First Family Vacation

This past week was our first family vacation. I would have liked to have our laptop with us so I would not have to spend this time here, late on Sunday night trying to update the blog. But our problematic laptop is still in the shop... Anyway.. we left our house on Friday June 2nd after Milena and Mirellen finished their three week summer program at Kromrey (included is a picture I took at their luncheon). We met the Martin family up north at the Crab Lake cabin. There was a full house with Andy and Sis (Alex's parents), Sam, Telia and Sophie, Scott. Laura with Sam, Joe and Ben. We stayed in the little house. The girls had visited Crab Lake during the Memorial Day weekend, but that was a short stay compared to this. We were also going to spend some time at Crab Lake by ourselves. The girls spent some time with Sophie and she seemed to attach herself to Yesica. They also spent time learning to fish from Scott (not us, sorry) and their favorite past time, trapping crayfish. We also had to say goodbye to Uncle Scott who is moving to England with his family. We will see Aunt Laura and the Vuchetich cousins here in Madison for our final goodbyes for a number of years (unless we win the lottery and can take the girls on a trip to Europe).

After everyone left the girls spent most of the time on the lake, but we had the good fortune of getting invited by the Bowler's, the owners of the Alpine Lodge, whose daughter Cameil, is about 12 years old. At the Alpine Lodge there were also three girls ages 10-14 and a boy of about 11 was staying nearby as well. They got invited several times during the week to swim and visit. One of the times the got to spend at Presque Isle Lake, where the deer flies were nasty. Another time they went and ate birthday cake (Kim Bowler's birthday) and played with the girls as well. The last visit was spent jumping off the top of their pontoon boat (not for grandparents to watch, I had a hard time watching it myself especially when Sucena jumped off). During our stay we also took the girls to Minocqua to ride Go-Karts and go to the Petting Zoo, which by the way they loved since they got to pet goats, rabbits, turtles as well as get into a cage with about 100 budgies. This was more than a petting zoo, it was an animal lover's experience with many rescued birds as well to see.

In general, it was a great experience to have as a family. There was not Yatzee tournament yet, as we are still working through taking turns and playing games. But three of the girls played Bingo with me and won many prizes ( I have to give smaller prizes next time!). They had fun with that, especially those who won their Doritos bags...

There were also trips to LaPorte's, the grocery store, the gas stations, the dump etc. On the last full day we were there, I thought the girls had finally learned the 'Crab Lake program' when after a big breakfast Sucena asked me if she could take a nap... (Yeah... I thought), then a dog appeared from nowhere (the Callender's house actually) and a lot of time was spent worrying about the dog, who was happy as a lark and took a comfortable nap on the back porch. After 45 minutes or so he was picked up by Judy Callender. His name was 'Tio', which in Spanish means 'Uncle'. On Saturday morning we finally had to say Good bye to Crab Lake, Alpine Lodge and Tio.

Mirellen woke up this morning thinking of waking up Sucena to catch crayfish.. Oh well.. next time.