HI! I MISSED YOU!

 Oh how I hope the feeling is mutual!

A week break from blogging was necessary- especially with how busy work was and how crazy packing was for the new place! But more on all of that later. For this post I wanted to dedicate it fully to our latest vacation- "camping" with Michael's family! We do it annually, and I count down the days for it every year.

Here's a little snippet into what we do!

Food:

I'm convinced everything tastes better when cooked over an open flame. Mmm-mm.

We had veggies thrown over the fire in tinfoil, smores, and sweet and savory pudgy pies. 

Fun:

There is a lake at the campground and we used it daily. M's aunt and uncle bring their boat every year which means tubing and water skiing. I am the weakest human ever and my arms/shoulders were sore for 2 days from gripping those tubes so much. #wimpy. Here's Michael skiing like a pro:

 I didn't ski, but I do enjoy a good boat lounging session while watching the sun set...

 Crap... I take a lot of sunset pictures. Shoot.

Then of course there's the after-dark fun. Oh get your mind our of the gutter! Stop!

 Michael has 7 little second cousins that come camping too, so naturally we had a glowstick party. I can't say I didn't enjoy it too...

 I'll spare you the rest of the photos, but if you'd like to see the full camping adventure, you can find some of them here.

Do you have any summer traditions with family or friends?

I highly recommend adding glowsticks to whatever your tradition happens to be!

xo, lp

(find me on instagram here)

HOMETOWN LOVE

Sometimes, no matter what age you are, you just need to go home and recharge. 

This weekend Michael and I headed back to Minnesota to see my parents and celebrate my dad's recent retirement from work.  Other than a scary snowstorm on our drive in , it was the perfect weekend. 

This Monday I thought I'd show ya a little bit what it's like to go home for me!

I grew up on a lake, and waking up to the view of the trees & water just never gets old:

 Another perk of being home? Finding RIDICULOUS pictures of yourself as a kid. Especially ones in sailor outfits. Proof I loved nautical things before they were trendy...

 My hometown is a little strange because it's around 27,000 people and a suburb of the Twin Cities...but feels much, much smaller than that. While there are plenty of new developments and shops, there are still a handful of old, old buildings with small family owned businesses. I mean, how many places can you still find a barbershop with the spinny blue/red/white thingy out front?!? 

 Naturally we went and got brunch & malts...

After a lazy walk around town and a lazy afternoon on the couch (back off! I had a long week at work!) my lovely talented sister came over and we did a quick photoshoot out in the snow. Maybe if you're all nice I'll show you a few more of the photos...ones that actually show my face...

(photo cred: Louisa Marion Photography)

Dinner was epic. My sister and her boyfriend made us all fresh veggie tempura. Ermahgerd people. We all sat around the counter with little plates and ginger soy dipping sauce while they brought us different veggies to try. For the record, my favorites once tempura-ed in order:

sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, peppers, and green beans.

(oh and we tempura-ed string cheese. this is the midwest...it's what we do)

I have to say it was one of the best meals I've ever had. The food was delicious, but besides that it was so good to be with the ones I love, laughing uncontrollably. Really. I was in tears a few times. My family is absolutely hilarious. Especially after a few glasses of wine...! 

 My parents are both now retired and it makes my heart swell to see them so relaxed and enjoying life. They deserve it. 

After a final breakfast with the fam and some friends on Sunday Michael and I headed back to Madison. This time the sky was insanely blue, and the roads weren't snow covered (thank goodness)! I know I shared this on Instagram, but for the blog readers that haven't seen it, this is a common thing in Wisconsin. If you're from an urban setting, you just don't see tractor crossing signs too often. now do you?

There you have it. A weekend in the life of Laura at home.

No green beer, no partying in the streets, and no glamourous outfits (I spent all of Sunday in fleece snowflake pjs). 

Mom & Dad, thanks for putting up for 25 years and being the most kick ass parents ever.

(sorry for swearing mom!)

What do you love about going home?

Tell me something good about your family. Do it.

xo, lp

Find me on Instagram HERE

Find my sister's lovely pictures HERE and her latest photography endeavor HERE

the best moments

having your sweet 2 year old niece grin when she sees you and throw her arms out for a hug saying "hi auntie yaya (lala)!!"

seeing two stunning and wonderful people get married in the most tasteful and elegant way.

taking the time for an early morning photoshoot with your love.

Michael and I went back to Wisconsin for the weekend for his sister's wedding. It was much needed, and well enjoyed. Besides seeing Michael's whole family, we saw my parents, both of my sisters, and my ADORABLE niece Lydia. To sweeten the deal, I got to see lovely blogging ladies Carly & Lauren.
It made us realize how lucky we are to have such wonderful family, friends- and how much we miss the amazing Midwest! There will be more pictures to come- and I'm not even going to apologize about it....

Can we all agree my niece is the cutest thing out there? Good. 

**all photos taken by Louisa of louisa marion photography/ Rivets & Roses. when pinning/sharing/etc please give proper credit!