We weren't sure if we'd do a birthday cabin for me this year, but it is my birthday tradition.  I can't say no to killer bee. We were looking for places at state parks and on Hipcamp, when i finally asked my buddy Nate if we could stay at his cabin. Of course he obliged. What a dude! Not long after we arrived, Blake and Daniel showed up. We gave them their chopsticks we got for them in Japan. I made one of my favorites: Laotian Green Curry. Board games, beer and snacks makes a good weekend. In the morning I made breakfast. Bet you can guess what I made?

On Christmas Eve we headed to Wisconsin for winter break. Sometimes it's tricky finding food on holidays. I saw that Norske Nook in Osseo was open.  Kids and Brooke got breakfast. I got the Wisconsin Reuben. Everyone was happy. Of course we had to get some pie for the rest of the ride. Next door was a fun store, Boards and Bricks.  I wanted to get the kids one more Lego set each, but Brooke was not letting that happen. Come on, it's Christmas! Exactly, they're about to get a bunch of stuff tomorrow.  Instead of pie I got some kind of peanut butter cup cookie. Brooke and I shared since we're so in love still. Or she's turning into her mom. I didn't really want anything and it was too much for you so we shared.  I completely forgot that we do church on Christmas Eve. As soon as we arrived it was already time for church. We did not pack church clothes but did our best. And probably got me sick for the rest of the trip. Leave it to my mom to always buy treats for t...

The  kickoff to our Boundary Waters trip started with a cookout in Duluth.   Right along the rocky shores of east Duluth. Burgers and playing in Lake Superior, what could be better for this little bub. We camped at Jay Cooke state park for the night, then drove back to Duluth for some Duluth Grill breakfast. Had we known that we were meeting with Blake and Daniel on the far side of Duluth, we'd have stayed in Two Harbors. But I guess it worked out. Duluth Grill is still delicious. Meadow is now in her, "Why are you taking photos of me" phase. We had some time before getting to Voyageur Canoe Outfitters so stopped in Grand Marais. 

4th of July, you say? Of course we were going up to Three Lakes and the cottage. I took a half day on Thursday and we headed to the cottage. Scott had to stop in Lindstrom which brought us to an old favorite for lunch in Taylor's Falls, The Drive In .

After our stop in Dunbar for lunch, we drove the last hour to Three Lakes for Northwood New Year's Eve.  When we arrived we were greeted by Rudolph.  I love the addition to the Christmas decor this year. It was time for Second Christmas after all.   Grandpa must like playing with fire. Theo will not lose even if he lost. Deer pancakes for our first morning at the cottage. At least for Theo. The rest of us just got plain old pancakes. I'm not sure why, but they're always better when Grandpa makes them. I recently read that you should take a 30 minute walk after eating. Scott and I didn't bother getting dressed and headed outside. That was just my sister talking, but oddly I think it makes my reflux worse.    Another New Years with no snow. There was a tiny bit in the shade. Theo got to cut down the tree this year.

  On our drive to the cottage we stopped at our favorite ice cream shop: Klemish Creamery .  One of the farm cats wasn't looking so good and kept coming over by us so we finished our ice cream in the car.  He reeked.  That cat's gotta be put down.  Not a great endorsement, but ate our ice cream in the car and enjoyed it.  Meadow and Theo went straight to coloring outside when we got to the cottage. While waiting for breakfast we played a round of Cards Against Humanity family version.  Even baby Viola joined in. At least for a little while. Blake is always playing some sort of game with the kids. 

  This year we came up the night before the 4th. By the next morning it was already parade time.  I was excited for the parade, but feel like we missed out by arriving at the last second. (I'm always making this face when it's sunny. I blame my glasses). No Chelsea this year as she prepares to have a baby. Also I guess everyone is over the matching tie dyed shirts.  Or me since I was taking the picture.

On the road again. This time to Duluth for another one of Blake's graduations. Daniel wanted to show off the shed he had just built.  My parents were also here for Blake's grad party. We met up for dinner at The Shack in Superior. We were here for the fish fry, but of course we all had to get old fashioneds. Pardon my shitty food photography. The beers were quite large. We were all ready to go when my parents noticed the liquor store next door.  We waited, waited and waited some more for Gail and Mike to get some booze. They always have a buffet of booze whenever we see them at a hotel.

I  woke up to a nice birthday note from Meadow.  I had some PTO to use, it was Scott's birthday, the weather was supposed to be unusually warm and Blake and Daniel were in town. Since our ice rink was melting we thought we'd go for a bike ride.  

We followed my parents up to the cottage. We were getting hungry for lunch and Scott found a place about halfway. The Old Town Hall Restaurant and Bar  in Townsend along WI-32. It was a bit early for dinner, but all the adults went with the fish fry. Theo was in much better spirits after being sick so long.  Once the cottage was heated up we decorated the gingerbread cookies. I went upstairs to pull out all the Christmas bins and found that a sneaky child was hiding and eating candy sometime over the summer.  Tree skirt or skirt? No snow, but plenty of ice.  Strangest winter ever. An extreme El Nino if there ever was one.