A whirlwind summer

We embarked on a summer of travel in 2023. I like to call it the best summer of our boys' lives...but I know there will be more. The travel and adventure bug has bit them. And I (mom) have rediscovered my love for the outdoors. Once upon a time, in a time far far away, I lived and worked for the fisheries department of Yellowstone National Park. What an exciting time in my life. Now, I love to get out there and show my boys all the beautiful things our country has to offer.

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Our first stop was a quick overnight in Nebraska, but we ended up at a wonderful little campground right on the river! It felt like home looking accross the river at South Dakota. Then it was off to Maquoketa Caves State Park in Iowa. Who knew there were caves in IOWA?!?

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Next, we stopped at some amazing sites in Illinois before landing in Elkhart, IN where we would spend the bulk of our summer. We met some amazing people there, some were even from back home. And my parents were even able to come spend 4th of July with us. I am thankful for every minute we spent there.

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We decided to head home though the UP of Michigan. We saw dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan and Jamie was able to check off his bucket list driving over the Mackinac Bridge. If I could describe the UP to anyone who has never been there, it is like upper MN on steroids. the most trees I have ever seen, and we were able to stay in some really amazing campgrounds (and a few Wal-mart parking lots).

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We made it home in time to celebrate birthdays with our family and a trip to Medora before the boys had to go back to school. Even though I refer to it as a trip of a lifetime, I know there will be more. Our camper is like our 2nd home. It is defintly my happy place, and I cannot wait to get back to it.

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