Baking-Ban

Admitting is the first step....

I am "kitchen challenged".

It's really no secret (for those of you who know me). I kill at heat n' serve and a veritable pro at the microwave. But baking.....well, we have an understanding; I try and the oven laughs at me, almost every time.

Seriously, how hard is it to proof bread dough?

If anyone can make a mess of it, it's me. And just as a side note- never let me touch your plants, they will die (cursed 'black thumb') but it doesn't work on weeds, unfortunately.

Well, tomorrow is always another day!

Can I still bake these??

Batz Family Reunion

The second annual "Batz Reunion" was hosted in Wisconsin over the weekend of the 4th of July. It was awesome (I'll let the many many pictures below speak for themselves) and most siblings attended except 2 (we missed you Rachel & Barry!). Coordinating and gathering 9 siblings and their families can be tricky but we managed a fun-filled weekend!

Ryan and Ayla spent the week at home while I was away- Ryan is such an awesome dad and husband!! I missed them TERRIBLY but had a great time with my family as it has been several years since my last trip to Wisconsin.

Day 1: On the ride to Bailey's Harbor Campground from the airport...it was so HOT and HUMID
Hanging around the campsite visiting

Day 2: Enjoying the 4th of July Parade festivities in Door County!

Ever see a yellow fire truck before? Kinda cool.

View of Bailey's Harbor- you can't see but there is a massive black storm rolling in from the right....we're about to get soaked!

Day 3: We drove/caravan to Fish Creek city and walked along the quaint streets. It's a cute little town and the streets are lined with unique shops and restaurants. Loved it!

"Ya dig the glasses, yo?"

Back at the campsite eating under umbrellas. It rained all night on Monday and our tent and everything inside was soaked...tent camping in the rain, anyone? Not such a huge fan myself....

Time to pack up & head for cover! We left the campsite a day early due to the stormy rainy weather. Josie & Carrie "directing" Skott & Jodi on the proper way to fold a tent...

Day 4: picking wild black raspberries at my dad's farm, SherDen Farms, in Bloomer. Dad has a beautiful farm with a large garden, horses, chickens, goats, dogs, ect. It's a gorgeous place in country!

Enjoying time with my dad and siblings at the farm....

Cheeto Eating Contest!!

What family reunion would be complete without a cheeto eating contest? The winner was my brother-in-law, Kelly- he stuffed 23 cheetos into his mouth!

Beautiful sunset behind Jodi's house in Eau Clair

Day 5: Swim and play day at Round Lake!

Perfect day for a picnic and cool dip in the warm lake water. Dad brought his fishing boat and took us for rides around the lake.

Me and my dad

Wisconsin is HOT, HUMID & Muggy!! Therefore, the entire time I was swollen like a balloon (ugh) and my sister Josie, broke her toe the first day!

Culvers is delicious!! Why don't they have these in Idaho? Deep fried cheese curds and Chocolate Frozen Custard....I was in heaven!!

Day 6: Spent the day at Noah's Ark; America's largest water park. Above picture is a ride called the Scorpion- it's super scary...seriously. It's a straight drop from the top into a small tube that whips you around upside- down while going mock-90 then spits you out. You walk into a plastic chamber and the floor opens up and drops you into the slide...aaaahhh! It was wicked!

Grandma Batz met us at the water park. It was so neat to see her as it's been many years. Pictured is my brother Seth and I.

Pictures with grandma!

Day 7: gathering at my sister Justine's house! This is Marley- she is 3 months younger than Ayla. I am her great-aunt (how old does that make me feel!??) She is such a doll!

My Nephew, Aundray, found this sign in the garbage, He is going to take it home and place in his room. What a goof!

It's good to be the older sibling....

"Carrie- smell my feet!" ha, just kidding, it was a funny pose.

Day 8 (last day): We went to the Mall of America. That place is GIGANTIC! 3 levels and who knows how many stores...plus rides inside the place? Wow, it was neat!

The above is Lego-Land where everything is constructed from Lego's.

Where are we again?

The Nordstrom Discount Rack- need I say more? I think I hyperventilated a little....

What a fun vacation! Although I did miss Ryan & Ayla it was a much needed break. Next reunion Ayla will be strong enough to attend!