apple pickin'

This is the second year in a row we went apple picking in Bayfield. We returned to the same beautiful little orchard that we discovered last year. The boys love running around the trees and filling up the baskets. After a rainy start to the day, the weather cleared up for an absolutely beautiful afternoon. With the back of the van full of apples, we headed into town for ice cream and a very quick visit to the park before heading home.

great lakes visitor center

On the way to apple picking, we made a stop at the Great Lakes Visitor Center. We toured the exhibits, ate our pre-packed lunch, and communed with nature on the boardwalk. The boys enjoyed discovering the activity stations set up along the path. The trail was full of grasshoppers and one hopped on Owen's shoulder and hung out for a while (the boys named him Clyde).

sunprints

A few weeks ago, Logan reminded me that we hadn't played with our new Sunprint kit yet. With sunny days numbered heading into fall, we gave it a try. Although the wind provided some challenges (items were blowing off the paper, leaving partial images), we had a lot of fun experimenting and it was interesting to see what each of the boys chose to place on their paper. I would definitely recommend this activity for the three and up crowd.

two prints each by Tracy, Owen and Logan, from left to right

owen's train ride

We gave Owen a train ride for his birthday and he patiently waited all summer for us to actually schedule it. This weekend Tony took him to the depot, bought tickets, and together they rode the rails to Lester River and back. Most of the trip was spent in the open air car but the last few miles we moved into an enclosed car. An additional highlight was the steam engine that trailed us behind us on the way back.

fallfest 2009

This morning we attended Fallfest at Chester Bowl. Lots of crafty tents, food stands, and live music. The kids picked out pumpkins and spent time watching the glass blower. Before we left we stopped for some kettle corn.

the second grader

Logan started second grade today. The school renovated the playground over the summer so he came home with a bunch of little rubber pieces in his shoes. Mom made brownies to celebrate the big day.

gust lake morning

The one advantage of taking kids to the outhouse at 6:00 am is the beautiful photo opportunities of fog rolling over a perfectly still lake.

gust lake evening

Nights at the lake involved sitting around the fire and roasting marshmallows. Everyone had fun watching the "chimney" fire, a hollow log that shot flames like a volcano. Once in the tent, we read the boys bedtime stories by headlight.

on the water

Owen learns the joys of hooking his toy boat to a fishing pole.



Both boys took turns driving the pontoon boat. Grandpa was the dock captain, Logan was the island captain, and Owen was the middle captain.



Logan rowed Grandpa and Owen out to the island for some exploring.

a day in grand marais

We decided to drive into Grand Marais for an afternoon of fun. Activities included: eating pizza, buying donuts, perusing the art fair, visiting the Co-Op, climbing around Artist Point, shopping, and partaking in the fine art of throwing rocks into the water until your arm hurts.

gust lake afternoon

Owen spent a lot of time playing with the minnow bucket.



Logan learned to drive the SuperTryke and took Owen and Grandpa for numerous rides.



Logan shows off the dinner catch.



Owen helps Grandpa carry water jugs on a trip to the well.



Grandma bought eveyone musical instruments from when she attended the powwow.

the wheel is turning

The wheel has been dusted off and my spinning mojo is back. Now if I could only find some fiber around here somewhere...(ha,ha, replies the husband). This pink is a bit out of of my comfort zone and the end result too thick-and-thin, but it was good practice and I'm ready for the next project. Stay tuned...

trolley time

Another thing from the summer list of things-to-do: Ride the trolley!

two harbors for the day

In checking our summer list of things-to-do, the boys and I realized that we hadn't ventured up the north shore yet. Less than an hour later, we arrived at our destination. Often, the recipe for a good day includes getting outside; sometimes, you have to drive just a little farther.