{Broken Bow // Day 5}

 Broken Bow, Day 5: Celebrating Nate’s Birthday in the Best Way

Day five of our Broken Bow trip was extra special—it was Nate’s birthday! Celebrating him in a place that means so much to our family made the day feel even more meaningful. Over the years, Nate has spent quite a few birthdays here in Broken Bow, and each one has carried its own kind of magic. This year was no different—just another memory to add to the growing list of unforgettable birthdays in the mountains.

We kicked off the day with a visit to one of our favorite local spots—Girls Gone Wine in Hochatown! It’s always a must-stop when we’re in town. The vibe is fun and welcoming, the décor is adorable, and they have the most unique little gifts, souvenirs, and wines to try. The girls and I did a wine tasting, and it was so much fun! There was plenty of laughter, new favorites discovered, and maybe a bottle or two added to our stash for the rest of the trip. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t take itself too seriously, which makes it all the more enjoyable.

After our wine-tasting adventure, we decided to turn things up a notch with something a little more daring—axe throwing! Let me tell you… it’s a LOT harder than it looks. But in true Nate fashion, he nailed it on the first try. Seriously, that man is good at everything he does. Whether it’s fishing, hiking, grilling, or throwing an axe at a bullseye, he somehow always makes it look easy. The rest of us gave it our best shot—and even if our aim wasn’t quite as spot-on, we had an absolute blast. There were lots of cheers, a few near-misses, and tons of friendly competition. It’s definitely something we’ll be doing again!

Later in the afternoon, we made our way back into Beaver’s Bend State Park for one more peaceful round of fishing—Nate’s favorite way to relax and unwind. The late afternoon light made everything feel golden and calm, and it was the perfect way to slow down after a busy day.

Then came the sunset. And wow... it was breathtaking. We found ourselves by the river as the sky lit up with the most stunning colors—shades of pink, orange, and gold reflected off the water like a painting brought to life. I couldn’t stop taking pictures. You know those sunsets that stop you in your tracks and make you feel something deep in your soul? This was one of those. Watching it together, surrounded by the stillness of the mountains, felt like the perfect birthday gift from nature itself.

We wrapped up the evening back at the cabin, where Nate opened some gifts and kicked back for a quiet night surrounded by family. There wasn’t a big party or fancy dinner—just the people who love him most, sharing stories, laughter, and the peace of a good day well spent.

I think what made this birthday so special was the balance—a little adventure, a little celebration, a lot of nature, and plenty of love. Just like Nate. Strong, steady, and full of quiet joy. I'm so grateful we got to celebrate him in a place that holds so many memories for us—and that this year, we added a few more.