Back to the Cabin. . .

The only bad thing about going to the cabin is having to leave the cabin. It happens every time. I think that if I knew we would be going back soon, maybe it wouldn't bother me so much, but our trips up there are few and far between so that makes leaving so much harder. When we were there for New Year's, I figured it would be at least several months before we would be back, so when I found out Rob's dad needed a little help fixing the belt on his snow blower, the wheels in my mind started turning and making a plan. . . Rob would need Kurt's help, of course, and I would need to be there to entertain the kids and, well, someone has to make french toast. Everything fell into place almost at the last minute and we headed for the cabin late Thursday evening. Kurt and two of his kids were able to join us . . .
We played a few games and introduced them to spoons which had quite a few hilarious moments. . .

Even with all the commotion going on inside, the deer came looking for Twinkies. . .

The kids threw bread out to feed the animals. . .

I never get tired of seeing these animals up close and personal.

It was pretty cool and very, very cold. . .

I'm usually the first one up in the morning when we stay at the cabin since Emma and Lucy start pacing as soon as the sun comes up (and need close supervision when they go out) but it pays off because the animals are close by and hungry!

These deer aren't easily spooked but they ran for the river when they heard the dogs come out.
I was afraid the ice would break with all of them stampeding across it, but it must be good and thick since they just stopped and stared at me, somehow knowing that I represented their breakfast. . .

Rob's dad has been very kind and consistent over the years in feeding the cabin animals. At last count he has 6 raccoons, 22 deer, a whole bunch of turkeys as well as fat little quails and blue jays.

The animals don't seem to mind eating together. . .

I really think they've come to think of this place as their winter home. . .

It's amazing that you can stand out on the deck, just a couple of feet away, and literally hit them on the head with a dinner roll and they won't even flinch.

After breakfast, they guys got busy fixing the snow blower since, after all, that was the reason we were at the cabin. . .

It didn't take too long and the kids were (mostly) patient while they waited to go sledding. . .

It was so worth the wait!!!!

Kurt and Rob took out two snowmobiles and hooked up the sleds with ropes. . .

The meadow was pretty much untouched since our last sledding adventure and the conditions were just perfect. . .

The sun was shining, the kids were smiling and the adults got to forget about reality for a little while. . .

At the end of the day, everyone had at least one trophy wound or bruise and plenty of sore muscles but I think we would all agree that it was well worth it.

It was exhausting . . .

. . . but soooo much fun.

Of course, the leaving part always puts a damper on it for me but Rob promises we'll be back soon. . . and more often. . .