Memorial Day Weekend 2009

We spent the weekend up at the lake.  We (or maybe it is more honest to say, I, Sandy) were a little unsure about how the weekend was going to go with all of us sleeping in an 8 x 12 foot cabin.  It was fine until the last night when Anders suddenly decided that he wanted to hang out with us rather than sleep - even when we really wanted to sleep.  The weather was great and the bugs were nonexistent and we only saw one tick, which was thankfully on Will and not me.  The birds were fabulous - lots of warblers that we never get to see when the leaves are completely out.  Here are tons of pictures.  

First the sleeping arrangements.  Anders was at one end of the cabin and were at the other end.

This also served as a good play area when needed.  Note his cool jean jacket. 

We covered the crib with a sheet so that we wouldn't disturb him for the two + hours we were up after he went to bed.  This is how it looked when he woke up from a nap or the night.  

Diaper changes have gotten a little challenging at times as there are so many exciting things to check out.  Plus, being naked is just too much fun. 

Will and Anders took a nap.   Such a cute face!

We went for a hike and discovered an ATV trail that either our neighbors or the DNR have made in the National Forest.  It would make a pretty good XC Ski trail.  Anders LOVES this pack, which we bought for really cheap at the REI scratch and dent sale (members only - it pays to be a member, and no, I don't work for REI now).  It might have been our best purchase ever.  

Will caught us a Lake Trout for dinner one night.  It was tasty.  

Oh, we forgot the booster seat that we use as a high chair.  Dang it!  So this is how I fed Anders.  It worked quite well, actually, except that it was a bit messy and he had a tendency to slouch a bit.  

Ok, we took Anders out for his first ride in canoe and he HATED it.  Not good.  I cannot remember for sure whether or not he had napped well before this, but we were pretty sure that the biggest issue was the life vest.  The only way he was even sort of calm, was if I held him like this.  Also, Will wiped his nose at one point and it made Anders stamp his foot (while standing in the canoe), which was quite hilarious.   Anyway, we will try again in July. 

One of the warblers we saw as a Northern Parula.  

We went back to the mystery trail for a second hike so that we could record the location of the trail on the GPS to get an idea of where it is in relation to our property line.  Anders (or maybe it was Will) forgot his hat at the Montessori and he (Anders) hates wearing hats, so we went for a combination of sunscreen and bandanna.  He only took the bandanna off once in the couple of hours we were out.  Plus he looked cool.

After the hike, Anders and I hung out on the deck while Will picked up rocks for his wall.  Anders did some standing and then we hung out in the hammock and watched a Red Squirrel eat bird seed.  The squirrel really caught Anders' attention and she was not concerned about us at all (lucky for her Lucy wasn't there).  Lucy actually was there in spirit and she had left lots of hair behind for us to remember her by.   

Will found this Blue Spotted Salamander under a rock.  It was very cool and I feel like I just read something about them being kind of rare, but maybe I am thinking of something else.  

Like father, like son.  I love how they have the same look on their faces!  They are sitting about 6 feet away from the bird feeder which was covered in Pine Siskins and the Red Squirrel.  Again, Anders was enthralled - yeah!  

Happy boy - loves eating.  In this particular picture he is enjoying some cheddar cheese.  At one point I realized that he had at least two pieces in this mouth - oops. 

 

I don't know what it is, but Anders has this uncanny ability to sense when when I am just sitting down to relax and he wakes up from his naps!  So, here he is hanging out at the rock wall construction project while I relax a bit.  Have I mentioned that the kid loves to stand?  

All in all, it was a great trip.   We cannot go up in June at all due to all the stuff we have going on so our next trip will be in July.  The one room cabin is kind of tricky, but worked out ok.  I'm sure we are all happy to be back home though - mainly to be back in our comfy beds.