more from Victoria Lake

One of our favorite pastimes this week is fishing.  Holding your fishing pole just right is part of the trick and "I do it" can be heard across the lake establishing that help is not needed --- just in case you were wondering.

Julianna who formerly was a bit intimidated by a flopping fish or even a well griped fish was quite the participant this week as she explored how a fish felt, and there is more --  check out the following photo

yes, what you see here is Julianna and Grandmama actually baiting a hook with a leech.  Julianna would capture one, cut it in half and assist in placing the leech on a hook.  -- with great concentration, as such a task deserved of course.  At the rate which we were pulling in little sunfish, perch, bream, and a seemingly endless supply of hungry little fish that were next to our dock - we were well entertained.  She also had no choice but to help bait her hook.  I mean how many times will a Grandma or GrandDad bait a hook -- (as long as granddaughter wants-  thats how long)

Another activity that takes concentration is puzzle putting together, note, Jen's effort.  She is pretty good at it too.  Julianna played well with her too- keeping Jen quite happy and entertained.

Craft afternoon was a busy time, Mom stole the show, but I think she has done this before.  My effort at making a table was a little rough looking and elicited no ohhs or ahhs -- much to my disappointment.  These baskets however were real child pleasers.

Cooking was a big deal, the house kitchen was very nice, large, well equipped and we had large  excellent and exciting ( surprised ?) meals.

At one of them we celebrated Stephen's and Lydia's July and August birthdays with cupcakes and candles.  To no ones surprise, neither of them won the award for messy eater.  Isaac got that every time.  There were occasions though where he was pushed for the honor.

you know I am not sure if I have mentioned just how beautiful this place is.  Well it is.  And it has been full moon week too.  The loons (real wild ones too -- hold the jokes, puns and so on here) can be heard outside the cabin across the lake.  Loons are Minnesota's state bird and have a beautiful "call" .  We also have seen a beautiful bald eagle who fishes along our side of the lake too.

Aunts, Uncles, Grandparents and a lake with the Grandchildren

After I picked out the photos I realized what the title had to be. Uncle is quite entertaining, to no ones surprise.

The lake has provided boat rides and one one occasion an abundance of very small fish that the little ones were pulling in one after another.
games to be played with an aunt who kept attention of all

and across the street a small park with swings, slides and a great place to play
the morning and breakfast by the lake
or a cup of coffee and staying warm in the brisk early (well if 8 is early ) morning
and let me tell you - this is really a nice way to spend a little time. Next post I will try to have a picture of the actual parents of these grandchildren of ours.