island love

We woke the girls up super early, whispering 'island love' into their ear. After anticipating those words for weeks, they jumped right out of bed. A long drive, a short ride on the ferry, and a spin down a few island roads we arrived at the cottage for our annul summer vacation. We elected to stay somewhere new (to us) this year, a century-old Victorian lake cottage with the prettiest paint scheme. The best part? A wrap around screened porch facing the lake. 

At the beginning of the visit, I usually sign the girls up for a few things at the island's Art & Nature Center. They always have lots of fun classes, past ones have included Junior Naturalists, Bird WatchWalking Tours, and Origami lessons.

It's housed in the sweetest former school house, surrounded by white birches and wildflower meadows.

Inside, you'll find a busy beehive humming behind glass. The girls like to find the queen bee, we couldn't spot her this year, but it wasn't for a lack of trying.

They always have wildflowers on display with an explanation of their scientific names and history. Different people donate things they find, like Robin eggs. There's also live snakes, lizards, crayfish, fish, spiders, frogs and the like. Which you can hold and carefully examine, should you wish. 

This year the girls tie-dyed. Busy, messy and creative, perfect fun for a summer morning. And, the best part? I didn't have to clean it up.

We brought the boat along. 

And spent most of our time on the water. I'm pretty sure the girls are amphibious.

They took turns racing Rosie down the lawn to the lake. They usually let her win. 

She was desperate to ring the vintage bell.

Try as she might, she just wasn't tall enough...

Due to her schedule, Maggie wasn't able to join us for the first part of the trip. Cluckily, Grandpa Tom and Grandma Sis were able to bring her up for a few days. We were thrilled to have everyone together.

'Big Sisters are like crabgrass in the lawn of life'

~Charles M. Schulz

The four sisters, united.

 

Rosie loved sharing the lake with Grandma Sis.

And of course, I packed all kinds of fun things for the girls. The cottage had no tv or internet, and cell coverage is spotty, at best. Would you believe, I didn't hear one complaint or an 'I'm bored', the entire trip? That, my friends, is the sign of a successful vacation.

Rosie said it was the best time ever. I'm pretty sure she says that every year. 

I'll be back in the next day or two to show you some of my finds during our travels through Door County and to share some of the books I read. 

I can't wait to catch up with everyone.