M. Sullivan Photography Birds, Family, Photos, Vacation, Weather

Summer Vacation

We took a week off during July and packed our bags, loaded up the SUV, hitched up the boat, grabbed the kids and the dog and departed for a week at a cabin in northern Wisconsin.  We all were ready for some time away from our hectic daily schedule and were craving some rest and relaxation.  We arrived very late on a Saturday evening (thanks to a championship Little League baseball game that delayed our departure).  We unpacked our bags and dropped into bed.  The next day we slept in, checked out the lake, headed into town for groceries and enjoyed the evening making s’mores.  Let the relaxation begin!

The week in photos…

Campfire
Fullish Moon
Roasting Marshmallows By Moonlight
S’mores Are Ready To Eat

We enjoyed swimming, boating,  tubing, playing games and the nature that surrounded us.

Fun In The Water
Cannonball!
Ahhhhh!
Around One More Time
Playing Cards With Dad
Siblings – Playing Cribbage
Over The Tree Tops – Blue Heron
Fly By – Blue Heron
In Flight – Blue Heron
Incoming
Loon In The Mist
Friendly Dragonfly
Sunset
Moon Rise
Moon Glow
In The Palm Of His Hand
Photo Op With Mr. Moose
Mr. Moose And Mr. Cool
Mom’s Turn
Giant Adirondack

Mike and the kids also tried their hand at go-karts.  It was a huge hit!

Ready!
Set!
Go!!

As Sebastian got closer to Mike & Sophia…

Catching Up

…Sophia put her foot on top of Mike’s and pushed the gas pedal to the floor!

Pedal To The Medal
Taking Over 1st Place
Finish Line

The final s’more of vacation.

Perfection!

Final card game of vacation.

One Last Hand

Final family photo of vacation.

The Family

We are already looking forward to next summer.  🙂

M. Sullivan Photography Animals, Family, Flowers, Garden, Photos

The Simple Life

Growing up in rural Minnesota, life was simple.  Too simple I thought at the time.  Summers were spent working on the farm, making hay, helping with the garden.  As a kid, I didn’t appreciate the simple life.  Going back and visiting my Mom this past weekend made me realize that growing up out in the country was actually pretty cool.  We learned how things grow, we saw calves being born, chickens hatching and tadpoles turn into frogs. We harvested peas, beans, carrots and more than a dozen other vegetables from the garden. We picked apples and plums in the fall from our trees.  We cut wood for the stove to keep the house warm in the winter.  These are the kinds of thing I want my kids to see, understand and appreciate.  I know a quick weekend with Grandma won’t do all of this, but it’s a start.

Running Wild
Field Of Dreams
Jump
Open Playing Field
Off The Beaten Path
M. Sullivan Photography Flowers, Garden, Photos

Float Like A Butterfly, Sting Like A Bee

I couldn’t help but post these photos taken today at my Mom’s house.  We picked up the kids this afternoon after a weekend with Grandma.  I have lots to post about their time with my Mom, our recent summer vacation and a visit with a high school classmate and her children. But for now, just enjoy the flowers, bees, butterflies and caterpillars.  There’s also a tiny flying bug in the last photo.  See if you can find it.  🙂

Opposites Attract
Incoming
Cleared For Take Off
Pollination
The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Stripes
Poppy