The longer I'm away from the Dairyland, the more I appreciate it. And with Will going to school there and my parents, grandparents, and WI Halldorson's calling it home, we always end up there eventually! Or several times a year as the case may be.
My parents live just north of Minoqua, a popular tourist destination for lake lovers and cabin renters/owners. The town gets pretty crazy busy this time of year but their home stays nice and quiet sitting on the end of a chain of lakes. The traffic we watch from the fire pit are the boats and canoes that dock across the way on an island that offers free camping - first come, first served.
We enjoyed the weekend before I had to take Will down to school. We had beautiful weather and were able to take a ride in the pontoon, had lunch out on the lake, and dragged the kids on the inter tube!
We had our traditional (weather permitting) fire pit supper of hotdogs, chips and Oma's special dip (which is really just French Onion Soup mixed with sour cream but Z thinks it gourmet), and smores for dessert (with marshmallows I brought from Loblaws that were maple flavoured).
We worshipped together on Sunday morning in Tomahawk at a park for the closing service of their VBS. Afterwards was a big potluck mid-western style: brats, hamburgers, hotdogs, grilled chicken, tons of various salads, a cooler full of boiled corn, smoked salmon (Will was in heaven), fresh fruit, and a ton of dessert!
Later in the day we were at another park for their "Music in the Park". We got lots of use out of the folding chairs that day! It was fun to listen to a live band and eat crackers with spreadable cheese;)
My parents prepared for my arrival by making sure they were well stocked with wine.
It's funny because I'm not a big drinker but I admit to enjoying a good glass of wine. You'd think by the looks of it I had a serious problem!
Will and I drove down to Watertown and moved him into the dorm. LPS was hosting Synod Convention and the parking was ridiculous. I was hoping someone would get bored and leave so I could take their space but apparently it was riveting because I never found one.
I stayed two nights at Jeff and Steph's in an effort to delay saying goodbye to Will by a day - and to actually go to dinner with Steph which I don't think we've done by ourselves for years! I really enjoyed catching up briefly with my nieces and visiting with family.
It never gets easier saying goodbye to Will. It stinks. Some people complain about their teenagers but mine is charming, witty, caring, thoughtful, and does the dishes without me asking. True, he has his moments and he can't seem to change the toilet paper roll on his own but any possible wife in the future can deal with that. I've picked my battles and if that one fell through the cracks I can deal with it!
Note: if Will ever tells you we let him have two mugs of beer - this is the mug that was used. And it was used to specifically drink "Luther Bier" from Germany, which is certainly more acceptable than Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Other highlights/memories from our Wisconsin Summer:
Fish fry/ whiskey old-fashioned (or is it brandy? My dad orders for me)
My sweet Grandparents having us for spaghetti dinner and cards
Hand and Foot and the women taking it at the end!
Just me and my kiddos
Will helping to drive the 16 hours
Taking Will to LPS for the fourth and final time (insert cry)
Feeling like Sue Heck. Story of my life:)
Lularoe Love and 40% off. Legging are back, baby.
LaCroix - lots of it
14 Hands - lots of it
Evenings of Downton Abbey
Flea Markets and searching for my Fenton hobnail milk glass obsession
Worshipping Jesus outside in a park
Worshipping Jesus inside a big ole church with hundreds of people, a pipe organ, and a 28 page bulletin
A new, white toilet (don't ask - toilets seem to plague our family)
Wandering Wausau with Will
Breakfast at the Island Cafe in Minoqua - their greek omelettes are the best!
Phone calls and texts from my hubby
Texts from my boy
Target stop in Marquette, Michigan - both ways
Zanna's Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys obsession
Just the girls and the long trip home
Listening to Jane Eyre for approximately 35 hours (give or take) - now my inner monologue is spoken in a British accent. Highly recommend Librovox version 2 - she does all the accents and characters.
Rhinelander shopping
Going through the bank drive thru to use the sucky thingy (only in the US!) Where's our suckers?!!!!
Zanna catches a big fish and we eat it for breakfast.
Nothing like a Wisconsin Summer!
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