SNIPS & SNAILS & PUPPY DOG TALES: Up North

It's hard to believe that it's already been a week since we were "Up North" (For anyone not familiar with the term, "Up North" refers to anywhere in Minnesota north of the Twin Cities... most often implying the Brainerd area). We spent a week at a cabin with my parents and had probably one of the most memorable vacations yet. It was such a perfect week... the weather was sunny & mid-80s; our cabin was situated right between two playgrounds, the lake and the pool; the boys were on their best behavior (most of the time) and we got to spend a ton of time just hanging out with each other, Nanny & Bapa, family and friends.

On our way to the cabin, we stopped to visit our friends, Julie & Mark in Sartell. It's so fun to see them and catch up. We always pick right up where we left off... they are such good friends. They're Jack's Godparents & he has a special bond with them. It wasn't long before he & Mark were wrestling on the floor and laughing like crazy. They're expecting their first baby in February- we're so excited for them! We wished we could have stayed and played longer, but we had to keep moving on to more fun.

This was our fourth annual summer trip in MN with my parents, but our first year visiting Kavanaugh's. We got there, settled in and went out for pizza. Jack missed his nap, so it was early to bed for the boys & cards on the patio for the rest of us.

Our annual picture at Rafferty's pizza... Jack was super cooperative, as you can tell (& Will is barely visible next to Nick:)).

Monday was a fun, busy day. Jack got his first fishing pole from Bapa, so we had to go down to the dock to try it out. He had the "practice fish" on the end, so didn't actually catch anything, but he loved being right next to the big guys- for about 10 minutes until his attention turned to the paddleboats and going out on the "big boat.". That afternoon, we took Will for his first swim and tried out Jack's suit with the floaties. He loved the fact that he was "swimming" and didn't want to get out of the pool.

Bapa, Jack & the Diego rod; Nanny, Jack & Mommy paddling along; Jack & Daddy driving the boat

Will chillin' in the pool and Jack splashing in his new suit

Tuesday was girls' day. After we realized we never really got to get out by ourselves the last two years, we insisted on a day out- hitting all the cute shops in Nisswa. We ended up shopping mostly for the boys, of course. After dinner, we came back and hit the pool again- Jack couldn't get enough of the water.

Wednesday was the only day that we had lots of clouds and some sprinkles in the morning. The big boys went golfing with my Uncle Bob and the girls and little boys hung out with my Aunt Nicky. Jack made new friends at the playground and let all of the older girls boss him around. I even managed to fit in a "run." I'm not sure what I was thinking, as I don't run, but it actually felt kind of good. I doubt you'll hear me say that again, as I don't really plan on making a habit of running. It was so fun to spend time with my aunt & uncle. They live "Up North" now, so we don't get to see them nearly enough. I'm pretty sure that this was the day Jack said, "I love vacation."

Jack & his "forewoman" building sandcastles; Will checking out Uncle Bob's beard; Jack & daddy snacking on Jack's first s'more (yes- made on a Weber:))

Thursday was the day that Jack wanted to "catch a big one." Jack, Nick, Bapa and I headed out on the lake to see if we could accomplish this goal. I learned how to drive the boat so the guys could concentrate on the fish. Jack would help determine where we stopped when he saw fish on the fish finder. Unfortunately, one little sunny and a missing fishing lure later, we had to head back in. No "big one" today. I didn't even get a picture of our catch & release... After naps, we visited our family friend, Trish, at their newly-remodeled "Up North" house... it's not so much of a cabin:) That night, my Aunt Val, Uncle Gary , cousins Lance & Darren and Darren's girlfriend, Claudia joined us at Kavanaugh's. This was our second annual Anderson/Ehlers/Andersen trip.

Our traveling companions, the "-on's"- Lance, Aunt Val, Uncle Gary, Darren & Claudia

Friday was another day on the lake. Between boating and playing at the beach, we spent most of the day around the water. We even went out to dinner at Bar Harbor, on Gull Lake. There was a one-man-band during dinner and Jack just wanted to sit and listen to him in the bar. I think he was this guy's first groupie.

Saturday morning, the guys fit in another round of golf with Jim & Kent, while Nanny, the boys and I hung out with Trish & Kaki. I always start mourning the end of a trip before it's actually over and my end-of-vacation blues kicked in on Saturday. We went out on the boat a few times, played at the beach and just hung out. We heard an ice cream truck during dinner and let Jack go buy a treat. We don't have ice cream trucks here, so it was a totally new experience. Of course, there was no more spaghetti... only bubble gum ice cream. Oh well... it's vacation. Saturday night, Nick and I took the boat out for one more ride. I don't think I have ever seen so many stars in my life. We were the only boat on the lake, so we stopped in the middle and just stared in awe at the sky. It was gorgeous!

Jack & one of his new beach toys; Jack & Nanny took the kayak out for a spin; even Will & I got in on the beach action

Sunday was our last day. We spent most of the morning packing and getting ready to go back to the Cities. Jack summed it up best when he asked Nick, "Daddy, can we come back next year? To the Cabin?"