Aaaand we're back! The big family vacation for 2016 has now come and gone. Our pilgrimage to the Lake House was a LOT of fun. We discovered some new things, and found comfort in the familiar. We swam, we sunned, we enjoyed great company, wonderful food, and time together. Take a look:
On our first days we had some stellar weather, which led to lots of beach time. Thank you again to Letty for being such a gracious host.
Grandma had a great time at the beach, and playing with her namesake Little Letty Bean. Bean was a real trooper on this trip. She did about as well as a 7 month old could be expected to do. She also handled the change in routine like a champ. I think she would say that the trip was worth the trouble - she sure seemed to enjoy watching everyone playing in the water, and even getting some splashing done herself.
Morning swims are the ONLY way to greet the day. Our house faces the East, and so the sun greets us early every day, reminding us to get up, get out, and have fun!
Forrest continued his tradition of building Dino Depots. His nostalgia over the green Sinclair (tm) Dino makes me chuckle. He gets it second hand from my nostalgia of the Dino, courtesy of my Grandfather's nostalgia of the Dino.
One of our best discoveries this trip was Duluth MN! For those who saw my posts from June, you may recall that Forrest and I went to Canal Park before picking up my sister Sarah from the airport. While there, I had noticed that Canal Park had a few local eateries, shops, and curiosities. It has long been a tradition that on sub-par weather days our family has trekked over to Hayward WI. And don't get me wrong, Hayward is a great town. Tremblays is hard to top. But for the past few years Hayward has always been so crowded as to be somewhat less than enjoyable.
Duluth on the other hand was gorgeous. We went on a sunny but cooler morning (forecast in the mid 60's). When we arrived it was 65 F, and before an hour was up it was 72 F. We shed our jackets and sweatshirts and hiked around the Canal Park district. This place was amazing! Not only does Duluth boast larger and more numerous small shops than Hayward, but it also has some awesome restaurants. We went to Grandma's Restaurant, and made a stop at the Amazing Grace Bakery. They also had a Vietnamese joint, several Italian spots, and even a Sushi bar!
All of this, with views of the largest body of fresh water in the world - lighthouse included. I can't say enough to my family, skip Hayward. Take an extra 15 minutes in the car and head to Duluth. Stop at Amnicon on your way home.
We got to spend some time with my sister Betsy, her friend Renee, and her daughter Ava. Forrest found a fast friend in Ava, and they had a lot of fun together. Above you see them departing for their "Safari" to the channel that connects the lake we spent our time on with a neighboring lake. They saw Lions, Tigers, Bears, Foxes, and of course, Snakes! (disclaimer, they saw none of these things).
Forrest got the hang of swimming in his life jacket thanks to some encouragement and teaching from his big cousin. Thanks Ava!
Bean and I took a more "R&R" approach to our fun :D
Forrest had been practicing burying my feet in the sand. BONUS: when I remove my feet it makes for a really handy Stegosaurus cave.
Here The Kid can be seen braving it off of our dock on Whitefish. We don't have a beach exactly, but that doesn't mean I can't create our little slice of paradise with a few towels and a beach chair.
Father/Son selfie!
And of course, our summer tradition, the Departure Photo. Grandma has a bench out front where we gather for a picture of the crew with the Grandparents. This year was bittersweet. Grandpa's absence was palpable. This picture, for as many years as we have been doing it, included him, but not this year. But, we must first count or blessings. The trip was wonderful and the chance to visit with Grandma is priceless. Grandpa would have wanted it that way!
