Fall and Brats.

This last weekend we decided to take in the fall and with that came taking in bratwurst. 

Icicle River in Leavenworth. We found a nice walking trail along the river starting at the fish hatchery. 

Cub looks violated;) My two handsome boys. 

Stunning scenery. 

Cubby Wubby. 

The trail was nice and all but this was the highlight for baby and me, minus the beer, that was Casey's. I piled my Munchen Haus Brat with 3 types of beer flavored mustards, dill relish and this HUGE pile of apple cider sour kraut. When I was done with mine, I said, "what's for dinner?" 

This was our first time at the Munchen Haus in Leavenworth. We've been to their brewery, Icicle Brewing Company on the other side of the main drag which is a great place to go relax and drink good beer in Leavenworth. The Munchen Huas bratwurst did not disappoint but the atmosphere could of been better. Its such a great place but I would recommend maybe someone coming around to clear and clean tables. The tables were really dirty and there were a lot of employees there that could of been cleaning them. If you are already a few brews in, you probably wouldn't care, but for me, I like a clean table to eat on. 

My stomach is growling looking at this Brat again. MUST GO EAT. POTATO CHIPS. NO, NATALIE, EAT DRIED FRUIT! 

Icicle Creek

Happy 4th of July everyone! 

Yesterday, we met my Aunt and Uncle at their campsite. They camp every 4th of July at Icicle Creek outside of Leavenworth, WA. I decided to go up on prednisone last week so my sinuses would ease up and I could enjoy tasting food and smelling things like the pine trees during the 4th of July. My senses will disappear again when I go on lower prednisone amounts next week but for now, I'm loving it. I was able to soak in all of the sweet pine air on our walk through the camp which was heaven. I miss enjoying the taste of a fresh picked cherry or the smell of coffee in the morning. Its the little things in life! 

The creek is roaring from the late snow melt but that didn't stop Dad from throwing a line in the river. No fish, but a beautiful instagram moment. 

With my Aunt Essie and Uncle Tim. They have an amazing campsite. The ultimate "glampers!" They even have a shower tent. 

However you are spending your 4th, yummy neighborhood pot lucks, family gatherings, fireworks shows or sitting around a camp fire, I hope its a good one. God Bless America! 

Leavenworth

Bone chilling cold but nothing a nice dark ale can't warm up! My Grandma, Great Aunt, Aunt, Uncle, Brother and I went to the Christmas Lighting ceremony in Leavenworth, WA. It was a tid bit nippy, but we wanted to do something to try and put us in a holiday mood. For my family this has been very hard holiday season already. Two days before Thanksgiving we lost our greatest member, my Grandpa. It was very unexpected and a complete shock to us all. Showered with love and support, we were able to pull ourselves together to have a Thanksgiving dinner. Well we were half way pulled together. Most of us were in dazes, crying, or going through boxes of photos, searching for the perfect photos of Grandpa and telling old stories. My cousin Eddie, played my Grandpa's favorite Neil Diamond songs on the piano. He loved the piano. Thanksgiving was my Grandpa's favorite holiday. In October he started asking my Grandma (married to her for 56 years) when they were going to get the Turkey. Its what he looked forward to every year. And Christmas, being his second favorite, will not be the same without him. So, here we are, freezing but happy to be together. It was a beautiful feeling to have thousands gathered, singing silent night, and watching the whole town light up for Christmas.