After a Golden Birthday, There is a Winter Cottage Visit

Friday

Scott's birthday means cottage weekend. This time we were prepared ahead of time. We brought all our groceries knowing we would get here late. Then we went to bed right away in the 40 degree house. 

The next morning the deer were excited to see people. I noticed two of the little ones were a little on the chubby side. Sorry Dad, but you need to stop feeding the deer.

Your mom claims they are pregnant. They seem too small for that to be true.

Of course the first thing Meadow wanted to do in the moring was puzzle.

Meanwhile, I prepped egg waffles.

With our Christmas money this year we finally got ourselves some skis. I hadn't cross country skied in a long time and this was Scott's first time. We were too embarrassed to test it out in public, plus there isn't much snow left at home. On the lake it is.

I tried a few trips back and forth down the driveway. Meadow had her little skis on for less than ten minutes.

Meadow kited while we skied around her.

I thought I was getting better, but my thighs were killing me. When we got home from the cottage I watched some instructional videos. Turns out your supposed to kick like a soccer ball and not like a mule. Next time we ski I'll have to try it out again.

It's a workout. I enjoyed it, Scott's not so sure.

See above. I think it'll be better once I get the motion down.

After helping her in the beginning, Meadow took over on the puzzle. I guess she can graduate to a 200 piece puzzles.

For dinner we had hot and crunchy chicken cones. You should make it. Except we suggest replacing the corn flakes with Rice Krispies. 

After dinner I made Scott's birthday cake. This year I made him Butterfinger Cake as Butterfingers are his favorite candy.

Saturday

Puzzle, puzzle all day long. And eat crepes.

So, when we arrived I let the house heat up before turning on the well pump. I didn't turn on the water heater until the morning. Except I missed one step. I never closed the drain valves for both. I fried one of the heating elements.

In the morning I told him to turn the water on. He said he did in the middle of the night. I thought it was odd because the faucets hadn't been turned on. Looks like he forgot some steps.

We went into to town to try to get our skis waxed and to pick up a new heating element.

When we got back it was time for birthday cake.

Brooke insisted on putting in 31 candles. I just wanted to eat my cake without a bunch of holes in the frosting.

We didn't eat too much wax and the cake was really good.

Oh yea while we were sleeping my parents showed up.

At this point they'd been around all day.

My mom even came to town with us.

Back to more skiing. Today I feel less tired and sore, I thought I was getting the hang of it.

Not so much for me.

Meadow went on a few snowmobile rides while we skied.

I might not be good, but I sure look cool.

Snowball fight!

We hitched a ride too.

Hello!

I thought Meadow would want to try a grown up puzzle with me. She got bored quickly and I became addicted.

We ate juicy lucys and oven fries after we peeled Brooke away from the puzzle.

Meadow just wanted to eat the bun.

My mom got to open her Northwoods NYE Santa gifts before we headed out.

My parents haven't seen Meadow's ice skating skills yet. We headed to the rink in Eagle River. 

The park workers aren't as on top as things as they are in the city. We brought our own shovels to clear the rink.

Grandma patiently waited.

Meadow needs to teach her to skate.

Meadow would pick up big snow balls and skate them across the rink to throw at us. Until she fell.

She's getting better and better. Her balance is great and she is falling less.

This place would've been magical if the rink was in better shape.

Or in color.

Sunday

Before we headed home my dad came with us to the Tara Lila Trail between Three Lakes and Eagle River for snowshoeing. 

The trails are branched from the Three Eagle Bike Trail.

It was a nice day for snowshoeing. I wish we had this much snow at home.

We even found a wild peace sign.

Wish we'd have gotten more snowshoeing in this winter. There's always next year.

We had to eat ate up the cake before making the trek home.

So long cottage. At least for a few months.