Lovin the Lake!

I feel truly blessed to not only be able to spend my summers with the kids, but to share part of my childhood with them.  The cottage has been a part of my life since I was 3-years-old.  Every summer we packed up as a family and headed north.  In the early years (before seat belt laws and booster seats) we only took one car, our full size green van.  My parents packed that van with every possible essential leaving just enough room for me to sit on a cooler between the front two seats.  I didn't mind too much because it was a tradition to see who could catch site of the Big Mac bridge first and with a front row seat, I had an edge up on my big brother.  We spent our summers swimming in the lake, taking boat rides, building tree forts in the woods, baking pies with Grandma, picking berries with our aunts, and walking the endless paths all around the lake.  Sure there were times during my teenage years that I didn't want to leave my friends at home.  But as I grew into an adult, I realized the true magic that is part of our little cottage.  Now with my mom gone, it also holds a piece of her.  Both Russell and Sloane have memories with Grammy at the cottage.  Sloane's favorite memory to tell is going to the laundry mat because Grammy let her put all the quarters in the machines.  It's true what they say...  It's the little things that count.  I type this with tears on my cheeks.  I spend 11 months waiting and dreaming of my time on the lake.  To many, one month in the U.P. seems like an eternity.  But to me, it's Heaven on Earth!   

Lounging in her daily wardrobe of bathing suit and goggles.

Cowboy Russell keeping the lake protected.

All set for a Sea Doo ride!  One speed...  FAST!

The last few days, Russell became quite good at snorkeling.

Ice cream break at the Moose!

Mother/daughter Mani/Pedis on the dock.

Driving lesson from Papa.

Time to fight the waves!

After some heavy rain and winds, we had to go rescue the dock.

Sunset swimming get two thumbs up!

Campfires and SMORES!!!  Yum!!!

Cuddle time inside.

Cozy in the cottage.

A power outage isn't a bad thing here.  It means GAME TIME!

Hangin out in the loft.

Homework in the morning so we can play ALL afternoon!

Lots and LOTS of boating time.

It rained ALL day on our last day.  At dinner, I said "It doesn't look like I will get my last sunset."  And then BAM!!!  I got it!!!  Thanks Mom!

So Much to do at the Soo!

On another cool day, the kids and I decided to hit the road for another adventure.  This time we headed east towards Sault Ste Marie.  We had so much fun exploring the town and watching ships go through the Soo Locks that we decided to grab a hotel room and stay for a 2nd day!  With no bags packed, we ran into the local KMart and purchased some necessities on clearance and made our way to the Soo Locks Lodge.  (Have I mentioned how I love the spontaneity of summer?)  We had a blast swimming in the pool and staying up way too LATE!  The next day we had a few more adventures in the Soo before heading back to the cottage.  On our way back we took a short detour to visit Point Iroquois Lighthouse.  One word...  Amazing!

Watching a ship approach the Soo Locks

At the top of the viewing station watching as the ship lowers and exits the Locks

Enjoying Valley Camp - this is a retired freighter that  has been transformed into an awesome museum!  Here the kids are in front of a life boat from the Edmund Fitzgerald. 

So much information at Valley Camp.  Russell kept repeating, "I'm so glad you brought me here.  This is great.  Thanks Mom."

Checking out another exhibit at Valley Camp

Here the kids are checking out another exhibit at Valley Camp that shows a map of the U.P.  The kids wanted to find all the places we've been to.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse.  I couldn't fit the entire house in the picture.  It's quite large.  In the 1950's, three families lived here as well as a teacher who taught their 8 children.  We were able to tour the museum that is now inside and climb to the top of the tower.

The kids and I climbed the narrow, twisty steps all the way to the top.  If you look close, you will see the freighter passing by in Lake Superior.

This Lake Superior beach is considered a historic site since it is part of Point Iroquois.  The history behind the name comes from the 1800's when Iroquois Indians traveled by canoe and foot from New York in hopes of taking over this land from of the Ojibwa tribe.  The Ojibwas carefully watched and planned their attach as the Iroquois landed at this point.  The Iroquois were slaughtered and never again attempted to take over this area.  It was prime land for fur trading.

A Day of Adventures

After 3 hot and beautiful weeks on the lake, we finally had some cooler days move in.  We always save these days for adventures.  This year we chose to head west towards Manistique.  We visited Kitchitikipi (or Big Springs) where we road an open bottom raft across the springs watching hundreds of the largest lake trout I've ever seen.  We then traveled further on to Fayette State Historic Park where we learned about a ghost town that originated in the 1800's as an iron working community.  Needless to say, Russell was thrilled about learning and viewing more history!  This is one of the reasons I love summer with the kids.  Watching them experience new things is a thrill for me.

We stopped for lunch at a restaurant that had tepees on their lawn.

Entering Kitchitipi - Awesome prayer!

On the raft checking out the fish below.

Entering Fayette Historic Park

Peeking in the windows of the old hotel.

Sloane's favorite building - the school house.

Russell pretending to be the Superintendent of Fayette

Walking along Lake Michigan at Fayette Historic Park

4th of July Fun

We were so blessed this year with family and friends to celebrate Independence Day!  I think we ended up with 24 people hanging out for the weekend at the cottage.  And...  if you've seen our cottage, you're probably wondering where everyone was!  Let's just say, we were creative!  Just like my mom loved the 4th of July, so do I!!!  I enjoyed every crazy minute!  One of the best parts for Aron and I was having our good friends Steve, Heidi, and their children join us for the long weekend.  Our kids get along wonderfully.  Russell loves being "in charge" as the oldest.  So many wonderful moments.

4th of July parade.  These kids were some serious candy grabbers!

Cute girls!

Back at the lake and ready for a WATER FIGHT!!!

Making mud pies on the dock.

Backyard football game.  Uncle Keith coaching his team.

Swing and suckers.

Besties!!!  I love this girl!

Getting ready for fireworks.  Russell with his pet salamander (Russell Junior).

Let the show begin!!!

Mackinaw City

Our first trip as we headed north for July was an overnight visit to Mackinaw City.  Both kids love walking around downtown and visiting all of the touristy gift shops.  They usually walk away with some type of trinket followed by a visit to an ice cream shop.  Our favorite place to visit, however is the fort.  Russell walked around like he was one of the tour guides.  He remembered almost everything he learned a year ago during our first visit there.   

Soldier Russell

Our pioneer family.

I love this view as you walk to the fort.

Sloane chose a white kitten (Crystal) and Russell chose a captain's hat from the local gift shops.