We Came and We Camped

We made our annual trip to Door County the week before school started. This was Isaac's first time camping and second time in Door County. It was Margot's fifth visit and Isabelle's eighth!

Camping Day One - Sunday, August 12, 2018 
We had a long drive to Door County; it probably seemed a little longer because Isaac wouldn’t nap and he kept asking for fruit snacks. The girls only wanted to watch certain shows that Isaac wasn’t a fan of, but we made it! After picking up a few extra supplies in Egg Harbor, we made our way to Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek where setting up the 8-person tent was slightly challenging and it was definitely a 2-person job. Isaac did not want to go in the pack n play and everyone wanted to help. Once it was all set up it was hard to get the kids out of the “bounce house.” Car camping quesadillas were on the menu that night plus lots of veggies, including cucumbers and tomatoes from our garden. For dessert we had s’mores and then let the kids run around and play. Soon it was time for bed and while Tom and I had plans to sit by the campfire, we just ended up going to bed with the kids. They said they were scared, but they kept chatting away until they dozed off.

Camping Day Two - Monday, August 13, 2018 
Everyone slept all night! Unbelievable, right? Its true! Isaac started stirring around 7, but we managed to keep everyone in the tent until 8. We had breakfast, played a bit and then went for a long walk to look at the water and the lighthouse. It was already starting to get warm, so after our walk we hopped in the car to get a few more supplies and ice. Isaac immediately fell asleep when we got in the car, so we went to the little playground in Ephraim for a bit so the girls could play before we had lunch at Wilson’s Dinner and Ice Cream Shop. They have great burgers and hot dogs and a wonderful allergy protocol for ice cream. Everyone left very full! After lunch we went back to Peninsula State Park where I popped over to the box office for Northern Sky Theater and got tickets to the 6pm show of the musical Dairy Heirs. Our next stop was Nicolet Beach. We had such a great time swimming and playing in the sand. The water even felt refreshing on a hot day. After some quick showers we made sandwiches and had an early dinner before the show. The Northern Sky Theater is in an outdoor amphitheater surrounded by trees. Plus, you can bring drinks and snacks. Its first come seating and we were happy to be in the last row. It still had great views and when Isaac needed to wander, it was easy to get him out. The girls loved the show, especially Margot! She wanted a double feature! After the show we had s’mores and cookies by the campfire. Then the kids went to bed and Tom and I sat out by the campfire. A perfect night!

Camping Day Three - Tuesday, August 14, 2018 
We started the day by going to the park in Sister Bay. We had a little time to burn before we went sailing with Sail Door County. Then the plans shifted because the Coast Guard was inspecting the parasailing boat which meant they couldn’t take us sailing at 9:30. They could take us out at 10:30. So we had some more time to burn by going back to the park and popping into some shops. Finally, it was time to go sailing in the 40-foot boat called The North Passage. We had it all to ourselves! Captain Peter was fantastic and only put up the jig sail so we didn’t tip back and forth a lot. The ride would have been really exciting with the main sail up, but this definitely worked out better for the kids. We were out on the water for 90 minutes. Tom and I loved every minute! Isaac was lulled asleep and slept for most of it. Totally opposite of what I expected! Isabelle and Margot were also great out there and talked the captain’s ears off. After sailing we walked to Wild Tomato in Sister Bay. We are out on the patio and the food was all delicious! Everyone was pretty tired after lunch, so we drove to Gill’s Rock for Tom’s favorite smoked fish. Then it was back to our campsite so we could get out swimsuits on and head to Nicolet Beach. It was another beautiful afternoon! Lots of swimming and sandcastles. That night the girls went to bed great. Isaac cried for a bit, but eventually settled down with the help of Tom and I trading off hanging inside the tent. Then Tom and I finally got to relax by the campfire, together. 

Camping Day Four - Wednesday, August 15, 2018 
Everyone slept in again and after breakfast we started packing up a few things and then went for a hike on Sentinel Trail. It’s a two-mile loop and everyone did it! Well, Tom did carry Isaac for about half. Still really great for an almost two-year-old! The kids loved all the signs that described the trees. After our hike we went to The Summer Kitchen for lunch and ate on their front porch. It was delicious! Their soup bar may not scream “summer”, but it was so good! After lunch we stopped by a cute shop in Ephraim for souvenirs and then went back to break down camp. We did let the kids watch a show while we got the dry tent down. Yes, a dry tent! It didn’t rain a drop this time! Then I took the kids for a walk while Tom finished loading up the car. We were done by 2 and that wrapped up our 2018 trip to Door County. Until next summer!

Round We Went - First Stop Door County

First Stop - Saturday and Sunday
Drove to Door County, Wisconsin and camped in Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek for two nights. Full trip overview here.

On day one of our trip we left Chicago and headed north to Door County - our first stop on the Lake Michigan Circle Tour.  For lunch we had a picnic at Renard's Cheese in Sturgeon Bay, WI. We had packed a lunch, but had to buy some fresh cheese curbs (come on, we were in Wisconsin!), then spread out on a picnic table right by the play set. We ended up spending a lot more time there than we thought. The slide was a big draw for Isabelle, a trend that would continue throughout our trip.  

After Ranard's Cheese we made a few more stops for beer and fudge in Egg Harbor, then drove down to Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek. When we made our reservation at Peninsula State Park we couldn't get a site for two nights, which meant we would have to pack up and move camp on Sunday. Luckily when we arrived the wonderful people at the camp office found a site we could stay at for two nights in a row and it was right across from the bathroom. Amazing luck for pregnant me and it turned out there was another pregnant mom camping on the other side of the bathroom. We both had the same bright idea to bring an air mattress. Best idea I ever had and because we have a electrical adapter for the car, so we brought along an extension cord and blew the air mattress up right in our tent. 

Relaxing on the air mattress.

For Isabelle we did the same set up as last year where she slept in the pack n' play, but this year she also had her very own 20 degree sleeping bag. The nights were chilly! Setting up the tent was much easier this year. Mainly because Isabelle was on her best behavior and even helped us by holding the bag with the tent stakes. 

There were a few things to remind us we were camping with a toddler.

1) She liked to run off, usually towards the road that runs through the campground, so one of us was constantly watching her.

2) She woke up with the birds and before the sun rose. That's right, Isabelle was up around 5 both mornings.  We bribed her with the iPad to stay in bed with us for a bit, but we were still up, out of the tent and off to breakfast before most of the other campers were awake.

3) We had to give her a shower in the handicap stall with me swatting away mosquitoes while Tom manned the water.  I still can't believe she didn't freak out!

Breakfast at Al Johnson's - yummy!

Here's how we spent our days...

On Saturday after we pitched the tent we took a walk to see Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. Isabelle loved running around, picking dandelions and playing with the rocks. We went for an early dinner in town at Cooper's Corner and the weather was so nice we ate out on the deck. The food was delicious and the restaurant was surprisingly kid friendly. Isabelle's meal was even served on a Frisbee that we got to take home. After dinner we wandered around town and picked up some fudge, are you sensing a trend here? Back at the campsite we put Isabelle down to bed and made a nice fire.

The next morning our first stop was Al Johnson's in Sister Bay for a breakfast of Swedish meatballs and pancakes. An amazing combo! Then we went for a walk to look at the boats, played at a park (slides!) and then went to church.

After church Isabelle fell asleep in the car, so we went roading to get Tom's favorite smoked fish. After she woke up we picked up some picnic supplies and had lunch at a park (hello slide!) in Fish Creek. After lunch we picked up a kite at the Fish Creek Kite Company, visited the Nature Center at Peninsula State Park and went to the beach to fly the kite (and play on the slide). It was a great afternoon!

Exploring at the Nature Center.

For dinner that night we went to Wild Tomato for amazing pizza and salad. Once again the weather was amazing so we ate outside. After dinner we made a campfire and Isabelle got to hang out with us for a bit before her bedtime.

Our last morning in Door County was spent at a new spot in Fish Creek, Linger Coffee House and we definitely lingered. Coffee was just what we needed after another early morning and the fresh pastries were a bonus. Isabelle had a blast exploring every inch and especially enjoyed the kid's nook. After breakfast we went back to camp and packed up. We can't wait to go back next year!

WHERE TO STAY

Peninsula State Park
9462 Shore Rd.
Fish Creek, WI 54212
Phone: 920-868-3258


WHERE TO EAT

Fish Creek Cooper's Corner

4170 Main Street

Fish Creek, WI 54212

Phone: 920-868-2667

Wild Tomato

4023 State Hwy 42
Fish Creek, WI 54212

Phone: 920-868-3095

Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant 

10698 N. Bay Shore Dr.

Sister Bay, WI  54234

Phone: 920-854-2626

Linger Coffee House
9431 Spruce Street

Fish Creek, WI 54212
Phone: 920-868-5068

Try Not to Laugh at Me

When we went camping last September I noticed a fellow mom helping tear down the tent while keeping track of her kids...and she was really pregnant.  I distinctly remember laughing in disbelief and telling Tom that he would never get me to go camping while pregnant.  Well guess what, I changed my mind. All on my own! I think it was the beautiful weather we've been having in Chicago that helped and the fact that I'm feeling great. So today we reserved our campsites at Peninsula State Park and decided to do the reverse Lake Michigan Circle Tour with our first stop in Door County. The decision was really based on the availability of campsites - it's plural on purpose. The park is undergoing some construction, so not all of the campsites are available, plus it's their busy season. So we'll have to switch campsites. No biggie, right? Anyway, it looks like we're camping for a few days during our road trip. Now we're off to find a hotel on Mackinac Island that won't break the bank.

Weekend Edition of Fresh Air

There’s nothing like time spent in the great outdoors, so last weekend we made the trek to Door County, Wisconsin. You may remember we went to Door County a year ago. (Details about that trip and traveling with a 2 ½-month-old are here.) Well, this time we went camping in Peninsula State Park. With a 14-month-old. Crazy? No, because Isabelle was a pro!

After driving, a brief picnic outside a quiet rural church, and more driving in a heavy storm, we arrived in Door County. Our first stop was Egg Harbor where we stocked up on Wisconsin beer and milk. Can you guess who drank what? We also popped into a few shops, explored a park and refueled at a local coffee shop.

After Egg Harbor we made our way to our beautiful, tree-filled camp site (#511) in Welcker's Point. You could see Green Bay through the trees and hear the waves lapping against the shore. The entire park is a quiet zone, so it was very peaceful.

Outside our new tent

We managed to get the tent set up while Isabelle yelled at us from her pack n’ play. That was wasn’t so peaceful and I'm sure we broke the quiet zone rule, but we got everything set up in under 20 minutes. Not bad! Of course, once the tent was set up Mother Nature decided to test it out. It started to pour and we took shelter in our nice, dry tent.

After the rain stopped we went out for dinner at Gibraltar Grill. Excellent food and this time we ate IN the restaurant. That’s right, we didn't have to get take-out this year, because Isabelle does pretty well in restaurants. Are you wondering why we didn't cook at the campsite? We decided that having a 14-month-old around a roaring campfire wasn’t a good idea. OK, we could have brought a camp stove, but to be honest, it was just easier to eat out at the mouth-watering restaurants in Door County.

After dinner it was bedtime for Isabelle. The nights were chilly, so she wore a onesie, fleece footie pajamas, and a fleece Halo Sleep Sack. Then, before we went to bed I covered her with a few blankets and put an old comforter over part of the pack n’ play. Don't worry! She was nice and toasty. The first night she was a little scared, so we snuggled in the tent for a bit so she could get used to the new environment.

After Isabelle went to bed, we sat around the campfire and relaxed under the stars. It was a beautiful night!

"Only YOU can prevent wildfires." An early morning before the sun rose.

So how did we spend the rest of the trip? Our days started at 6 AM and we didn’t want to rouse the rest of the campers, so…

• Went “roading” and found a farmers market where we bought pumpkins, coffee and cider donuts.
• Walked to Eagle Bluff Lighthouse. There was a nice trail from our campsite to the lighthouse.
• Picnicked at Nicolet Beach where Isabelle provoked seagulls ("duck!" to Isabelle) and the bees, but luckily she wasn’t stung this year.
• Isabelle attempted to nap, while Tom and I played scrabble.
• Climbed 75 feet of stairs to the top of Eagle Tower. Amazing views 225 feet above the water.
• Went hiking around Peninsula State Park.
• Attended a fish boil at White Gull Inn in Fish Creek. Definitely try this at least once!
• Checked out the cute shops in Fish Creek, including a kite store.
• Ate an early breakfast at Al Johnson’s Swedish Restaurant in Sister Bay. Sadly the goats were not on the roof that early, but the food was delicious!
• We went to a lot of parks and playgrounds.
• On our way home we bought a ½ bushel of apples and ate at the Rusty Tractor Cafe that advertised “Barn Good Food”. It was really good food and I love their slogan.

We will definitely go camping again and we can’t wait for our next trip to Door County in 2013. This is becoming a family tradition!

At the top of Eagle Tower

Hiking!

Playing at the beach.

Note: The title is a nod to one of my favorite NPR shows, Fresh Air. Check it out here.

Tents... Family-Sized

We’re prepping for our big Door County camping trip and we had to make a decision on which tent to use. My parents have a big 2-room tent called the Winnebago. I’m not joking around. That’s really the brand. I guess Winnebago made more than just RVs. Growing up, my parents would take us on these amazing road trips around the country. The Winnebago tent was always in the back of the minivan. It was used more to keep us on our best behavior, because my sisters and I did not want to sleep in a hot, buggy tent during the dead of summer. We wanted the thrill of sleeping in an air-conditioned hotel room that had mini shampoo, cable, a pool and an ice maker.

As I mentioned in a previous post, my old 3-person tent isn’t big enough for the Emmons family, so the other weekend we were at my parents’ house and we decided try to put up the old Winnebago.

Tom and the Winnebago.

Checking it out.

  

Isabelle was having fun!

As you can see, we did it. I even found a brochure for Myrtle Beach, South Carolina inside the tent bag. What you can’t see is it took at least five adults to get this massive tent up. Yes, the Winnebago has had a good life and saw a lot of the country, but it will not go back to Door County with us.

So, I bought a tent on Amazon. We got the Coleman Montana 8 Tent. As the name states, it sleeps eight people. We put it up over the weekend and the massive 16’ x 7’ tent took up most of our upper deck (not to be confused with upper decker). It was pretty easy and only required two adults. Plus, I think you could even set it up alone. It’s definitely for car camping and at $136.86, plus free shipping, we can’t complain if it doesn’t last forever.

Our new tent!

Crazy for Camping or just Crazy?

When Isabelle was 2 ½ months old we spent a long weekend in Door County, Wisconsin (blog post about the trip). We decided to make it an annual family trip, but this year we want to try camping. I LOVE camping! Wait, let me restate that, I love camping as long as it’s not steamy hot outside.

Camping sounds great in theory, but after asking around, it sounds like it we’re crazy to even attempt it. Why?

TENT: We’ll need to buy a larger tent to fit a pack n’ play. Yes, the three-person tent I’ve been using for years isn’t big enough. In fact, a two-room tent would be even better for nap time.

SLEEPING: Yep, I wrote pack n’ play. That seems to be the best solution to keep a toddler contained and comfortable. If anyone has any other ideas, please let me know!

TOYS: Campsites usually involve dirt, so a friend suggested bringing a toy shovel and bucket. She also recommended a plastic container full of toys that can be easily washed.

ANIMALS: At night I used to put the food in the car. We’re not in bear country, so it’s ok. Well, we’ll also have to make sure to put dirty diapers in the car. We definitely don’t want any animals trying to break into the tent.

FOOD and FIRE: We’ll need to bring a big cooler for all of the food and beverages (milk included). We also need a new camp stove (I’m selling my old MSR Dragonfly if anyone wants it!).

Despite all of the challenges, I think we're going to do it, but we’ll also book a hotel…just in case!