’s not actually summer until we set up camp in Hayward, and it’s probably not truly Father’s day unless we’re out on the water, fishing.

Happy Father’s Day to my favorite fisherman!

This summer I decided to try out my golf clubs and model my polo shirts by enrolling in lessons with Coach Jim at Cedar Creek Golf Course. I was a little nervous on my first day, but my stomach settled down once I realized the coach was nice. Plus, after getting out on the driving range a couple of times this summer (thanks Grandma & Grandpa!), I really loved experiencing a real golf course and making some fellow junior pro friends. But, my favorite part of it all was when we would take a break at the clubhouse for a beverage and being Mom’s lunch date after lessons concluded. So, if free Cokes and Olive Garden entrees are all that stand in my way of becoming a golf pro, look out Tiger Woods!

We did the thing called Spring, and it looked a little like this:

Somebody was not particularly happy about her last day of pre-pre-school. Our family has invested a lot of time (and money) into childcare at Children’s Treehouse over the years and has been incredibly grateful for their services, but since Genesee will start 4k in the fall, my parents decided that my sister deserved a summer vacation, too. But when Genesee learned that she won’t get to see her BFFs Arlo and Chloe on a daily basis, she was less than impressed.

Still, the photoshoot must go on…

All good things must come to an end. Like high school. And having Ashlee babysit us every summer.

I’m not crying; you’re crying.

Despite the tears, I’m proud of you, Ash! We’re all excited to watch you spread your wings and fly (like an eagle)!