Remembering the Cabin

We were given some somewhat sad and disappointing news last week... Kurt came home from work and told us that the kids' uncle had sold "the cabin." I knew they had been wanting to sell it for some time, but to hear it was official was somewhat of a surprise. This "cabin" is really a house on a lake a couple of hours from here. Kurt's brother owns (or rather owned) it and it became a family get-away. When we moved out here, we were so excited to be able to enjoy this "amenity" - and the chance to get away for a weekend at a time, or longer! We had some fun memories over there! And it was last summer that our kids were all finally "okay" with the water and we could truly enjoy the jetski, innertubes, etc. So our kids are in their prime as far as appreciating the fun and resources of the cabin. But, the cabin just wasn't getting used like it used to. The other families kids are all out of the house, or at least close to being out - and had already had their childhood time at the cabin. And furthermore, the cost of keeping a place like that year-round, to be used mostly in the summertime for the occasional weekend here or there, just wasn't cutting it. So, we just happened to catch it here in these final few years. And I have to say, our kids are all quite sad about it, too. But I was telling them (and myself!), that we should remember all of the fun we had there, and be glad we were at least able to enjoy it for a couple of years. *sniff* *sniff*

Okay, enough sniffling... wanna see some pictures??!!

Here's the lakefront view of the cabin (with an awfully cute 3-year-old Karis standing in front):


Here's a view of the lake:


On this particular trip, we were at the cabin, just us 5, at on "off peak" time of year. Just wanted to get away. The weather was rather cool and windy, so I don't think we even went on the lake. But just enjoyed the yard, and movies inside at night. Here Kurt and the kids enjoy the hammock:


This was a picture taken Father's Day weekend 2006. "Happy Father's Day, Daddy!"


This one of Nate was taken a couple of summers ago. The kids always had to take turns holding the flag. :) It was "the" thing to do!


And these next shots were taken the summer of 2006 - of the kids and their first experience on the inner tubes. Cousin Emily graciously helped them on this exciting adventure. :)

Emily with Nate...


And Ben....


And Karis.


And these final pictures were taken last summer - probably the kids' funnest time at the cabin.
Jetski time (... and no, they didn't ride it alone. Just took the pics of them sitting on it by themselves. :)






More inner tube pics (... although this time the kids did it on their own)








Oh, how we'll miss you, dear cabin. But that means we'll just have to find someone else who has a place at the lake (ha!)... or more likely, find other options for our summer weekends away. :)