Brocktoberfest

Brocktoberfest is back! 

Our family hasn't celebrated Brocktoberfest for three years. It used to be held at my Grandma's farm. After she sold it, there just wasn't a great spot that felt right. Then, my uncle and cousins went and bought their own farm and it is so perfect for this celebration!

Hammerschlagen is always a big hit!

 

Lots of rides throughout the evening. 

Branko loved petting the sheep and he even gave a few kisses.

One big hayride for everyone! 

Brockhaus family picture! Not everyone could make it, but it is sure fun to have Brocktoberfest back! 

Labor Day Weekend

The boys were supposed to play their first flag football game of the season that Saturday morning, but the weather wasn't cooperating and the game was canceled. Curtis was disappointed. He has been so excited to be on a team sport and was really excited for that first game. Later that morning when the weather cleared up, we decided to have our own football game. 

A new coffee shop opened up in Columbus. We like to support locally-owned businesses (and treat ourselves to some delicious drinks), so we took a little family visit. 

After church the next day, we took a mini-vacation to an Indiana State Park: Spring Mill. 

We did a bit of hiking on this trip. I've discovered in recent years that hiking is something I really enjoy. If we had more hills nearby, I'd do this more often. Instead, I go for daily walks. 

He gambled here. . . and he lost. Wet feet for the rest of the hike! 

So he just embraced it and got more wet.

We're a pretty colorful group. 

There were some ping pong competitions. Both guys have got their game faces on! 

We watched a Harry Potter movie that evening. Bella was so happy all cozied up in a big blanket.

The next morning, we ordered breakfast and ate it poolside. I didn't bring my camera with me, so no photos from that. The pool was heated and was an indoor/outdoor pool - you just had to swim under a half wall from one side to the other. The water was so warm that even I got in. And we had the whole pool to ourselves. It was the perfect way to start our day. 

After we checked out of the inn, we did some more hiking. This time, we hiked to the pioneer village and spent some time exploring the buildings and the old spring mill. 

Curtis looks a little worn out. 

This family time together was so nice. Time seemed to move just a little bit slower while we were there. Even though we were only gone for one night, it felt like we had more time together than that. Of course, I was a little sad to the morning after we got home and we all had to go our separate ways. Quality family time together will always be my favorite.