Mr. Mike's 70th Birthday Weekend at the Cottage

Scott's shoot got cancelled so we decided to take another trip to the cottage.

 We stopped for pizza again on the way, this time at Stone Oven Pizzeria in Cameron.

We've always wanted to stop by. We went with the thin crust, which was good enough, but next we'll have to get their thick cut slices.

When we arrived we were surprised to find that my dad had started on the upstairs addition. I wasn't convinced that his makeshift walls were going to keep animals out. 

As far as we know they never did.

Meadow always be crafting.

I love watching my dad work. I just can't understand how his brain works and how he knows what to do.

He's a genius of real world geometry. I can fix things around the house, but building a whole addition? No way.

I might have sneaked a couple of pics from openings along the roof.

This space ended up being way bigger than I thought it would. Who knew just raising the roof line could create so much extra space?

It'll be nice having another room to chill in when the cottage is packed.

Meadow and I went into town to check out the bookstore. I found some books I liked. 

Loop hikes are the best.

I regret not buying this. Next time. 

We told my dad we would take him out for dinner for his birthday. His pick on where to go.

He picked Eagle Waters just east of Eagle River.

I don't think I've been here since Mother's Day 1995.

I can't say I've ever been here. 

They had a fish fry buffet, which Mike and I couldn't pass up. It wasn't great, but it also wasn't bad. Not a ringing endorsement from Mike and I.

Mom telling me about everything she's reading on Facebook.

Poor Mike.

Can you tell they're related?

Theo was excited for grandpa's birthday dinner.

We sneaked around to check out all the nooks and crannies.

We drove over to the old Twelve Pines to see what happened with it. Really? They turned it into an Airbnb?

This place had the best fish fry. A shame.

Back when it was a bar and not a living room. Sigh. 

The birthday celebrations weren't over yet.

We stopped by the Brew Station for some board games and beer.

Gail decided to play solitaire. Typical G.G.

The kids started playing Sorry while we were ordering drinks. 

Happy 70th, Mr. Mike!

Despite the rain more work was done on the upstairs.

Is summer ever going to come?

What are you talking about? This is perfect weather.

I got the kids to explore the wetlands with me. This is my favorite place in the cottage woods.

70 years old and still climbing roofs. 

Meadow and I got to work on my dad's birthday cake. Marble cake requested by the birthday boy.

For some reason Meadow only used half the frosting. Not sure why Brooke didn't have her put on the rest.

I think we underestimated how much to make. 

Chelsea was camping in the Nicolet National Forest with her in-laws and invited us over for dinner.

Again, national forest campgrounds are the best. 

Harvey and Nolan actually being helpful? Crazy talk.

Baby Violin sure is growing up fast.

Viola was living her best forest camping life.

I guess it's the year of numbered birthday balloons.

Not sure what Mike is doing.

He's making a 70 with his hands. 

Mid-June and we're getting an early helping of shrimp boil? Nice.

Dinner's served. Thanks Dan.

This is such a Gostisha move.

We snuck away a bit for gifts and cake.

A new popcorn maker and chip clips. 

Gail was thankful we weren't getting one of those stupid griddle grills. Oh, but we were.

Look at that guy. Doesn't look a day over 70.

The kids thought twilight was the best time to go for a swim in their clothes.

Should've brought the swim suits, I guess.

It's fun to see Theo interact with babies.

Until next time Gostisha clan.

At least we don't have to worry about animals sneaking in anymore.

He mostly put these up by himself, but I helped hold the bigger pieces.

Too cold to swim, but we still had fun.

Oh, there I am. I do exist.

We went back and forth between playing in the woods and helping grandpa.

Can't wait to see this all finished.