We have just returned from an almost two week vacation in the Midwest. We spent a week in northern Wisconsin with my side of the family in Eagle River, a family gathering spot for many, many years.
My grandpa and his parents and siblings ran a resort on Big Bass Lake in Eagle River, WI. The resort included log cabins and a lodge that were built in 1923. My grandpa lived there for several years before having to leave due to the crash. My great-grandparents owned the property even though the resort was not in operation. When my great-grandma died, she gave Camp Balsams, as it is called, to her church to use as a retreat place. In the original agreement, she asked that the family be allowed to use the camp as well. My mom spent summers at the Balsams with her cousins and then brought us there as well. We all have many good memories of being at the Balsams with our family.
This summer, we all made it up to the Balsams for the first time in five years. Nate, the girls, and I spent the week with my parents, my cousins and their families as well as my brother and aunt and uncle. Some others came for a few days as well.
It was a great week. Some family wounds were healed and some were undoubtedly were created. Isn't that how it goes in families, though? I don't have many cousins or much extended family that we see regularly. But we were always close to my cousins in Illinois growing up. Now that we are all adults, we still enjoy being together and Eagle River is the place where we can all gather.
I haven't stayed up until 2 or 3 in the morning all week since college, but we had a great time playing games until the wee hours of the morning. It was wonderful to have our girls up there too and for them to meet their cousins ( I think they are 2nd cousins) and spend time with Grandma and Grandpa. Since we live far away from all of our family, we cherish the time we get to spend with family.
After Eagle River, we spent a few days at Nate's parents house as well. Glad to be home, but thankful for the time with our families!
1 comment:
SOUNDS WONDERFUL! I am so glad your family was able to get together this year... and just relax and have FUN! Thanks for sharing the pics, too. I've always wondered what it looks like up there when you've talked about it.
Love,
KLK
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