up nort'

All this time I've lived in Wisconsin (going on 6 years in August), I haven't spent much time "up nort'".... and then I got married. Now we go camping "up nort'" and, in the case of this weekend, we even go to the cottage "up nort".

The cottage is an incredible Hintz tradition. They find as many cousins as possible (I think we were over twenty last year) and cram them all into a space meant for 5 (well, I guess they have the bunkhouse now, which will fit another 10). Though we're not sure how many are coming this year, we are planning for the possibility of camping out in the tent.

The great part is getting to be with family, especially as the family grows in numbers. This year we get the addition of Brinley - who through her short time with Joel - has absolutely melted Joel's heart. I look forward to getting a chance to snuggle her, while also getting time to lay in the sun and read with my sisters-in-law. I am truly blessed.

On another note, the summer seems to have gotten away with us - and we are in the process of reclaiming it! We're hoping to meet up with my parents next weekend somewhere in the middle, and then get a weekend or two at home.

Plans for Italy haven't moved much since the apartments were booked - but we have read more of the travel book and we're planning to watch a few movies set in Florence and Rome. This weekend I'm planning on reading Angels and Demons - which is set in Rome and supposedly very descriptive! Then I have to plan our train travel! Looking forward to it!