"It always rains on tents." -Dave Berry

On the Merrimac Ferry

This past weekend, Andy and I celebrated acknowledged the anniversary of our engagement at Devil's Lake State Park.  (Andy says we only get to "celebrate" one anniversary so I wedding!)  We do this trip every year and it has become a tradition for us. The trip started when a friend of mine  decided to do the Devil's Triathlon.  The second year that Andy came along, he popped the question.  The two of us had gone hiking on the bluffs around the lake.  It was a beautiful, sunny day in September and I was completely caught by surprised. I remember every moment and love that he turned an ordinary day into an unforgettable memory. 

This year, we camped with old friends and a couple new friends.  It was nice to get some distance from our busy lives and be able to relax.  We even made the food simple so that it did not take away from enjoying the weekend.  Friday night we did a chili dump, which was perfect for the cool, crisp evening we had.  Saturday morning Andy and I had Campurritos which I prepped at home so all we had to do was warm them over the fire.  They were so easy and delicious.  Lunch consisted on items made in pudgy pie irons and included anything from Rubens to pizza to grilled cheese, delicious!

Our big meal was on Saturday night, which was our first attempt at a fish boil.  (I use the term "our" loosely since I just provided the rye bread)The guys decided to do a burn off instead of skimming the gunk off the top.  This involves pouring kerosene on the fire and allowing the gunk to boil over into the fire.  The flames shot up MUCH higher than I had anticipated!  I wish I had a picture or video but it turns out that I am iPhone impaired and I only managed to get before and after the flames. :(. We had never had a fish boil and it was delicious!  Even Andy liked it and he is a tough critic when it comes to eating boiled foods.

This year we visited Parfrey's Glenn instead of hiking the bluffs.  It was a very different hike from the bluffs and we were lucky that the water level was low so we could make it all the way to the small waterfall.  There is something about being surrounded by such amazing beauty and incredible natural formations that really makes you stand in awe of what God has created.  It was a great reminder to slow down and remember that God is capable of amazing things.  He has the control and we just need the trust.

Late Saturday evening it started raining and continued through the night.   We woke up to a giant mud/water puddle covering most of our campsite and two of our friends sleeping in their car because water had pooled in their tent.  We decided it was best to just pack up and grab breakfast on the way home.  We ended up eating at the Broadway Diner in Baraboo.  If you are ever out that way, I would highly recommend it!  The food was amazing and reasonably priced!  

Broadway Joe at The Broadway Diner

All in all, it was just what we needed and I was home, showered, and in my warm pjs in time to watch the second half of the Packer game.  

A Few Back to School Ramblings

Wow! It has been 3 weeks since school started and it has been a whirlwind! I am loving my class, my coworkers, and the fact that it is starting to feel like fall.  Though to be honest, school has definitely been sucking up the majority of my free time.  Luckily, I get to take a relaxing break this weekend and spend some time with my hubby and some friends.  Needless to say, I CAN 'T WAIT!!

A few  things I have realized over the past couple of weeks:

1) I don't mind getting up early again, but it is an adjustment after the last 2 months.  Especially because I have such a tough time getting up.  It's not that I am not a morning person, it's that I am a don't-want-to-get-out-of-bed person. Once I am up I'm fine.  It's getting up that's the problem.  It is always a little bit of a shock to my system to have to get up each morning and go to work. I know, I know, that is what most non-teachers do all the time so I shouldn't be complaining :) 

2) I might be ready for back to school clothes and shoes, but my feet are not!  After being barefoot or in flip flops for the past 2 months, my feet are not loving my high heels.  They are taking longer to adjust then I am!  Luckily, no one seems to notice my change to sandals mid-way through the day.  

3) Eating well and eating clean is A LOT tougher when you have less time.  It is a struggle to avoid convince food when you have worked all day and still have errands to run and a home to clean.  The extra time it takes to plan and read labels seems to be an eternity when you spend all day answering the repeated questioning of 7 year olds.  

Overall, it has been great and I am excited for the year ahead.  I am always worn out the first couple of weeks and I know I will get in the groove (and my feet will get used to my work shoes)!  

August Stitch Fix

It's been two weeks since my August Stitch Fix, but we haven't had internet at home for a couple weeks (it was terribly inconvenient).  Since I only had my iPhone, I decided this post, and all other posts, could wait until we were back up and running.  So here is what I got in my August fix.  (Photos are courtesy of my fabulous husband).

Here is the first item:

Item #1 Jaclynn 3/4 Sleeve Button Up Cardigan  

I loved the color and style, but it was just a little too snug.  As you can see, it pulled at the buttons and I can't keep something that is ill fitting.  I was sad to send it back, especially since it was the least expensive item in the box at $38.00.

Item #2 Milan lace Print Back Pleat Top 
When I pulled this item out of the box, I wasn't even sure I was going to try it on.  However, part of doing this is to try items I wouldn't normally pick out myself.  I was surprised I liked it.  In the end, I kept it ($48).
 

Item #3 Kelie Mixed Material Button-Up Blouse
I liked the color of this blouse but was not a fan of the style or fabric.  It was longer in the back then the front, and it was $68, which I felt was high priced for what it was.  This went back.  

Item #4 Madeon Geo-Print Front Pleate Blouse
I loved this shirt.  It was by far my favorite thing in the box.  However, it was too tight in my upper arms, which is a problem I have often.  It was a little pricey at $68, but I loved the fabric, design, and style.  I was so sad to send this back. 

Item #5 Gold Chain Wrapped Layer Bracelet
This was a fun bracelet.  But I don't wear gold.  And I wouldn't pay $48 for it.


So here is what my total bill looked like:

In the end, I kept the lace print top for $48.  My amazing friend Jen signed up for Stitch Fix which gave me a $25 credit, so the shirt was only $23.  (Thanks Jen!)  I get my next fix in a couple weeks and can't wait to see what I get next. 

If you want to try Stitch Fix, (and I highly recommend you do) please click on the link below:

Stitch Fix