northern love

Oh Big Lake. We can't go a summer without you.  We even took the old pooch and she swam and dug in the sand and had a grand old time.

Before we hit Superior we joined friends to paddle the Brule (and that was extra lovely-so clear!) and the girls had a great time playing with their friends, eating loads of s'mores and building the classic mossy/ferny fairy forts.

Elsa caught her first fish and couldn't stop begging for more.  They were all too little to keep but she was determined to catch one she could "roast".  Maybe next time.

It was good to get away, to laugh, sit around the fire, snuggle in sleeping bags, and get every pair of socks and pants wet and grimy.  We soaked in every minute and literally dragged ourselves away at the end.  It's hard to come back knowing we are closing in on fall.  In another month Andy will have a scan again and we'll know something else.  I think we are both trying to stretch the moments long enough to forget about that right now.  Mostly it works.  The days are bright and beautiful and we watch them unfold with an understanding of time and love that still feels new.