Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Thoughts

When George Washington issued the first presidential Thanksgiving Proclamation, he said: "It is the duty of all the nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefit, and humbly to implore His protection."

Happy Thanksgiving
Enjoy this special time to gather with family and friends, share a delicious meal, watch parades and football.

As you share the holiday with those around you this year, take a few moments to focus on God and all the blessings we have.

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

Thanksgiving Blessing Mix

This is a fun mix to give to family, friends or children in your class at Thanksgiving. 

This year we are giving it to our Sunday School class.

What do you need?

Bugles

Small Pretzels

Candy Corn

Dried Fruit or Raisins

Peanuts

Sunflower Seeds

M&M's

Hershey's Kisses

In a large bowl gently mix all ingredients, except Hershey's Kisses.

Place 1/2 a cup or more in a treat or snack bag. Add one Hershey's Kiss to each bag. 

Attach the following explanation:

Bugles: shaped like a Cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, a symbol of our nation's abundance.

Pretzels: arms folded in prayer, a freedom sought by our nation's founders

Candy Corn: the sacrifices of the Pilgrims' first winter. Food was so scarce that settlers survived on just a few kernels of corn.

Nuts & Seeds: promise of a future harvest, one that will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence.

Dried Fruit: harvest gifts from our bountiful land.

M&M's: sweet memories of those who died for our freedoms and promise of a blessed future.

Hershey's Kisses: the love of family and friends that sweetens our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving

On the Road Friday - Red's Big Bear Lodge - Connors Lake - Lake of the Pines

During the month of June, we took the boys to Red's Big Bear Lodge. My husband grew up helping his parents. They owned Big Bear Lodge, fine dinning, canoe and cabin rentals.
I worked part time  at the Lodge as a dishwasher after college...that is another story, ♥ a love story ♥.
We thought it would be fun to show the boys where dad grew up.

So off we go.
First stop, Connors Lake, located in the Flambeau River State Forest.
My husband grew up in the woods. His childhood home and the Lodge is located right in the Flambeau River State Forest.
We stopped to show the boys Connors Lake.
 
 

 Connors Lake is a beautiful spring fed lake. Clear and cold, perfect on a hot summers day.

 Connors Lake offers a beautiful playground, picnic area, bathrooms, changing rooms and lots of room to play.

For more information click here Connors Lake

Next stop, Lake of the Pines.
Look who decided to come along.

Painted Turtle
Named for its bright colors 
 Peaceful painted turtles
Basking in the sun,
You'll see them perching piggyback 
Or lined up one by one.
 

Lake of the Pines is a beautiful lake for canoeing and kayaking.

For more information click Lake of Pines
 

Lake of the Pines has a beautiful hiking trail. We went about 1/2 way because it was getting dark.
On our way back out to the campground, we could hear " who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?" We started to look up and right up above us was a Barred Owl. He continued to talk to us and then flew away. 
For more information on Barred Owls click here
 

We enjoyed showing the boys both lakes and hope to spend more time at both of them in 2014.

The Big Bear.
My husband was excited to see that the Big Bear was still standing proud.
He has many memories of climbing it and cleaning it. Mildew or a moss would start to grow on it.
To get more information about Red's Big Bear click here

Thank you for coming along with me.
How about you, have you gone on a trip with your family to visit places you explored or worked at as a kid?

Have a great weekend.

Taking our dear friend Irma out for supper, at Red's Big Bear.