Rocks, Water, Bears, Deer, Boats and Corn

The title just about sums up our long weekend away. We spent Wednesday night to Sunday afternoon with Todd at his parents cabin in WI. I have tired girls but wanted to get a post out with some pictures.

After our appointments on Wednesday we left the cities and stopped about half way for dinner. We got to the cabin about 9:30 that night. It was nice to get everything unloaded from the long ride. The girls did great and watched a couple of movies and napped some. At one point Elizabeth told me she was tired, I agreed I was too. She told me that it was ok for her to nap but not me... darn.

Thursday we all woke up bright and early and Todd made us breakfast. Nice way to start the day. We decided since it was a little cool we would go to Madeline Island via Bayfield. We had a nice ride and saw our first bear cub crossing the road. When we got to Bayfield, we walked around some and shopped a little. The girls found a fun toy train to play with while Todd was getting a kite for us to use.

We loaded Todd's Explorer on the ferry for the short trip across Lake Superior. It was sunny but windy so I am glad the girls had their jackets.

After a nice picnic lunch Todd found a great beach. I really didn't think the girls would swim because the water would be so cold but I was wrong. Luckily we did bring their suits. I got wet walking with them in the water. I got hit by a couple of strong waves. After a bit we came back to our spot on the beach and I was hoping to get a nap. We ended up digging in the sand. :-)

On Friday we had some things to get in town so off to Hayward we went. Before leaving we looked for the cache that Todd had put in the State Park. Elizabeth found it right away. She was very excited. Ella was a little crabby that morning and for part of the trek into the woods Ella and I were in the car. She got bored and we caught up to Todd and Elizabeth. From there we went to Haywood and did some shopping. On the way to town we saw a baby bear cub crossing the road as well as a couple of deer. After running errands, we raced each other on go carts at go cart race course in town. And don't believe Todd... Elizabeth and I beat him and Ella. He will say they had to stop to let us catch up but that was my plan all along. :-) They also have a great candy store in Haywood and of course we stopped and bought. Again Ella was having a tough time so she almost didn't get to have candy. Poor thing was not napping well. Todd bought some corn and cabbage to add to the BBQ Burgers he was making for supper. Ella fell asleep on the way back (so did I). She stayed asleep when we got back so off to bed she went. She took a two hour nap - she really needed it. Elizabeth went swimming with Todd. I stayed in the cabin with Ella.

Saturday we hung out at the cabin and played in the water and had a great time. Elizabeth was jumping off the end of the dock with and without her life jacket. And it didn't take Ella long before she was comfortable in the water again. It was windy so we didn't stay out long. We then took the girls to the VFW down the road for BBQ chicken, corn on the cob and a softball tourney. It rained just a tiny bit. We also went to another park to try to fly the kite. The weather changed and the wind stopped. Todd made rib eye steaks that night...mmmmm good.

Sunday was packing and some swimming as well as Ice Cream making. The pictures below are the girls playing in the dirt while Todd was making ice cream with his electric ice cream maker. They had a blast. Ella sure was dirty. The girls spent alot of time this weekend finding rocks. We still have a couple in the car on the floor in the back seat. The ice cream was very good.





We then headed down to the lake for some more swimming. On Saturday Elizabeth and Ella talked Todd into setting up the minnow cage in the water and on Sunday there were 3 minnows in it. We set them free after each girl got to hold one.


What sweet sisters my girls are becoming. They had a blast in the lake together. Elizabeth was singing Ring around the Rosey and Ella was loving every minute. The smiles were great. I couldn't help thinking of my Mom and wishing she was still with us. Sunday marked the 40th year since my Mom died and it was bittersweet for a little bit on the lake. Todd was working on the boat and I was sitting on the dock watching my girls play. I know my Mom was watching too.

Poor Elizabeth had to go to the bathroom so I tried taking a picture of her coming back down the stairs but missed her. So here is a picture of the cabin from the lake. I think its 89 stairs.

Ella was getting very comfy in the water and was very proud of herself - as she should be. I was proud too and loved watching her gain water confidence.

Elizabeth was jumping off the end of the dock tons of times. Here she is right before landing.

Thanks Todd for having us out there and thanks to your Mom and Dad for letting us come and invade the place.