Family Vacation!

For 40 years, my family has been going on the same vacation with long-time friends Bill and Shirley and their family! That started well before I was born, and the things that happen on vacation only make sense in this context (the group of people, the location, the shenanigans that happen, etc.). This year was no different, and there are plenty of things to talk about.

Here, in no particular order, is the top ten list of vacation memories:
1) Introducing my children to the family vacation. While the youngest 66.7% won't remember this vacation, they were treated well (spoiled really) by family and reaped the benefits of loving and caring family members (this includes Bill and Shirley and their family). I hope this is the first of many vacations my children will get to attend!

2) The blending of families. Not only was the majority of my family there, but Melissa's parents joined us for a few days. One thing our families have in common is a family vacation 'up north' for fishing, playing cards, and relaxing. It is not often that our kids get to spend time with their four grandparents, so the pontoon ride on Wednesday evening was extra special. We shared stories of family vacations and boated by the place where Melissa's family spent some significant time in her childhood summers.

3) The stories. Fishing tends to lead to stories, which is all fine and dandy. But there are no better stories than those told on vacation. We were treated to a few stories by one of the world's finest story tellers- Bill! This years headline story revolved around squirrels that invade Bill's bird feeders down in Missouri. Often, the stories on vacation revolve around stories from prior vacations, which held true this year.

4)  Pictures from years past. Bill and Shirley have done a great job of maintaining pictures and receipts from past vacations. While not all 40 years were visually represented, there were three albums full of pictures, along with the receipt from the [disputed] first year of vacation, where a cabin was $80 for a whole week! I enjoy seeing pictures of when I was a child, hearing the stories that accompany the pictures.

5) The pranks were creative and based upon a rich history of tradition. Every year there are pranks, and every year they continue to humor us. When Sophia walked into our house after someone (no names) went through our cabin, she was startled and upset. I guess pranks don't quite have the same effect on a two year old as they do on a thirty-two year old! Anyway, we were TPed and our underwear/socks were frozen. Sophia thought it was great when she, along with her cousins, TPed/froze underwear in Grandpa and Grandma/Bill and Shirley's cabin. Stepping it up a notch this year, someone put live minnows in Grandpa and Grandma/Bill and Shirley's cabin!

6) Cards. Our family really enjoys playing cards, but vacation is peak card-playing time. There were plenty games of Euchre, a few games of Pinochle, and learning a new game, Nines. Cards consist of teamwork, stories, enjoying a frosty beverage, and snacking. The game of Pinochle was played by my grandparents when they came on vacation, and it was neat to play this year with my parents, sister, and my nieces and nephews. It was great to continue on that tradition, while supporting the next generation f the family to continue playing.

7) The food. For the second time in my married life, I have averaged gaining more than a pound a day while on vacation. This year, I gained 7.2 pounds, due to equal parts food and drink. While the meals are wonderful, vacation activities are fueled by snacks and sugary drinks! Here is a sampling of the smorgasbord of snacks; beef jerky, ranch mix, Chex Mix, Peanut M&Ms, Skittles, Cheese balls, cookies, licorice, chips, taffy, and gummy worms. This is not exclusive, this is just a smattering! Meals included brats (may I recommend the Reuben brats), burgers, walking tacos, BBQ pork burgers, pizza, omelets, doughnuts, pancakes, and treats from the Chetek bakery. Drinks from the week include Spotted Cow, Canoe Paddler, Busch Light, Strawberry Strippers, and Cherry Bombs (not all in one night, of course).

8) Fishing. Unfortunately, this vacation is my yearly fix of fishing. Fishing doesn't have the same lure here as it does in Wisconsin. Maybe it is the distractions of home, or perhaps the lack of boat, but fishing at home does not seem as accessible here. I was able to enjoy some time on the pontoon with my folks, my wife, my in-laws, my sisters, brother-in-law, and my kids. The fishing wasn't outstanding, but we brought back at least three meals of fish for sometime this winter. The Crappies were a bit small, but we managed to find some keepers.

9) The other people. For the past few years, our 'camp' has been fortunate to have some friendly people from Illinois (less than 15 miles from where Melissa's parents live)! Two families have taken the trip to Chetek for a week at the same time we take our trip. They are fine, friendly people and many evenings were spent hanging out with one another. Anna really got connected to Choppy, one of the boys from Camp Illinois!

10) Bucket Lists. While I couldn't list off my bucket list to you right now, there are many things I want to accomplish/experience in my life. One of the members on our trip took the bull by the horns and checked off one of the things on his/her bucket list. The details and names shall remain anonymous, but I am proud of this person for completing the task, and I look forward to hearing what is next on his/her bucket list!

Thanks to our family for the great week, and especially for all the help with our kids! We couldn't have enjoyed vacation without their help!! -P