Closing crew to the rescue

Heaven is under our feet as well as above our heads  ~Henry David Thoreau

The White family trust tree farm, right off Chippewa Loop, in our backyard. 

The area is a Pine and mixed hardwood forest, the forest includes a meadow and lots of wildlife. 

So fun for our family to hike here all season, but fall is spectacular. 

I took this photo 3 days ago, such a beautiful sight.

It is unfortunately that time of year where we need to start taking things out of the lake, 

preferably before it gets too cold. This year it worked best for the 1st weekend of October. 

Our Brice and his lovely family are the ususal "closing crew".

 So we coordinated our schedules, and we made the best of the time we had.

Gavin is a usual closer but this year had decided to have knee surgery instead. 

My sweet daughter and grandkids kept an eye on him to make sure all was well while we were away.

We miss you uncle Gavin!

1st the boat needs to be out of the lift.

Special "Grandpa-time" for Lewin

Pullin' put the lift.

Next the dock (board sections already removed)

Love my big strappin' men!

After everything was out of the water and put in its place the rest was all fun....

Teaching Scarlett how to crochet...she got the hang of it right away.

PS...she really wants to be from "The olden days" (Note the outfit and head scarf)

Tree swinging

Celebrating Jennifer's birthday.

Sunday morning snuggles in Grandpa and Grandmas bed

Lego building on the deck....why not!

Hiking in the protected White family tree farm, 

so blessed to have this beautiful space to roam, explore and enjoy

Games...always games at the cabin.

Rick and I will stay another week to finish all the closing details, 

we will have plenty of time to relax and enjoy our last visit for the season. 

Perhaps another blog post is coming about that.

A new normal....

 It’s been 16 days since dad went to memory care, his new home is at “Cottagewood”, only a few blocks from my house! He has a nice room with 2 big windows! All-in-all, things are going ok. He isn’t happy to be there but I guess in all fairness who would be! “Home” is where we all long to be!  Dad is slowly getting used to his surroundings, but still struggles with directions, finding his room and the bathroom! The staff is kind and patient with Dad, they are good at keeping us informed and they really like our dad! My siblings and I feel blessed to have each other, we each have our “gifts” when it comes to taking care of dad, I’m just so grateful that we communicate well, and share in all the things that involve our parents as they age!  

These two have always had a sweet relationship. 

They loved Rick from the first time I brought him home to meet them.

“There will come a time when your loved one will be gone and you will find comfort in the fact that you were there caregiver, that you were there to love on them, to cherish them, to hear them, and to remind them how important and loved they are”. (Love this quote)

On July 29th my Dad turned 86,  we celebrated with a visit and cake.

My sis, her hubby Darin, Randy, Rick, Dad, Mom and my Rick!

Dad enjoyed haveing his family near him.

Probably some "smart talk" going in here <3

Love you dad!