Fall, Family & Fun

Fall is my favorite time of year, it's a time for sweaters, campfires, 

and to explore nature is at its best.

Yesterday morning I got up before the sun! 

I grabbed a cup of coffee and went to sit on our dock to see the sun rise in all it's beauty

The boats are coming out for the season, 

This is our view looking to the left of our place. 

Recently Rick's brother Brad & wife Julie bought a cabin on Long Lake about a mile North of us.

 It's pretty awesome having family here on the lake.

The four of us planned a trip to Itasca State Park yesterday. (only 30 miles from our cabin)

 It was a beautiful day, coolish and peaceful, and the leaves were PRIME COLORS.

Hard to see but the colors across the lake were outstanding

Julie was the first one over the "beginning" of the Mississippi River.

More selfies... using that "selfie stick" is a true art.

so pretty

The brothers, chatting as they walk.

The Fire Tower!

 I have been up this tower many times, 

so this time I stayed down and just watched everyone else go up, ha ha. 

The three waving from the top

You can spend hours in Itasca State Park, 

we brought a picnic lunch and then did the "Wilderness drive" around the park. 

There are many places along the drive to park and get out to see the sights. 

Have you been to Itasca.... tell me your favorite things to do there.

 

Welcoming friends/family to the cabin

Rick and I enjoy hosting friends at the cabin! 

Sometimes because of crazy schedules and timing things can get busy, 

but we find that it's not a lot of work, because our friends and family make it easy, 

they all chip in and help with meals and cleanup. 

There is plenty of visiting and making new memories...which is good

I have a Cabin Journal, it's fun to write down my thoughts! 

Included are many blessings, joys, good times but then there are some things we wish 

had never happened (Carson's diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes) 

I keep track of visits, things we do, purchases, events and pretty much anything I think is important to remember.

This week was a busy one with thee different groups of friends and family.

First came the Wadum's & Godsey's 

We go wayyyyy back with these dear friends.

The guys chattin' it up.

Rick, Jim and Ken

Lots of boat rides. Rick likes to talk and drive at the same time  :)

I think Ken could just sit and look at the lake all day!

I love these ladies, friends Valerie and Linda

Morning coffee, all ready for the troops

In-between guests Rick and I relaxed in the lake

he's always diving off the end of the dock!

Next came Brad and Julie, Rick's brother and his wife.

We love having them!

Just hangin'

Caught my first bass off the dock for this year....Finally!

Next Came Rick Uncle Wayne and Aunt JoAnne form Arizona

We spent a 1 1/2 days with them then left to go back to Rochester for the 4th celebrations.

Wayne and JoAnne get to stay the whole week. It will be nice for them to get a little R&R.

This guy has been catching bass off the dock and sharing photo's, he's making me jealous.

Wayne can you leave your lure, or at least leave a few fish in the lake for me.

Next week we look forward to having our kids and grandkids with us at the cabin. 

It will be busy again, but oh our hearts with be full! 

Cant wait.