Field Trip to Wildwood Zoo

Our first field trip with the Vadis girls was to the Wildwood Zoo in Minocqua.  We went earlier in the summer with Grandma Patti, but thought it would still be a fun outing, especially in the fall when the temperatures were cooler and it was even less crowded.  There were two new baby giraffes to see since we were there last and they were absolutely adorable!!  Another new addition was the snow leopards, which Livi was really excited about.  Simon and Nolan were over the moon about the turtles, especially the giant tortoise in the petting zoo, as well as the super soft baby bunnies in the petting zoo.  All of the kids really enjoyed snuggling them.  With extra supervision along, the kids were able to play at the playground and dig in the sand in the dinosaur excavation area.  It was so nice to have extra adults/big kids to help keep track of Simon.  This was probably the most relaxing outing I've been on with him because I didn't have to keep track of everyone all by myself!  We finished up our day with a picnic and then ice cream at Kilwin's in downtown Minocqua.  

It was such a fun day spent with friends.  This partnership we have between our families is such a blessing and I look forward to our many adventures this school year!

Holmboe Nature Preserve

 

One of the blessings of covid has been lots of family time outdoors and an even deeper appreciation of nature all around us.  Today we explored a little slice of heaven called the Holmboe Nature Preserve.  It is one of the most beautiful trails I've ever been on.  It looks like it's straight out of a fairy tale, with brilliant green mosses, golden mushrooms, the winding river, and little wooden bridges over the wetlands.  It is so magical and hard to believe it's right in town!  The kids loved it and I love that they are growing up with an appreciation of the beautiful natural world all around us!

Outdoor Movie Night

 I have been wanting to do an outdoor movie for the last several years, but it never seemed to work out.  Either the days were too long, the bugs were too bad, or the weather was too cold if we waited for the fall.  But, finally we made it happen!  We put Simon to bed, popped some popcorn, grabbed our movie candy, and snuggled up under the stars to watch "Vivo" on the big screen of our garage door.  It was super fun and cozy.  The movie was so cute and we all had so much fun.  Now that we've done the first one, perhaps it will be easier to make it a more regular thing.  I can't wait!

Spa Day

 Sometimes we need a little recharge and one of Livi's favorite ways to spend a weekend is with a spa day with Mom.  We sit in the hot tub with fancy drinks and cucumbers on our eyes, do manicures and pedicures, and listen to spa music.  It is very relaxing and I love the special time I get to spend with my special girl.

Back to School Cabin Sleepover

 

The Back to School party at my Grandma D's house was always a big deal growing up.  All the cousins gathered for one last hurrah sleepover the week before school started.  Since my kids have been school age, we have also done a Back to School party - though ours looks a little different than the ones I grew up with.  This year we decided to take the kids to the cabin for an overnight weekend.  It was such a wonderful time.  It was the first time I've been "on vacation" with the kids where I actually had enough downtime to read a few chapters of a book and enjoy of glass of wine.  The kids were relaxed and it was beautiful in the woods.  We went for drives on the four wheelers and discovered some fascinating plants and animals.  We ate delicious food, including a very special Back to School ice cream cake.  They spent hours playing outside, creating their own games. Grandma and Grandpa joined us for dinner one of the nights and we just had an all around good time.  This weekend at the cabin was the exactly the quiet refresh we needed before we kick off our school year.  So grateful for the memories made with them!