Home sweet home. We are home after the most incredible week!
Let's back up and review yesterday. The girls struggled to wake up-total exhaustion from such a fun week. Eventually we were up and out and on our way to the "Heart or Vilas" county bike trail.
We parked at a rest stop and planned our course to go north and then south from our spot. The first half of our ride was perhaps slightly hilly, but gorgeous! The second half was flat but not as well marked.
Regardless, it was a great ride-12.85 miles!
We returned to the condo for lunch of leftovers. And then it was time for one last dip in the pool. We enjoyed the pool-and then got cleaned up for dinner.
The plan was to ride bikes into town for dinner. However, just as we all got on the bikes, we felt a few drops of rain and checked the radar. It appeared that significant rain was headed our way so we put the bikes away and opted to drive.
Although it was disappointing not to ride into dinner, it was the right choice. We had a table on a covered patio near the lake, and toward the end of dinner the thunder and rain began. We were glad to have a car vs wet bike to get home.
Back at "home" we started to pack up and then borrowed the game of LIFE from the front desk. We play often at home, but this was a "vintage" version and we had to make up a few rules. We finished the night down on the dock again, enjoying the waterski show from across the lake, and a few other fishers on the dock. We also spent time gazing at the Blue Moon.
All in all it was a great last day.
I woke this morning to the call of the loon and brisk chilly air. Hard to believe it was time to go home. We got everything packed and out to the car before 9am (check out is 10). Chris joked that it was like a college move in day-as most units are rented Saturday-Saturday, so everyone was leaving at the same time!
We decided we couldn't leave without one more trip on the Bearskin trail. So we took a quick trip into town and back. It was crowded on the trail though-as there was a community fun run using the trail as well. Didn't stop us from enjoying the view of a clear and calm Minocqua lake.
We eventually said goodbye to Minocqua and started our journey south. We stopped for lunch in Oshkosh and thrilled the girls when we agreed to stop at the outlet mall to visit the American Girl store.
I'm afraid that they might be more excited about new doll treats than vacation.
We were home around 3 and worked together to get both cars unpacked, laundry put away, etc. Chris went to the grocery store while the girls played and I watered the plants around the yard.
We made a delicious dinner and ate on the deck, pretending we were still on vacation!
And now 4 people are snug in their own beds and I'm ready to be there too! Vacation was incredible, but I'm glad to be home!
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Friday, July 31, 2015
A "lazy" day was just what we needed. Yesterday we slept in a little later and lingered over breakfast a little longer. (Which allowed us to wash a load of laundry -dirty swim suits!)
We then set off for a round of mini golf. It was a picture perfect day on a beautiful course. Chris and I even scored holes in 1 on the same hole. How romantic!
We had "vacation lunch" after the game-big cones of mint Oreo ice cream!
(Pictures)
Then we took off toward Squirrel Lake. Chris's grandparents owned a cottage there and he grew up spending time there. We drove in all the way to the cottage (long winding forested driveway) and found the current owners not home. So we spent some time just wandering the grounds. Went out on the dock, and left a note saying we had been there. For me, it was a gift to see this place I've heard stories about for so long. And I'm really glad the girls got to see it as well. In the car on the drive back we talked about how we are grateful that Grandpa Art and Grandma Edna had that place or we might not know how fun the Minocqua area could be!
We stopped in town to choose souvenirs on our way back to the resort. I have to say, for as touristy as it is here, they are lacking in quality souvenir shops! We spent way too long (and way too much) in a tiny, overcrowded store with loud thumping music,choosing a sweatshirt for each girl. Each got to choose the color sweatshirt and then a screen printed type decal that they applied right there as you watched. The girls were thrilled. We hope they aren't disappointed when the images fall off after a few washings? I found my souvenir in a local craft shop-a coffee mug-my traditional souvenir.
Back to the resort where everyone had a small snack and we got cleaned up and ready for our big exciting dinner!
"Blink Bonnie's" is another favorite Sepersky establishment. Grandma Edna's favorite! But it's a tiny supper club, (12 tables?) with no reservations. We knew we had to be there before they opened at 4 if we wanted a table.
We arrived at 330 and found a line. But it wasn't too long. Until it became clear that people ahead of us were holding places for much larger groups! We were nervous we wouldn't get a first table.
We passed the time in line with Mr Popular-Chris-who found that the group behind us was a family from Church, who happened to also include the School Nurse Chris works with. I do always love hearing people whisper, "he's the organist, you know, from church?" Or the random woman who says, "you played my daughter's wedding 10 years ago!"
Anyway! At about 355 we felt a few drops of drizzle (the first such precipitation we've seen/felt all week) and the skies looked dark. Please let us get in before it rains!
YES! We made it in, got a great table by the window which turned out to be a perfect place to watch a huge storm! Pouring rain and wind, the power even flickered a few times. We haven't seen rain all week!
And, we had an amazing meal. This place is known for Steak. Steak that is served on a sizzling cast iron pan. We'd been prepping the girls for the experience, and Katherine, who can eat more steak than I can, was particularly excited. She and I shared a 14oz Steak, and when it arrived, I let her have the platter, I kept the plain plate (picture) she was in heaven.
Remind me sometime to tell you about the bathrooms at Blink Bonnie's. We won't talk about that here.
Dinner was over about 6, just in time to stop in downtown Minocqua to enjoy the free community band concert. Because, if it's an outdoor concert you know we're going to be there! Lucky enough, the rain we saw in St Germain had completely missed Minocqua! Hooray!
We listened a bit, went down to the playground for a bit, came back to listen a little more. Abby even managed to convince Chris to dance with her! (No pictures) it was lovely!
Back at the resort we had a little reading and down time before going out to see the full moon from the dock. We walked around the grounds of the resort, soaking it all up.
Then, it was bedtime for all!
Today is our last day. Sigh. We are going to take the bikes to St Germain to ride a paved trail. And tonight we might ride bikes into town for dinner. We might even use our new, never used, bike lights on the way home? We shall see. Whatever we do, it will be memorable I'm sure.
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We then set off for a round of mini golf. It was a picture perfect day on a beautiful course. Chris and I even scored holes in 1 on the same hole. How romantic!
We had "vacation lunch" after the game-big cones of mint Oreo ice cream!
(Pictures)
Then we took off toward Squirrel Lake. Chris's grandparents owned a cottage there and he grew up spending time there. We drove in all the way to the cottage (long winding forested driveway) and found the current owners not home. So we spent some time just wandering the grounds. Went out on the dock, and left a note saying we had been there. For me, it was a gift to see this place I've heard stories about for so long. And I'm really glad the girls got to see it as well. In the car on the drive back we talked about how we are grateful that Grandpa Art and Grandma Edna had that place or we might not know how fun the Minocqua area could be!
We stopped in town to choose souvenirs on our way back to the resort. I have to say, for as touristy as it is here, they are lacking in quality souvenir shops! We spent way too long (and way too much) in a tiny, overcrowded store with loud thumping music,choosing a sweatshirt for each girl. Each got to choose the color sweatshirt and then a screen printed type decal that they applied right there as you watched. The girls were thrilled. We hope they aren't disappointed when the images fall off after a few washings? I found my souvenir in a local craft shop-a coffee mug-my traditional souvenir.
Back to the resort where everyone had a small snack and we got cleaned up and ready for our big exciting dinner!
"Blink Bonnie's" is another favorite Sepersky establishment. Grandma Edna's favorite! But it's a tiny supper club, (12 tables?) with no reservations. We knew we had to be there before they opened at 4 if we wanted a table.
We arrived at 330 and found a line. But it wasn't too long. Until it became clear that people ahead of us were holding places for much larger groups! We were nervous we wouldn't get a first table.
We passed the time in line with Mr Popular-Chris-who found that the group behind us was a family from Church, who happened to also include the School Nurse Chris works with. I do always love hearing people whisper, "he's the organist, you know, from church?" Or the random woman who says, "you played my daughter's wedding 10 years ago!"
Anyway! At about 355 we felt a few drops of drizzle (the first such precipitation we've seen/felt all week) and the skies looked dark. Please let us get in before it rains!
YES! We made it in, got a great table by the window which turned out to be a perfect place to watch a huge storm! Pouring rain and wind, the power even flickered a few times. We haven't seen rain all week!
And, we had an amazing meal. This place is known for Steak. Steak that is served on a sizzling cast iron pan. We'd been prepping the girls for the experience, and Katherine, who can eat more steak than I can, was particularly excited. She and I shared a 14oz Steak, and when it arrived, I let her have the platter, I kept the plain plate (picture) she was in heaven.
Remind me sometime to tell you about the bathrooms at Blink Bonnie's. We won't talk about that here.
Dinner was over about 6, just in time to stop in downtown Minocqua to enjoy the free community band concert. Because, if it's an outdoor concert you know we're going to be there! Lucky enough, the rain we saw in St Germain had completely missed Minocqua! Hooray!
We listened a bit, went down to the playground for a bit, came back to listen a little more. Abby even managed to convince Chris to dance with her! (No pictures) it was lovely!
Back at the resort we had a little reading and down time before going out to see the full moon from the dock. We walked around the grounds of the resort, soaking it all up.
Then, it was bedtime for all!
Today is our last day. Sigh. We are going to take the bikes to St Germain to ride a paved trail. And tonight we might ride bikes into town for dinner. We might even use our new, never used, bike lights on the way home? We shall see. Whatever we do, it will be memorable I'm sure.
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Thursday, July 30, 2015
Rent a boat for a day-seemed like a perfect plan! Sunshine and 75 degrees-seemed like the perfect day! We packed a cooler, lunch, snacks, decks of cards to play, fishing poles--we were ready!
What we were not prepared for were the winds. Strong winds on the lakes led to choppy waters. We kept going, heading to Lake Tomahwak from Minocqua lake, just cruising around enjoying the scenery, the girls took turns driving with Chris (pictures) I even took a turn as Captain. But, Choppy on Lake Tomahawk soon meant waves that might have been more than 3 feet at times. I'm not exaggerating-the waves literally came over the front of the boat and rolled right back under our feet. It was a long and stressful ride back to Minocqua. Even the channel that connects the 2 lakes was rough-and it's a "slow no wake" zone!
Back on Minocqua lake, it was slightly calmer but still windy and choppy and some of us needed the bathroom. So we docked back at the hotel and took care of business. While we were in calm seas and tied securely to the dock, we enjoyed our lunch. The winds had settled down a bit, so we went out again. This time the other direction toward smaller, Kewaguesaga lake. Even here it was wavy, but we went to the far end and found a calm area where we could drop the anchor and set up for fishing.
We caught 8 fish in about 1-1 1/2 hours. Actually the girls were catching so fast Chris couldn't keep up with getting the fish off the hook, worm back on the hook, as soon as the line went in we'd get a bite!
Then, a gust of wind blew Abby's hat into the water and we couldn't get it. She was distraught. Total exhaustion and frustration and disappointment-she was done. And for whatever reason, the fish stopped biting. And then we realized that our boat was moving-despite the anchor, the winds were pushing us.
We took the boat over to where we had heard people usually park and swim off of boats. And saw another boat doing just that.
Again we dropped anchor and Chris and Abby jumped in (with life jackets). But the water was deep and cold, the boat started floating away, and so that plan was quickly scrapped as well.
We cruised around the lakes a little longer and finally went back to the hotel a bit early (415).
It was fun, but not at all the calm relaxing day on the boat we had planned. Certainly in the years to come this will be one of those stories that lives on and becomes a legend.
Once we were on land, I took the girls to the pool and Chris got showered and cleaned up. He went to get pizza for dinner while we cleaned up. We had delicious pizza dinner and then went down to the dock to watch the Water ski show that happens directly across the lake. We couldn't see a lot, but we enjoyed the Eagles soaring above us, clouds moving in the sunset, and surprisingly CALM waters on the lake. The winds were gone.
They girls decided they wanted to fish again so they each took a turn and caught a fish and then we came back for a few rounds on Uno before bed.
Chris and I had the local news on before bed, and the weather story of the day was: strong gusty winds. 30-45 miles per hour the weatherman said. Yes. We would agree. It was crazy!
We had planned a longer bike ride today, but I think we will save that for tomorrow. Instead I think we will have a "lazier" day today. I think we earned it!
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Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Good morning for beautiful Minocqua-where it is perfectly cool and delightful! Today is our big boat day-renting a pontoon from the hotel and spending the day on the lakes!
Yesterday we started the day with a 10 mile ride along the lower/southern end of the Bearskin Trail. We drove about 20-25 minutes south, wandered through abandoned back roads until we found the trail, and then enjoyed an almost deserted trail! This end had more bridges (former train trestles) to ride over. And one steep hill.
It was a nice ride with less complaining than Sunday's ride. The girls seem to be quite proud of themselves. I'm proud of us too!
(Selfie on the trail)
We got back just in time to eat a quick lunch before taking a 2 hour tour of the lake with resort staff. It was very relaxing to sit and do nothing but watch for Loons and admire huge lake houses as we slowly drove around the lake. It was so relaxing for Abby that she slept through most of it!
(Lake picture, loons)
We got back about 4 and had additional quiet time while taking care of household things- a quick load of laundry, exchanging old towels for new, vacuuming crumbs.
Then we went in search of dinner which was more complicated due to one place being closed on Tuesday, one having a 40 minute wait, another with a weird smell. We ended up on the dockside patio at The Boathouse and it was delightful. Burgers, fries, margarita, sunset, boats, ahhhhh!
Back at the hotel we jumped in the pool, followed by baths and showers and a game of SORRY (hotel game closet) before bed.
Now, if you don't mind, I have a cooler to pack for our day on the lake!😃
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Yesterday we started the day with a 10 mile ride along the lower/southern end of the Bearskin Trail. We drove about 20-25 minutes south, wandered through abandoned back roads until we found the trail, and then enjoyed an almost deserted trail! This end had more bridges (former train trestles) to ride over. And one steep hill.
It was a nice ride with less complaining than Sunday's ride. The girls seem to be quite proud of themselves. I'm proud of us too!
(Selfie on the trail)
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| Scenic overlook....um scenic? |
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| Wildflowers and Katherine |
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| We liked these trees |
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| Mom and Katherine |
(Lake picture, loons)
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| Sleepy Abby |
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| LOONS! |
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| At the Dock before we left |
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| Selfie with Maggie |
We got back about 4 and had additional quiet time while taking care of household things- a quick load of laundry, exchanging old towels for new, vacuuming crumbs.
Then we went in search of dinner which was more complicated due to one place being closed on Tuesday, one having a 40 minute wait, another with a weird smell. We ended up on the dockside patio at The Boathouse and it was delightful. Burgers, fries, margarita, sunset, boats, ahhhhh!
Back at the hotel we jumped in the pool, followed by baths and showers and a game of SORRY (hotel game closet) before bed.
Now, if you don't mind, I have a cooler to pack for our day on the lake!😃
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Monday, July 27, 2015
This just in! All 3 girls have caught their first fish!
http://youtu.be/3Lihzf4qCnY
http://youtu.be/1EyySz5zY9Q
http://youtu.be/qPcGwxqs7v0
Chris must have put 400 worms on the hook, those darn fish kept stealing them right off the hook! But eventually all 3 caught one. And each time there was celebration loud enough to scare all the other fish away!
Chris is a hero!
However, Chris is not a saint! The first half of our day was spent at a Wildlife Zoo. However, I have never been to a zoo where so many animals were OUT of their cages! I do NOT like to touch/feed/interact with animals like that. He is still laughing at my reaction as I entered the zoo from the entrance gate and saw a herd of hungry goats running at me. (HORROR) And every chance he got he tried to lure animals over to me just to freak me out!
My family went into the bird house. I could not go in, and even just standing OUTSIDE has given me nightmares!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QJCfkK4xv0&feature=youtu.be
Video of Giraffe feeding http://youtu.be/aH1McWdiATQ
The middle of our day was a bike ride into town for shopping and ice cream.
And then a surprise visit from Grandma Rita and Mr Jeff who were driving home from Superior and decided to stop by Minocqua! We had dinner at another "must do" for the Seperskys-Little Bohemia-home of a gangster shoot out with John Dillinger.
All in all, another incredible day in the Northwoods!
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http://youtu.be/3Lihzf4qCnY
http://youtu.be/1EyySz5zY9Q
http://youtu.be/qPcGwxqs7v0
Chris must have put 400 worms on the hook, those darn fish kept stealing them right off the hook! But eventually all 3 caught one. And each time there was celebration loud enough to scare all the other fish away!
Chris is a hero!
However, Chris is not a saint! The first half of our day was spent at a Wildlife Zoo. However, I have never been to a zoo where so many animals were OUT of their cages! I do NOT like to touch/feed/interact with animals like that. He is still laughing at my reaction as I entered the zoo from the entrance gate and saw a herd of hungry goats running at me. (HORROR) And every chance he got he tried to lure animals over to me just to freak me out!
 |
| That's a SKUNK! |
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| Feeding a goat who happens to be standing ON a turtle! |
 |
| Bunnies |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QJCfkK4xv0&feature=youtu.be
Video of Giraffe feeding http://youtu.be/aH1McWdiATQ
 |
| Feeding a pig |
The middle of our day was a bike ride into town for shopping and ice cream.
 |
| My view of my family on the Bearskin trail |
And then a surprise visit from Grandma Rita and Mr Jeff who were driving home from Superior and decided to stop by Minocqua! We had dinner at another "must do" for the Seperskys-Little Bohemia-home of a gangster shoot out with John Dillinger.
All in all, another incredible day in the Northwoods!
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We packed a lot into yesterday. Our hotel is adjacent to the Bearskin State Trail, so we started the day by conquering the trail. I can not imagine a more beautiful place to bike. Surrounded by trees, sometimes water, filtered sunshine, mostly flat,and bugs only if you stopped long enough for them to catch you!
(Pics of bike trail)
We ended up riding 13.18 miles total. (I love my GPS app) I'm not sure we'll hit that distance again this week, as there was some complaining by about 10 miles, but in the end the sense of accomplishment/bragging rights were worth it!
(Family selfie on the trail)
During the ride, the girls had their eyes on the prize-time in the pool when we returned. So after stopping for a snack we headed down to the pool.
(No pictures)
I don't always get all the way in, but yesterday it felt great after biking. I pulled out a few tricks (handstands) from my childhood pool days and wowed my girls. They loved the idea that my sisters and I used to have handstand competitions. We were so cool!
We came back and cycled all 5 people through showers/baths and ate lunch. Also, Chris decided to do a load of laundry. Because it had been 24 hours without laundry! :) Abby asked if she could nap and I certainly didn't say No! She took a book to bed and then slept 2+ hours, only waking because I woke her!
Why would I wake her? Because I knew she wouldn't want to miss the excitement of fishing. Chris and the big girls went out and bought worms and went down to the boat dock to see what they could catch. Unfortunately, Sunday at 4 is a pretty busy time on the lake and the waters were choppy. Nothing was biting. But we can all say we've been fishing-we all took turns holding the poles!
(Fishing pic)
Then it was off to dinner at Mama's Supper Club. This is a must on any trip to Minocqua, as it was a favorite of the Seperskys for many many years! It did not disappoint! The girls were amused by the supper club experience-relish tray! Bread basket! Applesauce? FOOD!
They ate it all (except the applesauce!)we had a great table overlooking the lake, good food, good service, ahhhhhh!
(Mamas pic)
Our final destination was the Water Ski Show. The Min-Aqua Bats are as close to professional water skiers as I've ever seen. They entertained us for more than an hour-fancy skiers, jumps, turns, pyramids, comedy, all as we sat watching the sunset on a gorgeous evening.
(Waterski pic/video)
By the time we returned "home" we didn't have much trouble convincing the girls it was bedtime.
Another fabulous day!
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(Pics of bike trail)
We ended up riding 13.18 miles total. (I love my GPS app) I'm not sure we'll hit that distance again this week, as there was some complaining by about 10 miles, but in the end the sense of accomplishment/bragging rights were worth it!
(Family selfie on the trail)
During the ride, the girls had their eyes on the prize-time in the pool when we returned. So after stopping for a snack we headed down to the pool.
(No pictures)
I don't always get all the way in, but yesterday it felt great after biking. I pulled out a few tricks (handstands) from my childhood pool days and wowed my girls. They loved the idea that my sisters and I used to have handstand competitions. We were so cool!
We came back and cycled all 5 people through showers/baths and ate lunch. Also, Chris decided to do a load of laundry. Because it had been 24 hours without laundry! :) Abby asked if she could nap and I certainly didn't say No! She took a book to bed and then slept 2+ hours, only waking because I woke her!
Why would I wake her? Because I knew she wouldn't want to miss the excitement of fishing. Chris and the big girls went out and bought worms and went down to the boat dock to see what they could catch. Unfortunately, Sunday at 4 is a pretty busy time on the lake and the waters were choppy. Nothing was biting. But we can all say we've been fishing-we all took turns holding the poles!
(Fishing pic)
Then it was off to dinner at Mama's Supper Club. This is a must on any trip to Minocqua, as it was a favorite of the Seperskys for many many years! It did not disappoint! The girls were amused by the supper club experience-relish tray! Bread basket! Applesauce? FOOD!
They ate it all (except the applesauce!)we had a great table overlooking the lake, good food, good service, ahhhhhh!
 |
| View from our table at Mama's |
(Mamas pic)
Our final destination was the Water Ski Show. The Min-Aqua Bats are as close to professional water skiers as I've ever seen. They entertained us for more than an hour-fancy skiers, jumps, turns, pyramids, comedy, all as we sat watching the sunset on a gorgeous evening.
 |
| Have you ever heard of Flyboarding? Google it. Crazy! |
(Waterski pic/video)
By the time we returned "home" we didn't have much trouble convincing the girls it was bedtime.
Another fabulous day!
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Sunday, July 26, 2015
The only time I remember to update the blog-vacation!
We drove 4 hours North and West yesterday and arrived in Minocqua. It is beautiful and perfect and surprisingly familiar after a 10 year absence.
We have a 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath condo in a resort on the lake for the next week! Ahhhhhhhh
Highlights from yesterday:
Caravan style travel-in order to bring our bikes, our kids, and our luggage, we brought both cars.
Welcome campfire at the resort-Katherine was brave and cooked her hot dog (and mine) over the campfire. Maggie and Abby opted for only marshmallow cooking. S'mores for dinner!
A walk along the water as we explored the resort-A nice man pointed out an Eagle who had just landed in a tree and we enjoyed watching him (the bird not the man) for awhile
Indoor pool- refreshing but not cold. We had it to ourselves almost the whole time.
Dinner in our kitchen -I brought supplies to cook one meal-spaghetti. I decided that using an old electric stove, in a kitchen that is not my own, with different utensils, etc? That's camping for me! But it was delicious!
Bed-the girls had "lights out" at 9. Abby was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Even with her sisters still talking and the lights still on.
Day 1 -complete!
(Difficulty posting over hotel wifi some picture may not appear - now updated I hope!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
We drove 4 hours North and West yesterday and arrived in Minocqua. It is beautiful and perfect and surprisingly familiar after a 10 year absence.
We have a 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath condo in a resort on the lake for the next week! Ahhhhhhhh
Highlights from yesterday:
Caravan style travel-in order to bring our bikes, our kids, and our luggage, we brought both cars.
A walk along the water as we explored the resort-A nice man pointed out an Eagle who had just landed in a tree and we enjoyed watching him (the bird not the man) for awhile
 |
| Can you find the Eagle? |
Indoor pool- refreshing but not cold. We had it to ourselves almost the whole time.
Dinner in our kitchen -I brought supplies to cook one meal-spaghetti. I decided that using an old electric stove, in a kitchen that is not my own, with different utensils, etc? That's camping for me! But it was delicious!
Bed-the girls had "lights out" at 9. Abby was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Even with her sisters still talking and the lights still on.
Day 1 -complete!
(Difficulty posting over hotel wifi some picture may not appear - now updated I hope!
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Friday, July 24, 2015
Sunday, August 17, 2014
My girls. They make me proud, they make me laugh!
On Thursday, Maggie started 5th grade Band Camp. This is 4 mornings with the band teachers where the kids learn basics of band. How to hold their instruments, how to work together, etc. Maggie was so excited to bring her French Horn home on Thursday! She loved it. On Friday she came home bursting again,"we even played all together today, like a REAL band!"
"Wow! What did you play?"
"Well, it was only 1 note......but it was awesome!"
When looking for something to watch on TV last night, the girls decided on Sound of Music from our DVR. Of course that led to much singing and goofiness at bedtime. Abby was singing "favorite things" and then she paused, and said, those aren't MY favorite things. My favorite things are........mommy, cute baby animals, flowers, and, ME! My favorite thing is myself!
Oh dear!
And Katherine? She had so much trouble falling asleep last night. It was a little warm and sticky until a front brought rain around 1030. She was still awake as late as about 945. I gave her all my best tricks (no cold cloth as I didn't want to deal with a wet bed.)
Imagine my surprise when I came downstairs before 7 today and there she was!
Sitting with a blanket, eating a banana, doing a book of crosswords, just as happy as could be!
"I just couldn't sleep after I went potty, so I thought I would watch the sunrise! But it's all cloudy-so I'm doing my crossword, and I had a yogurt and banana-all by myself!"
Last Saturday I had to work, so Chris took the girls with to 400 mass. He played and they sat alone, in our regular pew, not too far away. When I asked last week how it went, he said they had been fine. And the girls reported the same.
So I shouldn't have been surprised yesterday, when I went to mass with them, and I had 4 different people stop me to report how well behaved they had been last week without me! It was certainly a moment of parental pride!
And also a major milestone-I've avoided weekend shifts because of church since Chris started playing-now they are old enough to behave! They can be trusted!
I do love these girls!
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On Thursday, Maggie started 5th grade Band Camp. This is 4 mornings with the band teachers where the kids learn basics of band. How to hold their instruments, how to work together, etc. Maggie was so excited to bring her French Horn home on Thursday! She loved it. On Friday she came home bursting again,"we even played all together today, like a REAL band!"
"Wow! What did you play?"
"Well, it was only 1 note......but it was awesome!"
When looking for something to watch on TV last night, the girls decided on Sound of Music from our DVR. Of course that led to much singing and goofiness at bedtime. Abby was singing "favorite things" and then she paused, and said, those aren't MY favorite things. My favorite things are........mommy, cute baby animals, flowers, and, ME! My favorite thing is myself!
Oh dear!
And Katherine? She had so much trouble falling asleep last night. It was a little warm and sticky until a front brought rain around 1030. She was still awake as late as about 945. I gave her all my best tricks (no cold cloth as I didn't want to deal with a wet bed.)
Imagine my surprise when I came downstairs before 7 today and there she was!
Sitting with a blanket, eating a banana, doing a book of crosswords, just as happy as could be!
"I just couldn't sleep after I went potty, so I thought I would watch the sunrise! But it's all cloudy-so I'm doing my crossword, and I had a yogurt and banana-all by myself!"
Last Saturday I had to work, so Chris took the girls with to 400 mass. He played and they sat alone, in our regular pew, not too far away. When I asked last week how it went, he said they had been fine. And the girls reported the same.
So I shouldn't have been surprised yesterday, when I went to mass with them, and I had 4 different people stop me to report how well behaved they had been last week without me! It was certainly a moment of parental pride!
And also a major milestone-I've avoided weekend shifts because of church since Chris started playing-now they are old enough to behave! They can be trusted!
I do love these girls!
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Sunday, August 3, 2014
HOME!
We are home. Phew!
We left columbus by 830, making our first stop by 930 at the National Air Force museum near Dayton. I was hesitant about this one, especially since I just wanted to get home. But it was, once again, more interesting than expected. And we could have spent a LOT more time there. We saw all sorts of planes, and even got to fly a space shuttle simulator and tour a space shuttle and sit in a few cockpits of planes.
Back on the road we just tried to get home! We stopped for lunch near Indianapolis but otherwise we just drove and drove and drove. We got home about 6pm. At the end of our trip, we had traveled 2600 miles, over 12 days, and 58 hours. We were in 9 states and 7 hotels.
We cheered as we drove into Wisconsin, in fact we had been clapping every time we saw a Wisconsin sign as we drove. And it felt great to get home, pull into the driveway, and see our house.
We have laundry going, we have bags mostly unpacked. It will take a few days to get back into Our routines.
But putting the girls to bed tonight, they each said, in their own way, that they loved their trip, can't wait to do it again, and how much fun they had. I'd say it was totally worth it!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
We are home. Phew!
We left columbus by 830, making our first stop by 930 at the National Air Force museum near Dayton. I was hesitant about this one, especially since I just wanted to get home. But it was, once again, more interesting than expected. And we could have spent a LOT more time there. We saw all sorts of planes, and even got to fly a space shuttle simulator and tour a space shuttle and sit in a few cockpits of planes.
Back on the road we just tried to get home! We stopped for lunch near Indianapolis but otherwise we just drove and drove and drove. We got home about 6pm. At the end of our trip, we had traveled 2600 miles, over 12 days, and 58 hours. We were in 9 states and 7 hotels.
We cheered as we drove into Wisconsin, in fact we had been clapping every time we saw a Wisconsin sign as we drove. And it felt great to get home, pull into the driveway, and see our house.
We have laundry going, we have bags mostly unpacked. It will take a few days to get back into Our routines.
But putting the girls to bed tonight, they each said, in their own way, that they loved their trip, can't wait to do it again, and how much fun they had. I'd say it was totally worth it!
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Saturday, August 2, 2014
Even the most wonderful of trips come to an end. And the drive home always seems longer than the drive there. That's how it felt today. Another great day overall, but a long day of driving that never seemed to end!
We stopped first in Williamsport Md to visit the C&O canals. It was actually more interesting that I expected, and the girls were happy to complete the activities required to be sworn in as junior rangers!
Then it was off to drive through the very northern edge of Maryland where we found Route 40. Route 40 took us up into Pennsylvania, and we later discovered that it was the first national highway/tollway/road. I learned this after Chris saw a sign on the side of the road for a national park and veered sharply into the parking lot! Another national park to explore! YES!
(No! Groaned the rest of us!)
This was Fort Necessity, And again, it ended up being far more interesting than expected. We learned about the French/Indians/George Washington battling for land, negotiating peace, and then the eventual building of a road through the mountains to connect distant land to the growing country of the United States. Or something like that.
Back on the road, Chris finished driving through all the mountains. We soaked up the amazing views. I took over driving just before West Virginia, and it promptly started to rain. Then Maggie announced an urgent need for the bathroom. We stopped, but not much after that, the rain became unsafe, and Maggie needed a bathroom again. It was nearly 5, so we stopped for dinner just inside of Ohio. We thought the rain would pass while we ate, and for the most part we were right.
After dinner at Panera, we got back onto the highway where traffic was at a standstill. We inched a long for about 15-20 minutes unable to see what the problem was. But then we came upon 2 accidents, it seemed both involved a spin out, most likely due to the heavy rain. I was very glad we had stopped when we did.
We pushed on and made it to Columbus before 8. So tonight we spend our last night away from home, in a fairfield inn off of I-70. Hopefully our travel tomorrow will be smooth and we will sleep in our own beds tomorrow night!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
We stopped first in Williamsport Md to visit the C&O canals. It was actually more interesting that I expected, and the girls were happy to complete the activities required to be sworn in as junior rangers!
Then it was off to drive through the very northern edge of Maryland where we found Route 40. Route 40 took us up into Pennsylvania, and we later discovered that it was the first national highway/tollway/road. I learned this after Chris saw a sign on the side of the road for a national park and veered sharply into the parking lot! Another national park to explore! YES!
(No! Groaned the rest of us!)
This was Fort Necessity, And again, it ended up being far more interesting than expected. We learned about the French/Indians/George Washington battling for land, negotiating peace, and then the eventual building of a road through the mountains to connect distant land to the growing country of the United States. Or something like that.
Back on the road, Chris finished driving through all the mountains. We soaked up the amazing views. I took over driving just before West Virginia, and it promptly started to rain. Then Maggie announced an urgent need for the bathroom. We stopped, but not much after that, the rain became unsafe, and Maggie needed a bathroom again. It was nearly 5, so we stopped for dinner just inside of Ohio. We thought the rain would pass while we ate, and for the most part we were right.
After dinner at Panera, we got back onto the highway where traffic was at a standstill. We inched a long for about 15-20 minutes unable to see what the problem was. But then we came upon 2 accidents, it seemed both involved a spin out, most likely due to the heavy rain. I was very glad we had stopped when we did.
We pushed on and made it to Columbus before 8. So tonight we spend our last night away from home, in a fairfield inn off of I-70. Hopefully our travel tomorrow will be smooth and we will sleep in our own beds tomorrow night!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, August 1, 2014
Today was a long day of driving. But we did see some interesting things along the way. We left our hotel about 830 and went across the Chesapeake Bay via the bridge/tunnel. That was equal parts cool and terrifying. Something about being so far under the ocean, in a tunnel........it made me nervous.
Then it was a long slow trip North to Baltimore. No interstates in that area, just slow country roads. We did stop at a NASA launch site on Walllops Island. But that wasn't quite as exciting as we had thought it might be. It did provide a bathroom stop!
We stopped for lunch in Cambridge and no had a technology moment! Our iPhone gps directed us to an Arby's restaurant.......except it was actually an alley that led to private property! We trespassed only long enough to turn around and eventually found the Arby's not too far away......
Continuing on to Baltimore to our planned stop at Fort mcHenry. Did you know that it is the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner? And that it was written at Fort McHenry? Indeed! This was actually a more interesting spot than I expected. And we even got to see a cruise ship in Baltimore harbor, and some tug boats moving barges. For only the second time in our trip it tried to rain on us, but just a light drizzle for a few minutes, nothing that stopped us!
So, we left Baltimore about 5pm and drove over to Frederick, md. This was a strategic decision on my part to be just that much farther when we leave tomorrow, and it also was cheaper to get a room out this way. As I checked in to our hotel, I realized that my drivers license is missing. I know I had it yesterday when we had to go through security on the military base.......perhaps it fell out of the car? They let me check in anyway and I've ordered a new one online, so I'm legal to drive.
We will get halfway home tomorrow........and home for good on Sunday. We hope!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Then it was a long slow trip North to Baltimore. No interstates in that area, just slow country roads. We did stop at a NASA launch site on Walllops Island. But that wasn't quite as exciting as we had thought it might be. It did provide a bathroom stop!
We stopped for lunch in Cambridge and no had a technology moment! Our iPhone gps directed us to an Arby's restaurant.......except it was actually an alley that led to private property! We trespassed only long enough to turn around and eventually found the Arby's not too far away......
Continuing on to Baltimore to our planned stop at Fort mcHenry. Did you know that it is the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner? And that it was written at Fort McHenry? Indeed! This was actually a more interesting spot than I expected. And we even got to see a cruise ship in Baltimore harbor, and some tug boats moving barges. For only the second time in our trip it tried to rain on us, but just a light drizzle for a few minutes, nothing that stopped us!
So, we left Baltimore about 5pm and drove over to Frederick, md. This was a strategic decision on my part to be just that much farther when we leave tomorrow, and it also was cheaper to get a room out this way. As I checked in to our hotel, I realized that my drivers license is missing. I know I had it yesterday when we had to go through security on the military base.......perhaps it fell out of the car? They let me check in anyway and I've ordered a new one online, so I'm legal to drive.
We will get halfway home tomorrow........and home for good on Sunday. We hope!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, July 31, 2014
Another day at the beach! Aft stopping at IHOP for breakfast, We went out to First Landing State Park today. It is on the bay side, so the water was more calm. So calm in fact, that we were surprised by dolphins! They were not more than maybe 100 yards from us....and then they came back! Very cool for sure!
We then went to find the lighthouses we had heard of. What we didn't realize was that they are on an active military base. We had to get special clearance, had to show ID and vehicle registration, the whole nine yards! And then, Abby was too short to climb to the top and it was going to be more expensive than we thought, so we just looked from the outside! But we also got to see Cape Henry, the site of the first landing in 1607, so that was our history for the day!
We stopped near the boardwalk then, looking for souvenir shops. We did a minimum amount of shopping before continuing on to our big meal of the day at Sandbridge Beach. One last meal overlooking the ocean!
Back to the hotel for a brief dip in the pool before getting cleaned up and taking a walking tour of our hotel.
Back in the room we re-packed for our journey home. We have a couple more days of travel ahead of us. This has been a fantastic trip, but it will feel good to be home again!
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We then went to find the lighthouses we had heard of. What we didn't realize was that they are on an active military base. We had to get special clearance, had to show ID and vehicle registration, the whole nine yards! And then, Abby was too short to climb to the top and it was going to be more expensive than we thought, so we just looked from the outside! But we also got to see Cape Henry, the site of the first landing in 1607, so that was our history for the day!
We stopped near the boardwalk then, looking for souvenir shops. We did a minimum amount of shopping before continuing on to our big meal of the day at Sandbridge Beach. One last meal overlooking the ocean!
Back to the hotel for a brief dip in the pool before getting cleaned up and taking a walking tour of our hotel.
Back in the room we re-packed for our journey home. We have a couple more days of travel ahead of us. This has been a fantastic trip, but it will feel good to be home again!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
BEACH!
Today we went to the beach. First stop was the Waffle House for breakfast. This is the first hotel that has not offered a continental breakfast, and it's funny how used to that we are!
W parks in a public lot about 2 blocks from the beach and walked over. We quickly found a rental spot and secured a prime spot with a nice umbrella. For another $30 we could have had lounge chairs, but we didn't need that.
The girls were thrilled to get into the water, but I think we were all surprised by the FORCE of the waves. We didn't even have big waves, but as strong as they are coming on shore, they pull you back into the water, too! Abby didn't want to be all the way in the water, she was happy to jump along the shore. Maggie and Katherine would still be jumping in the waves if we would let them.
We also enjoyed the sand. Bridget and Mary Frances had given the girls some sand toys and they were put to good use! They made castles, they tried to Make a sand couch, they buried each other......we could have stayed all day. But, by about 2 we were ready to head back to the hotel. Oh, and we also had Dairy Queen blizzards for lunch! Hey, I had a coupon!
We came back and got cleaned up, Chris took our laundry to a laundromat and then came back and picked us up. We all went to back and waited for everything to dry before going to dinner.
We found a neighborhood Italian place for dinner. So authentic that they were even watching TV in Italian. We were the only customers at first, so it was private dining! It was delicious! Chris declared it to be the best meal of the trip in his opinion.
We came back to our hotel and put on our suits for the pool. The girls have been waiting for the pool since we got here-you can see it from our room! It was actually chilly......one of those times where you were ok if you were IN the water, but once you got out it was COLD!
And now here we are, in bed and ready to crash at 9pm! Tomorrow we have plans for more beach time, more pool time, and soaking up Virginia Beach before we start our journey home on Friday.
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Today we went to the beach. First stop was the Waffle House for breakfast. This is the first hotel that has not offered a continental breakfast, and it's funny how used to that we are!
W parks in a public lot about 2 blocks from the beach and walked over. We quickly found a rental spot and secured a prime spot with a nice umbrella. For another $30 we could have had lounge chairs, but we didn't need that.
The girls were thrilled to get into the water, but I think we were all surprised by the FORCE of the waves. We didn't even have big waves, but as strong as they are coming on shore, they pull you back into the water, too! Abby didn't want to be all the way in the water, she was happy to jump along the shore. Maggie and Katherine would still be jumping in the waves if we would let them.
We also enjoyed the sand. Bridget and Mary Frances had given the girls some sand toys and they were put to good use! They made castles, they tried to Make a sand couch, they buried each other......we could have stayed all day. But, by about 2 we were ready to head back to the hotel. Oh, and we also had Dairy Queen blizzards for lunch! Hey, I had a coupon!
We came back and got cleaned up, Chris took our laundry to a laundromat and then came back and picked us up. We all went to back and waited for everything to dry before going to dinner.
We found a neighborhood Italian place for dinner. So authentic that they were even watching TV in Italian. We were the only customers at first, so it was private dining! It was delicious! Chris declared it to be the best meal of the trip in his opinion.
We came back to our hotel and put on our suits for the pool. The girls have been waiting for the pool since we got here-you can see it from our room! It was actually chilly......one of those times where you were ok if you were IN the water, but once you got out it was COLD!
And now here we are, in bed and ready to crash at 9pm! Tomorrow we have plans for more beach time, more pool time, and soaking up Virginia Beach before we start our journey home on Friday.
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(Problems once again with uploading.....might have to load pictures later)
It's late and we are exhausted, but we had yet another fantastic day!
We left Richmond and headed toward the beach. We stopped at Jamestown. Although at least one of us (me) is feeling history overload, it was interesting to all. And it was a perfect day-warm but not hot, with a great breeze!
Standing on Jamestown history.
We continued on, arriving at our hotel by 3pm. It is a gorgeous hotel and more spacious than we expected. We quickly unpacked and went in search of the ocean.
Found it!
We had lunch/dinner, actually our only full meal of the day, at a boardwalk restaurant. Sitting outside, breeze off the ocean, people all around.......it was great!
After dinner we were off to our real destination-a sunset pirate cruise on the ocean. Abs and Katherine were truly excited bat this event, Maggie tried to act too cool, thinking she might not enjoy it. But it didn't take long for her to get over that pre-teen attitude and fully enjoy the experience. It was a calm night on the sea, which meant we didn't get sea-sick and were able to watch many dolphins swimming around the boat! There was music & dancing, pirate antics, grog for adults (beer) and treasure for the kids! They fought Black Beard (with water cannons) and saved the ship.
All in all, a fantastic day!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
It's late and we are exhausted, but we had yet another fantastic day!
We left Richmond and headed toward the beach. We stopped at Jamestown. Although at least one of us (me) is feeling history overload, it was interesting to all. And it was a perfect day-warm but not hot, with a great breeze!
Standing on Jamestown history.
We continued on, arriving at our hotel by 3pm. It is a gorgeous hotel and more spacious than we expected. We quickly unpacked and went in search of the ocean.
Found it!
We had lunch/dinner, actually our only full meal of the day, at a boardwalk restaurant. Sitting outside, breeze off the ocean, people all around.......it was great!
After dinner we were off to our real destination-a sunset pirate cruise on the ocean. Abs and Katherine were truly excited bat this event, Maggie tried to act too cool, thinking she might not enjoy it. But it didn't take long for her to get over that pre-teen attitude and fully enjoy the experience. It was a calm night on the sea, which meant we didn't get sea-sick and were able to watch many dolphins swimming around the boat! There was music & dancing, pirate antics, grog for adults (beer) and treasure for the kids! They fought Black Beard (with water cannons) and saved the ship.
All in all, a fantastic day!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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