Howe Two: Crossing the Border

A few times a summer we like to "cross the border" over into Wisconsin for some of our favorite family stuff. Nelson is just under an hour from us, and we have to hit the creamery first for some fresh cheese curds (aka "squeaky cheese"), and sometimes lunch or ice cream. Last summer we started driving towards Alma along the river and discovered Buena Vista Park, which has some pretty sweet views as the name implies. There's also a fun little winery higher on the bluffs. Today we stopped at Buena Vista so Matt could try flying his quadcopter while the girls and I got eaten alive my mosquitoes and pestered by gnats, despite bug bands. We did get a pretty good family shot, though, thanks to another family enjoying the views at the same time.

Everyone smiling and looking at the camera. Winning.

Then we headed a bit farther into the country to someplace I've wanted to go for years--The Stone Barn. The Stone Barn is like an idyllic piece of Midwestern America. This place is in the middle of nowhere (let it be known that Matt was doubting my navigating skills, and I did not fail), yet suddenly you arrive to a lawn full of cars and a beautiful stone barn turning out some seriously good smells. Order your wood-fired artisan pizza, grab a New Glarus beer, and sit outside while you watch your kids run around and throw a football, hula hoop, or play Baggo. People are free to bring their own lawn games.

Moon Man in hand, I sat watching this from our table.

And this

The pizza was, however, outdone by the ice cream...at least in Adrienne's eyes.

Rainbow Colored Superman Ice Cream. They won my heart by having my hard-to-find Coconut Almond Chocolate Bliss.

So, from here on out, if you visit us in the summer on a weekend don't be surprised if we haul you to the Stone Barn.

We hit one last stop before crossing back over into MN. Had to purchase some "real" fireworks. When you are from Missouri (fireworks stand capitol of the universe), you are pretty disappointed by what is allowed in MN. But--if you live in the country as we do, no one seems to mind if you smuggle in the good stuff.