Betsy's Family at the Lake

I have been late in getting this posting online. Betsy's family joined us at the lake in late July, but shortly after that, I was away for the cabin raising and so did not get these pictures shared with you, my faithful readers, whomever you may be.

Prior to arriving, Betsy had alerted us to the fact that the grandkids wanted to do minnow races. This involves using two lengths of gutter which have capped ends and are, of course, filled with water. There is also a small "starting gate" which is merely a piece of plywood cut to the shape of the gutter and which can be used to hold back the race participants (minnows) at the starting line at one end. Contestants choose a minnow from those lucky enough to have avoided being used as bait on a fishing outing. The minnows are constrained behind the starting gate at one end, and at the sound of the starters pistol (or, rather, the shouting of the word "GO!"), the gates are released and the race is on. Or not––minnows can be unreliable in choosing to swim rapidly to the opposite end of the gutter. Indeed, sometimes they dally at the starting gate, choose to try to swim in the wrong direction, or loaf along. Their champions are allowed to wriggle fingers behind them to encourage them to do the right thing. Anyway, here are the contestants shortly after we set up the raceways. Honestly, I don't recall that there were any major results, unless you count lots of laughing and fun (which is what it is all about for me).

There was also a "family game night." We all played a version of Pictionary®️ at a whiteboard. There were two teams, and everyone was extremely creative. A couple of examples follow. Henry did a nice job trying to portray the word "panic", though I recall his team didn't succeed in deciphering his intentions. Frederick, on the other hand, had a winner with "dead man."

We rented a pontoon boat for a long outing one day. Frederick loved being at the helm.

Each of the grandkids succeeded in catching some fish too. I don't recall if this was Frederick's first ever successful fishing trip or not, but he was mighty proud and happy nevertheless.

Henry thought his catch looked good enough to eat, though I don't think he followed through.

Mom and dad enjoyed themselves also.

After we located an unoccupied, sandy beach, swimming happened.

The bear at Treeland's Resort greeted us when we went out for dinner one night. The kids were all fascinated with the true-to-life model of the world record musky that is on display there.

Kathie and I took some nice photos of each of the grandkids with us.

Just before they headed back home, Pete took a nice selfie of all of us. There were other activities that I should have photographed as well. What you are not seeing here are photos of Betsy and the kids being pulled behind our boat on a large tube. Both Henry and Clara claimed this was "the most fun thing they had ever done." (I suspect until the next most fun thing comes along!) There was also a fair amount of zip lining. I have to resolve to get more photos next year.