A Rainy Eagle River Cranberry Fest

We had two open houses scheduled for the weekend, so why not stay out of the way by escaping to the cottage.

We've went to the cottage a lot fewer times this year. So, why not.

We arrived late Friday night. My parents, Brittany and Marina were already there.

Apple pancakes for breakfast.

This weekend was also Cranberry Fest. The forecast had rain all day. Scott and my dad thought we were crazy for wanting to still go. Our family came prepared with rain boots and rain coats.

Brooke also found a giant golf umbrella, which made things not so horrible.

Last time we came all we did was see the crafts. This year we planned to make the extra effort to actually get cranberry related items. First the bakery tent.


Yes, cranberry donuts and cookies are awesome. Next time I'll have to get the cheesecake.

We got separated like five times when we first arrived. Finally we caught up with Mr. Mike and the crew.

Meadow was still savoring her cake donut long after we finished our sweets.

While G.G. picked out a billion soaps the girls a learned a bit about cranberry farming.

We figured Gail would be a while, so we went ahead and ate our lunch. Meadow stuck with her grandparents. She probably hoped she'd get some sort of present.

I got a cranberry meatball sandwich with hot crabapple cider and Scott ordered a cranberry brat.

 

The rain slowed down for awhile. We checked out the wind spinners. My mom spent a good half hour deciding which one to get, then happened upon her cousin. I really liked the colored one.

We both wanted these. They were the best find of the fair and G.G. and Mr. Mike found one that better fit their taste.

This was about the time that we were getting sick of looking at crafts.

Brittany and Marina had already went ahead and looked at everything already.

Meadow found kid aprons that had pockets for markers.

Not a bad idea, actually.

I decided to get a second donut. I got powdered sugar all over my clothing in the process.

Despite the rain a lot of people still came down.

We even managed to get some cranberry beers this year.

Having good family conversation.

Back at the cottage Brittany made us pie from the cranberries she picked up at the fest along with recently picked apples.

I made chicken and wild rice soup. For some reason the recipe included mushrooms, but it turned out pretty good.

Scott whined the whole time.

Brittany and my parents had stopped at a pumpkin farm on the way up. My dad had the girls draw faces on the pumpkin and he carved whatever they drew.

Meadow even gutted her own pumpkin.

With a spoon it was "too yucky" to touch with her hands.

I sat cozily by the fire fixing a knitted blanket I made for my mom years ago.

I really want a similar one.

Both of the girls didn't want to touch the guts.

 She did a pretty good job with a big spoon.

The warty pumpkin turned out to be much harder to carve.

Meadow's pumpkin!

They both turned out great!

Pie and ice cream before bed. Probably not the best idea.

The next morning we had cranberry cinnamon roll and apple kringle with breakfast.

Luckily I made my hash to offset all the sweets lately.

We were super sweeted out at this point.

It was finally nice enough to get down by the lake.

The rain had finally stopped.

I haven't gotten in nearly as much fishing as I would've liked this year.

My dad brought the boat out for a quick ride to the dam.

I don't think we'd ever gone with Meadow this far.

I hadn't been here in years.

The water is a little crazy this year.

Indeed. This is usually much calmer. 

After our boat ride we packed up and headed home. See you in a couple weeks.