Bring On Summer

This past weekend up north was the most fun we've had at the cabin in a long time. A very long time. Just about everything seemed to go well.

The ride up was long. Tommy refused to sleep at all and Grace only slept a half an hour and then cried for the last 40 minutes of the trip. Then she fell asleep when we were five minutes away from the cabin. Go figure. Still, the kids were all well behaved considering their lack of sleep and even obliged me in trying to get my new header pic the minute we arrived.

We got quite a few good pictures but decided to try again that night so that we could have a pretty sky as the backdrop. After we got back from dinner at the kids' favorite bar/restaurant we took a few more pictures and found a winner. See the new header? I'm liking it.

That night the kiddos went to sleep really well. I was wiped out and in bed by 10:00 and so happy when I was able to get a decent night's sleep. And then an energetic little fellow decided to wake me bright and early at 5 a.m. I couldn't figure out what the loud, metallic tapping sound was until later that morning when I followed the noise.

I found this confused little guy: Can you see him on top of the METAL roof of the wood shed? How about on top of this METAL boat? See him?Here is a better picture. It is Woody the Woodpecker of course! Not sure why he thought he could get his breakfast from metal, but the sound sure was annoying at 5 in the morning.

After listening to Woody for far too long I dragged myself out of bed and woke the boys up. Breakfast at the cabin is very special because they are allowed a treat that they very rarely get. Bakery! Of course I had to give them each a banana and milk with their bakery so that I wouldn't feel too guilty about the sugar overload. The boys happily scarfed down breakfast, got dressed, and headed outside.

The boys went down to the water's edge to chat about the day's plans as daddy drank his coffee. The day would include putting the pier in, fishing, and a bonfire. The boys' perfect day.

Soon it was time to get to work. The boys tried to be patient as daddy got the pier ready. Grace finally woke up from her 14 hour slumber and decided all of that sleep (and the 90 degree heat) made her sleepy so we spent much of our time on the swing. And it made her even sleepier.

Todd (and his dad and a family friend) got to work on the pier while the boys waded in the warm water looking for rocks and minnows.

The ladies cheered them on from the cushy blanket in the shade.

As soon as the pier was in the boys wasted no time getting their fishing poles. Daddy attached their bobbers (no hooks or bait just yet) and off they went to practice their casting. They were on that pier from morning until night.

Literally. Morning until night.

Somehow we managed to get the boys inside to eat and sleep but early the next morning they were out on the pier casting again.

I'd say it was a pretty successful weekend. Not only did I get my header pic, the boys got to cast night and day, the weather was hot and perfect, we roasted tons of marshmallows, and got plenty of vitamin D and precious sleep, but Grace also taught herself to crawl. AND, we got back home safe and sound to enjoy the rest of the Memorial Day weekend with a parade, lots of bike riding, and planting my garden.

It is weekends like these that bring that rosy glow of summer into focus. I can feel it's warmth. I can smell the suntan lotion. I can taste the watermelon and blueberries and cherries. I can hear the lawn mowers running all day long and the children playing in the distance. I can see the evening sunsets getting peachier and later.

Yes, summer is almost here. And, thanks to this weekend, I can hardly wait.