{remembering grandpa charlie]

I love these pictures of Kate and Annika wearing Great Grandpa Charlie's hats. What a special way to remember a very important man. We love and miss you Grandpa.

our fourth of july

Happy Fourth of July!

This year was our very first year to spend the Fourth of July at home. We usually are either up north in Two Harbors or in Milwaukee and sometimes even in Michigan.

Growing up the Fourth of July was always our family's annual summer vacation to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We would head to Uncle Lowell and Aunt Mary Louise's camp in Lake Linden, Michigan, a tradition that started when my dad was just a kid. The Fourth was always filled with family. Lots of cousin. Lots of Great Aunts and Uncles. And time with my Grandma Mary Jane and Grandpa Charlie. I know that this Fourth of July I was a little more emotional. My Grandpa Charlie passed away on June 11. He was a proud World War II veteran and always would share stories of what it was like growing up in the Copper Country and serving in the Pacific. Some of my best memories growing up are from when we would spend time at the camp.

Sitting on the dock.

Pontoon rides.

Speed boat rides.

Playing Scrabble with my mom and grandma.

Playing Head Moose with all of the farm cousins.

Climbing the tiny staircase to the upper level.

Hearing Uncle Lowell's alarm clock.

Sweatshirt weather.

Watching Aunt Mary Louise and Grandma cross stitch.

Sneaking out to the garage and grabbing a Vernor's out of the old fashioned fridge.

Driving on the sand road to Uncle Ed and Aunt Barbara's farm.

Going into the barn and smelling that wonderful barn smell.

Walking around Uncle Ed's pond.

Fresh strawberries.

Playing Skip-Bo.

Watching the annual Skip-Bo tournament.

Pastie night.

Chop suey night.

Driving to Chassell and shopping at the Einerlie with mom and grandma.

Spinach salad and dinner at the Onagaming restaurant.

Subs at the Ambassador.

Driving across the lift bridge.

Watching for the Ranger III headed to Isle Royale.

Visiting the Michigan Tech pro-shop and watching summer hockey league.

Exploring John and Jeanne's house.

Aunt Barbara's apple bars.

Trips to Copper Harbor.

Driving to Laurium to do laundry.

The Lake Linden parade.

The sound of the firehall siren and church bells at the start of the parade.

Waiting to see the Bootjack Fire department trucks in the parade.

Visiting Jan and Earl after the parade.

Steak on the Fourth of July.

Watching the fireworks from the end of the dock.

Crying my eyes out when it was time to say goodbye and wishing that our vacation didn't have to come to an end.

I only hope that Kate and Annika will have as many wonderful memories from our family vacations and our Fourth of July celebrations.