The weekend we left for the UP Brendan had a soccer tournament so we postponed our departure until after the two Saturday games. He and I went to the morning game while Wellyn and Aiden cut up our blown down tree and took it to the compost site. Because there is never enough to do right before going on a trip. Sheesh!
The afternoon game we all attended and it was so hot out - the coaches were rotating kids in and out every few minutes so they could all get water and a quick break. Here is Brendan on one of his breaks. It's amazing what a different soccer player he was this summer - much more aggressive and trying so hard! He was so close to scoring a couple of goals...
Afterwards one of the other dads had some water left over and helped to cool him off ;)
After the soccer games we headed to Appleton for a night with Colin, Stacey, Ellie and Emmit. In the morning the kids had fun playing outside on the swings and running around the yard.
Miss Ellie being so darn cute!
Getting 'the look' from Emmit :)
From there it was a quick stop in Peshtigo to visit with my sister and her family. The boys love going there to play with the dogs, pet their kitty and ask Preston a zillion questions. A few hours later we made it to Gulliver for a visit with my mom and dad.
Brendan has always loved going to Grandma's garden to pick whatever is ready. This time it was strawberries. Since Aiden is a huge strawberry lover he was right on board with this.
He has a strawberry, it's just hard to see.
Finding a few more...
Our little cutie sitting in some of Grandma's flowers!
The latest building project my parents have been working on. Why would you want to relax during retirement???
The traditional walk to the old lime kilns by their place. So sad to seem them continue to fall apart... would have been so nice if they were preserved.
It was so cold during our visit! Evenings the wind calmed down some though and we were able to have a bonfire at the lake. Brendan helping cut some wood for the fire.
Getting ready for some smores.
What a happy kid!
The weather just didn't cooperate with us and it was too cold and windy for the boys to play in the lake so we found a few other things to do. Here we made it to the top of the lighthouse in Gulliver. It's my first time up - that whole open, spiral staircase has made me freeze in the past. This time I had to get over it and help Brendan up since he struggles with the same fear. Fun after we got up there!
What would be a trip home without lunch (and wi-fi) at Big Boy!
Kids still love to stop to eat there and then play on the trucks and trains.
After a big trip around town we finally found some nets they could use to try to catch minnows. Note the jacket and mittens... so cold! Somehow Brendan ended up with a huge bruise on his forehead related to the nets but we never really heard how it happened...
The much awaited launch of the paddle boat. Only available for use after 7pm when the waves calmed down.
Another day trip, this time to Newberry to see the bears.
Apparently baby bears like fruit loops!
Getting ready to say goodbye to Grandma and Grandpa Flusek and head to St. Jacques for the next part of the visit.
