Let's Go to the Cottage, So I Can Take the Kids to Michigan

I needed to go to Michigan to visit my mom, my sister and her family. I could've just driven through Chicago, but I decided we could drive to the cottage first.

My parents surprised us by coming up north the same time we did. I wasn't expecting them for another day. I requested Paul Bunyan for breakfast. We missed out last year so it was due time we go again.

And, well, that's what we did. It was the perfect start to a chilly and rainy day up north.

I was a bit disappointed that we showed up too late for the kielbasa.

Oh the gift shop.

There were all these Trump trinkets both supporting and mocking him. Is it weird that even though I loathe the guy, this was offensive to me?

It was a rainy day. A perfect day to spend in downtown Minocqua at our favorite antique store.

And the 5 and dime.

Theo was too antsy in the store and needed a diaper change.

Next we headed over to Minocqua Brewing Company.

Theo liked the fancy cottage living room vibe.

Meadow played with all of her new knickknacks.

Fancy lady.

Theo, if you haven't figured it out, is a mama and papa's boy. He takes a while warming up.

Scott picked out a new shirt and beer at our last stop.

Trig's FTW.

As it was fathers day weekend, Dad got to open a gift early. A rolled omelet pan.

The next morning I tried my hand at some dock fishing without much luck.

So, I decided to fix the broken mirror and power socket on our Honda.

Meanwhile I worked on a project for work.

Before going on a boat ride I noticed a dragonfly hatching. I always see their shells around, but have never seen one come out.

We all crowded around the little guy as it emerged.

Then it was boat ride time.

Snackman.

He probably hadn't eaten anything since breakfast.

Brooke, Meadow, Theo and I all sat up front in the fishing boat.

This is one time you won't see G.G. on a tablet.

Theo's already an old pro.

Dad wanted to see the Chapel in the Pines from the lake. We thought we could get there through this narrow channel, but it was a dead end.

It turns out this was almost a private canal.

We had to head back so we could meet with Chelsea, Dan and the boys for dinner at their campground.

Chelsea was camping nearby in the Nicolet National Forest and invited us all over for dinner.

Theo was happy sitting next to me.

He hand't seen his weirdo cousins for a while.

The mosquitos love Harvey.

Poor kid.

The campsite had their own access to the lake.

Butternut Lake Campground if you were wondering. We hiked here years back.

Dan grilled for everyone. Since it was Father's Day weekend, shouldn't have the ladies been cooking?

I brought potato salad and dessert.

Harvey didn't mind being swung in their hammock like a wild man.

Hey, I do exist.

The kids decided that the camper was the best place to avoid the bugs and wreak havoc.

Chelsea has a new dog who Theo wasn't so sure about.

Chelsea made some s'more concoction where you put chocolate, marshmallows and graham cracker crumbs in a a banana and then cook it over a fire. 

After a nice sunset we went back to the cottage.

Happy Father's Day. I got dad a wooden pistachio bowl.

Notice that Brooke didn't get me anything except two beautiful children.

Meadow had to check out he water to see if it was worthy of fishing.

Teaching Theo to fish.

Meadow was watering the plants and the deck when we saw three families of geese scoot by.

Somehow we talked Meadow into fishing with us for Father's Day. It was so sweet of her.

She somehow didn't catch anything on her pole, but she helped Grandpa Mike reel in a few perch and bluegill.

She seemed more excited when she caught a lily pad.

Mr. Mike was having all the luck, but I got in on the action too.

We had to cut our fishing trip short, since Meadow, Theo and I had to go on the next leg of our week long adventure.