Cabin Vacation

Our annual summer family vacation was supposed to be to Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons. Due to COVID-19, our bookings got cancelled and our plans were forced to change. Our plan-B was heading to the cabin. While we missed the mountains and exploring new places, the cabin is a pretty great back-up plan. There wasn't hours of driving involved, and we got to have lots of family come up for various portions of our 10 day stay.

We had lots of wildlife encounters including baby snappers (and one mama) in the pond almost every morning. We also witnessed a mama painter turtle attempt to lay eggs on the driveway multiple times. We watched as five families of geese paraded past the dock. It was amazing to watch how much the little ones grew while we were there. Pelicans also swarmed near the cabin, working in a mob fishing together. It was fun to watch! We had several loon sightings as well, including one nesting a few cabins away. 

Over the first weekend, Brent, his girlfriend Shannon, Mom and Dad were all up there. We went on boat rides, swam in the lake, had bonfires with sparklers, played beanbags, and just hung out. It was nice getting to know Shannon more. After Brent and Shannon left, Mom and Dad stayed up a few more days. Henry helped Grandpa with a pond he was putting in with the intention of it being for swimming in. We also took them to Glendalough State Park. It was a super windy day, and Dad's hip was hurting him, so we only stayed for a quick picnic and a short hike. It was Coco's birthday, and Dad insisted on a dog birthday party. Olivia made hats, he bought dog treats, and I did the photo-shoot. (Might I add that my birthday was the next day and not NEARLY such a big deal was made of my special day.) Ha ha! :)

We were there alone for a few days which gave me time to finish a 1,000 piece puzzle and read a book. NEVER do I take the time to sit down and do either thing at home for such extended periods of time. We took a day to visit Itasca State Park too. 

The following weekend, Brooke, Ryan, Ollie, Ellie, and Katelyn came to stay. The kids enjoyed having cousin play time and we enjoyed the added entertainment little ones bring. We painted nails, did a workout lead by Katelyn (Well, the girls worked out while the guys drank beer.), did more boating and fishing, and played games and Barbies. Receptionist Cheryl had her laptop along with her the whole time. (An inside joke with the family that will always have me smiling.)

Overall, a great family vacation. I still missed our normal vacation experiences, but it was nice to take it easy, relax, and spend time as a family!