BWCAW

So it was all inspired by the book Into the Wild. My sister had an idea for me, my mom and her to read the book. Then when we were done we would watch the movie together. I thought that was a great idea. My sister is not the outdoor type at all. She will take a comfy and warm hotel over a night in a tent any day. But after reading the book she got inspired to get out of her comfort zone and try something new...in the wilderness. So she got the idea to go up to the Boundary Waters for a few days. If you're not from around here you should know that if you do ever decide to come to Minnesota, the Boundary Waters is the place you should go. You basically leave your cell phones and computers behind and completely live within nature, surrounded by lakes and wilderness. I've been a couple times before and those times in my life are some of the most peaceful I can remember. You just won't see a sunset like you see up there. The whole trip is spent canoeing, portaging and then relaxing at your camp. Many people also fish for their meals.

Having been several times before to the BW, my dad jumped on the opportunity to go with my sister. And it only seemed natural for both my brother and myself to go as well. The two times I've been were also with my dad and it was the best bonding we've ever had, I think my brother can agree (he's also been with him). My dad's dream had come true, all 3 of his kids were sharing this memorable time together.

My sister ended up really enjoying herself! It was only a 4 day trip so it wasn't too grueling. Here are some pictures that capture our trip well.

Me and my sister before the trip


Me taking a look at all that needs to be packed up


My brother slept under the stars EVERY night!




My sister carrying a canoe for the first time


My dad and his 3 kids




Me filtering some water for us to drink


Me and Matt near a huge uprooted tree


Me and Matt canoeing between 2 rocks...you can barely see us


Me and Laura toughin' it out while my younger stronger brother carries a lighter load


We stayed up waaaay too late talking thanks to the coffee we drank the night before






Matt and Dad mapping out our route for the next day


Me tending the fire at our campsite...it was cooold.


Cooking dinner








Me single portaging


Laura single portaging


Dad looking for the best spot to take pictures of a beaver






Dad getting a shot of the rapids...can you see him?


Laura and Dad at the end of the trip

Matt's Graduation

Well my brother did it! He graduated from college. Where did the time go? How did this happen so fast? We spent the weekend in Madison and I thought it was such a great time. We got to tour Matt's house again and boy was it messy. Sorry if I'm embarrassing you, Matt, but I must share the pictures. Guys (or most of them at least) just live like this and they don't care. I admit I am not near the cleanest person in the world but these conditions are just a little over the top for me. It's normal...it'll make them appreciate their wives even more later. I must say, though that it was my brother who came up with a cleaning system for the house...great job on that!

After touring his house we walked around campus. We really got a feel for what he goes through on a daily basis there, where he walks, where he likes to eat or study, where he works. It was great...a lot of walking! He was interning at the Capital so we stopped there too...couldn't get in though. Then we stopped by the student lounge (shoot, don't remember the name of it) and sat by the water with some nice cold beer. I felt like it was just a really good time with our whole family...I love it when we're all together...just feels right and we balance each other out.

Later that night we went out to eat at Samba Brazilian Grill. Very interesting. They had this amazing salad bar with all Brazilian food. Then there were about 8 gauchos (Brazilian cowboys) walking around with a huge skewer of meat. Each gaucho had a different kind of meat. This particular night there was duck, 2 kinds of lamb, 3 kinds of beef, sausage and parmesan-crusted pork. Most were pretty rare so I didn't like them but when you got a good well-done piece it was spectacular. They'd come to your table asking if you want that particular meat. If you did they'd cut you off a piece. It was expensive but such a unique experience. After that we went back to the hotel for the night.

In the morning we enjoyed breakfast at Denny's. Then we headed to the graduation a couple hours later. The graduation was super long and of course my brother was practically the last person no joke. So the entire time we're looking for him and finally spot him at the end. Then it was off to take pictures and then home. It was a great relaxing weekend with the family and I'm so proud of my little brother! I took lots of pictures of the campus for him too.

Here are some pictures Scott took. I really respect and admire his passion for photography, he got some really nice shots as always :)

Something you commonly see in Madison


































And here are the pictures I took:

Matt at his house (and the paparazzi)


The kitchen










Matt decked out his hallway












Love this shot


Scott, you might be shot if someone from Illinois sees this














State Street


























Proud parents