I grew up in a small town of 6,000 people in the center of Wisconsin called Waupaca. As teenagers, we complained about the typical small town things: there was nothing to do + we were always bored. Looking back, however, I have realized that I was SO blessed to grow up in the town that I did (it’s amazing how this happens as we age, isn’t it)!?

Though small, Waupaca has a lot to offer its community. From a fairly large variety of restaurants for a town its size, to a multitude of community events, local shops, + beautiful countryside, Waupaca really is a gem of a small town!! To top it all off, when summer rolls around, this little town becomes a tourist destination for people from all over the Midwest as a GORGEOUS chain of 27 lakes is nestled amongst the homes + farmland. Being spring-fed, the Waupaca Chain O’ Lakes boasts a beautiful teal color that is hard to find in this part of the country!! I have decided this place is my little slice of heaven on earth : )

Some of our closest friends here in Madison are a couple we actually met because of our photography business (we shot their wedding last May!!) + they now are our next door neighbors : ) Because Shane is from New York originally, + Devon from LA, we decided that we needed to show them a good Wisconsin weekend up north–and what better weekend than the 4th of July?! We took this weekend off intentionally to get a little R&R in the middle of our busy season + it came at the perfect time : )

We spent the weekend up north at my parent’s house in Waupaca with Shane, Devon, their dog Dakota, + Vivian : ) We boated, ate way too much food, took the dogs for (some for their) first swims(!!!), had campfires, made s’mores, + simply, relaxed : ) It was wonderful!! Today, I thought I would just share some snapshots from our weekend up north with you : )

I hope everyone had as wonderful of a 4th of July weekend as we did, spent with family + dear friends. Thank you, once again, to all those who have given their time + their lives to serve our country–especially my Grandpa Visser + my Grandpa Gustke : ) Here’s to a busy + exciting week ahead!!!

Vivan preferred standing on the stump to standing in the water : ) Although, she did jump off the boat after some ducks swimming by + went completely under!! Ha! She kept swimming!!

On the morning of the 4th of July we went to the local parade : ) How cute is Koda’s bandana!?

A few more phone snaps : )