Canal Park in Duluth, Minnesota

The Aerial Lift Bridge

We watched the temperature drop a degree a mile as we drove closer to Duluth!  The final temp was 61 degrees with a cool wind coming off Lake Superior.  I breathed deeply as we got out of the van.  It was just as I remembered...even though the whole area is built up now.  There is still a quaintness about it.

The kids were mesmerized by the rocks...and all the seagulls!

We got the see the bridge go up for the charter fishing boats and then later for some sailboats.  We missed a ship going out between 6 and 8 pm.  I want to go up again!  It is in my blood.

I entertained myself by taking pictures and dodging the seagulls that hovered above us!  Or as Grampy calls them "beach chickens".

We went through the museum and then found a park.  We ate a birthday supper at Culvers in Superior.

A "Happy Birthday, Teddy" was had by all!

The sights and smells and sounds at the lake...

My heart is sad that this part of our family history couldn't be kept intact.  We lost a special place when this was sold.  The times spent here are forever etched in my memory...and I am thankful.  There is still a desire to be able to pass those simpler times on to our children.  We get caught up in the rush and cares of life.  We place emphasis on the wrong things in life.  The times at the lake were full of special times spent with family.  Those memories came rushing back as we parked the van and opened the doors...the smell of the pine trees and lake.  It was as if I stepped back in time.  So many places around the cabin had changed and been updated...but the cabin was still somewhat the same!  I saw us tripping down to the lake and out on the dock.  I saw the same trees where we had made little fairy houses.  I remembered balancing on the steps while Gram dried our feet after washing the sand off in the white enamel bowl.  I heard the bell clanging. 

We slowed down at the lake and enjoyed the simple things.  To some people, that isn't an acceptable vacation...too simple.  And I say...how much you have missed.  Bigger is not better...ask your children! 

As I watched our children on this trip, I was reminded that people are more important than things and our agendas in life.  We have such a short time with them.  In my sadness, I still have the memories and I am grateful.  I had the opportunity to share this with my family...and it made my heart happy.  In the short time we were there...they were able to appreciate this part of history. 

It doesn't matter where we are...or what we have...memories can be made anywhere with those we love. 

   What wonderful memories!  Thanks, Grampy and Grammy, for making sure we drove up this way!

Saturday's To Do List

Wish a special little boy a very Happy Birthday!

Spend more time with friends...laughing!

Open fun and useful presents...like a whoopie cushion, cash, sprinkler, and high-powered water gun!

Take time for an adventure to Lake Nebagamon, Superior, and Duluth in the van all together!

Eat rocks, spice drops, and listen to Daddy crack his gum...

and listen to kids in the back seat ask, "How much farther?"  The distance? An hour...or hour and a half!

Pine trees as far as the eye can see!  "Sit back and relax!"  And get ready...for a trip down memory lane for Mommy!

Friday's To Do List

Take a ride into Chetek for a garage sale, tour through Camp Chetek, throw rocks, walk through a couple shops, and stop at a sale for Amish baked goods. 

Plant a garden with Grammy and Grampy...it was a family affair!

"Son, only water the potatoes, onions, and rows we planted.  If you water people...you are done!" instructed Daddy.  He thoroughly soaked the garden...and nothing else!

Visit with Grant and Margaret...laughter is really good for the soul!

Take some more time to shoot the bb gun.

Fun...good food...lively fellowship...fall into bed exhausted and get ready for another fun day!

A good way to end a good day...supper around the fire.

Thursday's To Do List

Travel to Hillsdale:  arrive at 12:45pm, surprise Mom and Dad, unpack, explore, go over to church and lend a hand, help re-till the garden, play, explore...

Ted was such a great help to Dad!

Teddy made friends with the neighbor boys!  They had so much fun together all weekend.

Ted took a go around with the tiller too.

Mom salvaged an old wheelbarrow to plant some more flowers.

This little guy was having so much fun jumping in the puddle!  He made me laugh.

The weather was beautiful!  It was hot during the day, but cooled off each night.  The humidity was very low too.  God answered our prayers for good weather!  There is no air conditioning...but the house stays pleasant enough with the gentle breezes.

Taking some time out...in the country...was just what we needed!

Papa had the kids promise not to ask, "Are we there yet?" when we left last Thursday morning.  If I remember correctly, they didn't!  We were excited and there was much to see.

Traveling from Chetek to Hillsdale, we were on the look out for buggies on the road.  We also saw how they take care of the long grass in the ditches!

This is the schoolhouse for the Amish children in the area.  Looks as if they are out for the summer too!

A man plowing his field "the old-fashioned way".

Grammy had dresses from a family in the church for the girls.  Alisa was thrilled!  She put it on immediately and wore it off and on for the first two days.

We had a wonderful time and I have lots of pictures to prove it! 

Thank you to Grammy and Grampy for allowing us to stay with you, plant with you, eat your food, laugh with you, sleep in your beds, share with you, do some projects, talk with you, play with you, travel with you...

JUST BE WITH YOU! 

It is exactly what we needed!