Dead Lake Family Vacay

Beginning last Wednesday we headed to Dead Lake to start our annual family vacation while Dana's parents were on their motorcycle trip. They had also offered to watch the girls while we went out for our anniversary. Thanks for letting us use the cabin and for watching the girls!

We went out to Mable Murphy's in Fergus and had a really nice evening. I was telling Tessa where we were going and she thought maybe that used to be a place we frequented back when we were dating and we were going back to our old stompin' grounds. That's when I told her that to the contrary, Dana took me on our first date to Burger King. And he used a coupon. :-) I think we only ever did go there the one time. Ha. We much prefer Mable's now! Here's to 12 years and many more!

....and 12 years ago.

Dana had caught Clara's bug, so he started off the vacation rather down and out with a nasty cold. He tried to rest up which thankfully seemed to help.

Brynn promised Grandma Holly that she would water her plants while Grandma was away.

I took the girls back to the antique store that Brynn and I went to not far from the cabin last year. First mistake: taking a toddler into an antique store. As you can see below, Clara is holding a $70 porcelain doll. I couldn't get her out of there fast enough!

She found some vintage baby clothes and cloths and plunked down with the porcelain doll and was going to wrap him up.

Finally, she put him 'away.'

Thursday night we headed to Zorbaz on Ottertail Lake with some friends. They came back to the cabin afterward and their little boy had fun playing with Clara.

Hand on her hip. :-)

It was a beautiful evening for a boat ride that night. This photo was taken by Brynn on our boat ride.

Friday morning was strawberry-pickin' time! We headed to Herzog's again and collected a bunch of delicious berries. Clara was a good helper, until she realized you could eat the berries. Then she ate more than she picked. They are the best-tasting though!