Trail Mix Cookies

Today marks the first day back to school for my kiddos so I decided to make an after school treat that plays ode to summer and is fun to help celebrate the new school year: Trail Mix Cookies.

O'Brien County Family Weekend Getaway

 * I am a Tour O'Brien County Ambassador.

All views and opinions shared are my own. *

This summer our family went on a road trip to Northwest Iowa to explore O'Brien County. We loved our weekend getaway and will share all of our recommendations of things to do, places to eat and where we stayed so you can plan your own trip!

We loved the trails at the O'Brien County Prairie Heritage Center

Knee High by the 4th of July

The 4th of July is a great time to celebrate our country's independence, show off your patriotism, spend time with family and friends, shoot off fireworks and check crops. It's been tradition for decades that farmers check their crops, especially corn, to see if it is "Knee High by the 4th of July." Now while knee high isn't the benchmark for farmers anymore due to hybridization and improved genetics, it is still a fun tradition for our family to benchmark our corn (and family's) growth every year. In fact, our family has been taking an annual "Knee High" photo for the last decade (see 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012).

#sleepwiththecows at New Day Dairy Guestbarn in Clarksville, Iowa

Our family is always up for an adventure and we were excited to head east from our farm to our friend's Dan & Lynn's farm to experience a one-of-a-kind overnight stay at their vacation rental Guestbarn that overlooks their dairy farm. From 24 hour cow gazing, to helping Dan with chores, to eating lots of delicious dairy products, and making friends with lots of cows, this is a road trip our family will always remember!

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at Charlie's Soda Fountain in Clear Lake, Iowa

Week Two of our Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip brought us to Charlie's Soda Fountain in Downtown Clear Lake, Iowa. Take a step back in time as you enter Charlie's in the recently renovated Corner Drug Store.

Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip at Mill Creek Concessions in Paullina, Iowa

* I am a Tour O'Brien County Ambassador.

All views and opinions shared are my own. *

Our 9th Annual Iowa Ice Cream Road Trip kicked off last weekend at Mill Creek Concessions in Paullina, Iowa. This seasonal ice cream and concessions stand has been serving visitors, campers, hikers and swimmers at Mill Creek State Park since 2009.

2022 Family Summer Bucket List + FREE Printable

It's the last week of school and my kids are excited for summer! So we sat down to make our annual Summer Bucket List!

Create your own Summer Bucket List with my FREE Printable

As a to-do list fan I love the bullet notes and calendar space so you can think how to schedule everything 😉

Central Iowa Freedom Rock Tour

One of our family's favorite ways to explore the state of Iowa is by visiting the different county Iowa Freedom Rocks. All 99 counties in the state have a uniquely painted mural, showcasing local heroes and stories honoring area veterans painted by Iowa artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen II. Here is a look at all of the county Freedom Rocks located in Central Iowa.

A Spring Planting Prayer

As spring planting gets underway I wanted to share this simple prayer for all of the farmers, crops, planting season and growing season.

Taste of Iowa Charcuterie Board

Charcuterie boards are an easy way to serve snacks or appetizers in a fun and festive way, and after attending a Charcuterie Class with CommonGround Iowa, I was inspired to make my own version highlighting Iowa products!

Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Are you looking for a flavorful and easy coffee cake that the whole family will enjoy? Then try this Buttermilk Coffee Cake that uses a yellow cake mix! You'll love this cake's tangy and rich flavor.

Sustainable Farming Supporting Communities

Have you ever heard the phrase "it takes a village to to raise a child"? Well, when it comes to farming, it "takes a village" to support and create a sustainable community.

The view of my local community, Latimer, Iowa, from my front yard

5 Family Friendly Iowa State Park Trails

One of our family's favorite ways to explore and enjoy the outdoors is by going on trails at different state parks in our home state of Iowa. With 83 state parks and recreation areas, you're never too far away from creating your own adventure.

Mom, What's for Dinner?

"Mom, what's for dinner?"

Sound familiar? While I love cooking, making healthy, tasty and affordable meals for my growing family of six that everyone will eat, can sometimes be stressful!

Raising the Best Pig to Meet Consumer Demand

One of our main goals as farmers is to provide healthy, affordable food for people across the country and even the world. In order to have those cuts of pork the consumer wants at their local grocery store, butcher shop or restaurant, we watch consumer demands and in the last two years have changed our genetics to a Large White Duroc crossbreed to meet those wants.

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Ditch the store bought hot cocoa mix and make a batch of this easy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix. You'll love the rich & creamy flavor so much that you'll be looking for a reason to warm up with a cup this winter!

Chocolate Melting Cake for Two

Celebrate that next special occasion with someone special and Chocolate Melting Cake! Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish, this rich, chocolaty dessert will be the perfect sweet treat for two to celebrate your Anniversary, Valentine's Day, Birthday or just because!

There is No Place Like Kansas for a Family Vacation

When we told everyone that our family was going on a vacation through Kansas we were often met with the questions: Why? or What is there to do in Kansas? (I have to think this may be the same thing someone might hear if they chose to vacation in Iowa.)

Well let me tell you, there is so much to do in Kansas that we didn't get to do it all and our kids are already planning our next visit! From learning about the Wild West, to traveling on Route 66, to going on a salt mine tour 650' underground, to traveling through the Land of Oz, we had a great time!