Up up and away

 

We just returned from a week long escape Up North.  This is our favorite tradition with Nanny and Poppy and I am so grateful for their generosity and bravery in hosting us.  

This year's weather was perfect so everyday was packed with activities and recreation. As a result there are piles of sand and rocks that are spilling out of 3 suitcases worth of laundry. 

 

This year we discovered Raven Hill Discovery Center and the kids are hoping to add this visit to our yearly traditions.  It was only a couple miles from Stonehedge Fiber Mill where we get our wool processed so I'm sure we'll be back.

The director of the center immediately encouraged me to release Naomi from her stroller and shared this quote :

BABIES are designed to learn.  Baby brains are  more flexible than adult brains.  They have far more connections between neurons, none of them particularly efficient, but over time they prune out unused connections and strengthen useful ones.  The adult capacities for focus, planning and efficient action that are governed by the prefrontal cortex depend on the long learning that occurs in childhood.  Far from being unfinished adults, babies and young children are exquisitely designed by evolution to change and create, to learn and explore"

Alison Gopnik Scientific America July 2010

It was a busy day of learning for Naomi for sure! And the quote is up in my kitchen reminding me to relax into the normal behavior and curiosity of young children and toddlers. 

The kids all enjoyed the frog pond near the cabin.  They caught lots and gently released them.  George asked about the possibility of eating them and instead of disgust I wondered at the closeness he feels with his food.  

Clara spotted a bull frog the size of a football and the surprise slipped her into a puddle of mud.  Then they were done.
  

William was all business with his schoolwork.  He did not let this time away distract him and the minute we were back at the cabin and late into the evenings and early in the mornings he was alert with an open book or laptop. 

I also happy to report that we have improved in our canoe skills.  We were swift and accurate in our paddling and no boat got stuck and no one complained.  Except for the one water fight between boats that soaked our younger passengers.  

What I remember most about Sleepy Bear Dunes is watching the wipe out contest.  Charlie especially, he flew down the steep dunes with propeller like legs. 

You can tell it was a great activity because I did not have to yell at anyone to smile.  Love this shot but regret that Naomi was not there to complete it.  She was sleeping back at the cabin with Nanny and Poppy.

Back at the cabin sweet Nanny participated in some fierce games of Sorry.  This went on for hours with only occasional tears. 

The apple season was not great this year but we tried any ways.  We barely got a half a bushel and after second inspection decided it would best be used as pig food. 

Now we are home and the kids are sorting and trading found rocks. The bathing suits and beach towels are headed into their final washing before storage.  It was a joy to squeeze a lot more of summer into just one week.  

Thank you Nanny and Poppy and thank you Michigan! 

A Week Up North

We enjoyed another great week with Paul's parents up north.  That was over two weeks ago! We had such a great time that it has taken us that long to ease back into a more structured routine.  I admit I'm behind on all the farm, family and homeschool happenings here on this blog.  Instead I have found Instagram to be a quick way to document the interesting moments that make way into our day. Here's a peek for those curious  http://instagram.com/alisononthefarm

Our best days Up North were spent on Lake Michigan beaches.  The weather was pleasant enough for wading but seemed too cold to be suited up in swimwear.  The temperature did not phase the kids though, and there was no keeping them from diving in, some in clothes and in the case of the youngest, nothing at all.  Each trip to the beach ended in a pile of soggy clothes that were piled high and sandy in the van.  Paul granted us his favorite act of heroism and made way to a local laundry mat before we ran out of clothes.   

The rocks and pebbles along Lake Michigan are magnificent.  We all were mesmerized by the variety of shapes, colors and textures.  We could (and did) spend hours looking for rocks.  Nanny is an expert and enjoys identifying the most special ones.

William was a pro at locating petoskey stones.  He had a small collection that accidentally got tossed back into the lake by a younger child.  He was not discouraged though and ended up finding a few more even larger ones after that. 

Nanny brought her rock finding invention for easy finding.  It is an old broom handle taped to a slotted spoon.  We all were impressed with her cleverness and took turns using it.

This is George's collection that he calls his "magic rocks".  He was not interested in bringing any home but preferred to arrange them in patterns, "I want to leave them for lake because I want the fish to see them".  

Another favorite adventure was had at Sleeping Bear Dunes.  It is quite a steep hike up the first dune and the kids so excited to be there made it half way up before Charlie was even unbuckled out of his car seat.  

I was in no mood to lug him up the dunes but instead encouraged him, "up", "up", "up".  One step at a time he finally made it.

The rest climbed up then ran as fast as they could grading who had the best wipe outs.  There was sand in every corner of their hair and even filled their pockets. 

We were lucky to have them stand for a quick photo.  

Back at the cabin Nanny treated us to many great meals.  

The younger ones colored.

And the older ones relaxed into movies.

We stayed up way too late playing games, laughing and knitting by the fire.

Another outing was had raspberry picking.  I can't remember how many pints we picked but the plan was to have enough to bring home for jam.  Unfortunately raspberries go quick with this crowd and unattended Charlie finished off more than one pint on his own.

                                    

We were treated to a yummy lunch and pleased that this crowd of inexperienced restaurant goers did not make too much of a scene or mess.  Nanny was very amused that every plate was licked clean. 

My favorite stop was at Stonehedge fiber mill.  It was because of this planned stop that 70 lbs of stinky wool accompanied us up north.  The wool was inspected and half was suitable for yarn (a mix of worsted and sport weight) and the other half will be made into quilt batting.  I'm already making plans for both!  It will be months before it is finished and in the meantime will be studying raverly patterns, looking into wool dying techniques and possibly set up an etsy shop for all the surplus yarn.  I can't wait to wear one of our sheep!

  

After dropping off 7 garbage bags of wool Paul was determined to fill the empty van space with apples.  We found a kind organic farmer who allowed us a private visit to his orchards to pick.  He lent us all the best picking gear and ladders and we ended up with 9 bushels full of a variety of apples.

Paul is now apple obsessed and determined to plant a few more trees on our property.  And since our return the apple sauce and apple crisp making has been constant with big plans to host a cider pressing party soon.

Between all the outings we dodged a thunderstorm and squeezed in a peaceful canoe trip down the Platte river.  The salmon were impressive with crowds of them darting up stream and jumping right in front of us.  

We also made the trip to the Cherry Hut and got a 10 lb. box of dried cherries and box of five pies.  

Along the way my basket filled with all sorts of Michigan goodies.

We took a family stroll down by the light house at Point Betsey and promised everyone if they stayed dry we'd roast up s'mores back a the cabin.  

The cabin was right on Crystal Lake and within steps of a warm shower at the cabin there was no keeping them out of the lake. 

Maryanna slipped away one evening with no one knowing it.  We found her fully dressed on a paddle board on the lake.  I admit I was angry and it was hard not to take this peaceful picture.

This trip was a perfect balance of good food, good weather, fun activity and time to relax.  It was especially a treat that Nanny gave me a break from the never ending task of feeding everyone.  We are so grateful for their generosity in hosting us and sharing so many memorable moments.  Here are the thank you cards that were painted upon our return.