Finally, At the Cottage

We finally made a trip to the cottage. Normally we stop to eat somewhere on the way. Instead we packed food and had a picnic instead.

We usually stop in Ladysmith, but decided to try this park in Bruce.

We'd always wanted to stop. No better time than during a pandemic, I suppose.

After we ate we let the kids play on the playground.

Couldn't ask for much more out of a playground.

We arrived just as the sun was setting. As soon as we stepped out of the car and smelled the woods it felt good to be out of our little condo.

Nearly six months is way too long to be away from the cottage. If everyone was simply cognizant that visiting their cottages should mean that they stay out of bars and grocery stores, this wouldn't have been necessary. We brought our groceries along and stuck to the lakes and our land.

The next day called for rain. Meadow and I woke up "early" and headed for the water right away.

Theo and I came out to see the ladies already swimming. Well, Theo burrowed his face into my shoulder. He wasn't quite awake.

It was also too bright for him.

Ah, lake life.

We had our breakfast outside.

Theo ate in his diaper. He was ready to be one with nature.

Dog Lake and the Three Lakes-Eagle River Chain never looked better.

Theo and I tried fishing during the afternoon. Never have much luck midday. 

The rain held off and we spent the whole day outside.

Someone bought the land two doors down and cleared out some trees. I love how tiny our place is and hidden by all the trees. 

Then my parents arrived. We haven't seen them since the last time we were up over New Years.

Mr. Mike said I had to drive the boat. With a lift, we can just go for a boat ride whenever we like.

Scott has never been allowed to drive, this was a big moment. 

We made our way across the chain. The clouds were looking pretty ominous.

Then the rain finally showed up.

My dad's birthday was a few days ago. We picked him up a bottle of Tattersall Old Fashioned.

We never have all the ingredients for Old Fashioneds. It was definitely better than the mixes you buy at the supermarket. But it was whiskey based if you're a brandy old fashioned drinker.

We also got fish fry takeout from Black Forest. I was glad to see the server that brought our food wearing a mask.

We are not going back inside the bars and restaurants until Covid is under control. Curbside pickup was a great way to support the local restaurants during this strange time.

After eating fish and a brief drizzle we went out for some sunset fishing.

I had luck catching some sunnies.

The sunset this night was off the charts.

And the steam from the recent rainfall was on point. 

You can see a boat crossing Deer Lake and approaching Dog with lakes as far as the eye (or should I say drone) can see.

My mom has missed Scott's cooking and requested crepes for breakfast.

Of course I obliged.

Today it actually rained as forecasted.

Not just a short shower or sprinkles.

I'm glad I packed the kids rainsuits.

The kids were happy and dry.

This boy was made for puddles.

Then we went back inside and spent much of the day on the screen porch.

Oh, oh. G.G. let them use her tablet.

While Theo napped, Meadow and explored the other side of the woods.

Meadow was too scared by the spiders to go inside the treehouse. Suddenly she is afraid of all insects and arachnids. 

Theo too. It's like these kids have never been outside.

I guess my parents also missed my baking and requested a chocolate layer cake to celebrate my dad's belated birthday.

That's my gal.

I added strawberries since we had some.

I made my famous pizza per the last request.

Since Meadow has a birthday coming up too they both got a candle.

Chocolate cake and old fashioned.

Just cake for Theo.

We missed a few birthdays over the last few months so presents were exchanged. I also gave my dad his fathers day gift early. A 3-n-1 water bottle that's also a can and bottle cozy. 

Theo got more Picasso Tiles. I got a new USB hair straightener and cloth bowl covers.

After dinner, cake and presents the kids, grandpa and I went fishing.

We were catching sunnies and tiny perch left and right.

Meadow loves fishing when she's catching.

The weather was perfect the next morning. as it always is on the day you leave.

Theo loves boat rides.

So, we went on another one.

Kid loves that he can run around the pontoon.

We stopped at a campsite to swim but the bugs were really bad.

Back on the boat with my little buddy.

Theo loves the wind in his curls.

He's like a little dog sticking their head out the figurative window.

I had brought stuff to make spaghetti and meatballs. So, we had a final meal before heading home.

We were on our way after Mr. Mike opened another present.

My dad wrapped up Theo as we headed home.