Fishing Day in WI

Our last full day up north was spent fishing.  The first place we tried was pretty, but not great for fishing.  Too many snags.  So, we drove back to Big Rock.  Big Rock was where it was at!

First fishing location -- too much algae, too many snags

Brady caught this toad

Getting ready at Big Rock

Cute lil' girl!

Grammy Char Char helping Hunty cast

Grandma and her Mountain Dew -- for as long as I can remember, Grandma has done the dew!

Lil' blondie

Brady fishing at Big Rock

Jim loved it there.  Below is a video of Jim floating down the river:

Nights Up North

Every evening up north, we lit a fire, made s'mores (or just ate the marshmallows and chocolate straight out of their packages), hung out, blew bubbles, and chatted.  It was nice being together as a family.  On two of the evenings, sometime after midnight, the ones who were still awake went outside to check out the meteor shower.  I think everyone saw at least one meteor flash across the sky.  Even if you didn't witness a meteor, just being out in the country at night, looking towards the heavens was majestic.  The stars seemed so close, yet at the same time it was amazing how vast the sky was.  I loved the night I laid my head against Jim as he wrapped his arms around me.  We waited together to make a wish on a falling star.  Grandma joined us, as did a few others.  We all chatted, yelled with excitement when we saw a meteor, and sometimes just stood in the darkness as the stars twinkled above.  It was magical.  

Tralee trying to steal Uncle Dave's s'more.

Grandma spending time with my wee ones.  I'm so glad they were able to spend time with her.  There's something magical about this lady.

She was singing a song about a polliwog.  It was cute!  Video below:

Grammy Char Char was on fire duty

Gathering

What's a bonfire without bubbles?

Ring around. . . 

Practicing some gymnastics

She's a perfect 10 in my book!

Up North Day Two

Our second day up north was filled with a plethora of fun things.  The guys went golfing, the ladies shopping.  We also worked on a craft, rested, read, played outside, and Grandma took us to Big Rock.  Big Rock was pretty cool.  It was a fun little swimming area at a spot on the Red River that was covered with rock -- hence the name Big Rock.  

Grammy Char Char and Grandpa Stoehr outside with Rudy the dog.  Not a bad back yard, huh?

Father-daughter bonding

Hammock pics

Grandpa's sidekick

The kids at Big Rock

The rock formation had lots of little crevices with water running through it.  It made a nice place for Hunter to dip his feet.

Hunter collected a lot of mussel shells.  He wouldn't set them down.  Believe it or not, all of Hunty's treasures made it home.  We have shells, pine cones, and acorns now.

I love this picture of all the cousins.  They're almost ALL looking at the same time!

To Grandmother's House We Go

On our second day in Wisconsin we drove up north to visit my grandparents on my Mom's side of the family.  It's safe to say that this is my hubby's favorite place to go in Wisconsin.  It think it reminds him of his home in Canada.  The Red River flows right across the street, and Jim went fishing in it any chance he got!  We also have a bonfire every night, play card games, hang out, play outside, and eat yummy food together.  Not to mention, the scenery and fresh air up there can't be beat!  Here are a few pictures from our first day "up nort" as they say.

Grandma and Grandpa's house

Brady became quite the little fisherman as well

Haylee was pretty good at catching fish too

Cute Haylee

Tralee swimming in the Red River

I'm not sure why, but I really like this picture of Haylee

Going up river to fish

Tralee is quite the model, always posing for pictures.  I LOVE it!

This is my favorite picture of Tralee from the trip.

Grandpa relaxing in his chair

There's always good food available at Grandma's.  Hunter made sure to eat as much of it as he could!

Playing Sheep's Head.  Ever heard of it?  

Grandpa playing some Sheep's Head with everyone

More card game playin'