Let's Hit the Road to the Hideaway

Time to hit the road and head to the river, then on to the Hideaway.

Another of my favorite stops that keeps getting more fun as the girls get older.

This year KK even joined in the float down the river.

 The rainbow!

 Catching minnows

 The annual float

 And a little game of catch to cap off the day on the sandbar.

 Then off to the HIDEAWAY! Grandma and Grandpa's happy place had a few surprises this year.
A slip and slide for the girls, paths names after them and a TREEHOUSE at the end of our adventure.
The surprise tree house, build by G & G themselves, continues to be one of the highlights of the girls summer.  They spent as much time as they could up there, even eating a campfire breakfast and having water balloon fights!!

  Life long memories in this special place!

 Hiking up Mollie Laine.

 Discovering Kendall Kurve!

 And the surprise at the end of the trails!

The exploring never ends. 

 But always back to the treehouse!

 Sunset at this place is magic!  

Almost as magic as when the stars come out 

(and this year we let the girls stay up for that :).

 Grandma sunflower harvesting was a huge hit.

 And one more birthday celebration.  Happy 65th Grandma!  Surprise :)

 We capped off the awesome road trip with a visit and hug Great Grandma and lunch on the
mighty Mississippi.

Celebrating Birthdays, Madison Style!

We have ice cream cake for breakfast and Grandparents who love to celebrate! 

Recipe for success and big smiles!

We have an almost 8 year old!!!

 And a FIVE YEAR OLD!!!!!

Look out Madison, here come the Hanrattys!

One of my favorite parts of summer is returning to the midwest, the chilly evenings, the warm welcome and big hugs from Grandma and Grandpa, the live music on every corner and water everywhere you turn. I'm a fan of tradition, so every year we check the same boxes... Union Terrace, Farmers Market, Concerts on the Square, lunch on the capitol square, a trip to the river and some everyday goofing... and this year we threw in some new fun art projects and restaurants, explored a cave and a visit to the spot where Mom and Dad were married!  

And as always, just a perfect way to spend the summer!  

Mom and Dad, thanks for your love and enthusiasm.  We just love you so much.

The union terrace... just my favorite place on earth.  My happy place!  I am SO thrilled you girls love it as much as I do. The view, dancing to the music, sitting back and playing a game as a family, and of course the ice cream!!!!

 Sunflowers for days!

 Mollie meets baby Raiya!

 We couldn't resist going back for more union!

 And as always, we cap off as many days as we can with Blue Moon Ice Cream!!!!

 Cheers to Madison and summer traditions!