Life is Good on White Lake

After leaving Door County we enjoyed a long weekend with my parents at a friend's cottage on White Lake. There are motor restrictions on this lake which I think makes it even more beautiful and certainly more peaceful. There is something special about relaxing on or near the water. It is a true vacation. The lake is only a few steps from the back door of the cottage and the boys are easily entertained here.

They made several trips out in the paddle boat; this was the first year we allowed them to take it out by themselves.

They swam every day, and Ethan enjoyed fishing off the dock.

The cottage also comes equipped with a pontoon boat and we managed to take it out for a spin a couple of times each day. Ethan's highlight was getting to drive fast.

Cave Point Park

Today we drove to the lake side of the peninsula and took a hike in Cave Point Park. The park is named from the caves that were formed from Lake Michigan waves wearing out the cliffs and forming caves. The water was clear and inviting but a little too cold for wadding. The kids liked the shells and the rocky shoreline.

Door County Continued

Today we took a drive along the bay side of Door County. Our first stop was Peninsula State Park. It was a beautiful drive with many picturesque views of the bay and Lake Michigan. We took a tour of Eagle Bluff Lighthouse, one of 10 lighthouses located in Door County. The boys were most impressed that the innkeepers raised 7 boys in the lighthouse which had no running water. The only water source came from the bay and in order to get water up to the lighthouse, the boys had to carry water up a staircase with more than 100 steps. Once inside the lighthouse, I was impressed with these beautiful wood stoves and also the pretty china that belonged to the innkeepers.

Next stop was Eagle Fire Tower. I couldn't convince the boys to climb the 75 feet to the top of the tower with me. The views from the top were breathtaking.

After leaving the fire tower we drove to the very tip of the peninsula, Gills Rock and then back down again. On the way back we stopped in Sister Bay which was settled by Norwegian immigrants and it's Scandinavian heritage is still very evident today. We stopped at one of the Swedish restaurants, Al Johnson's to take a picture of the roof of the restaurant which was covered in grass and there were goats lounging on it.

Our last stop before heading home was in Ephraim. We stopped at Wilson's for ice cream. I had caramel explosion and I have to say it was probably the best ice cream I've ever had. Sorry Ben and Jerry's and Brusters!

Door County Vacation Day 1

We are in Door County, Wisconsin vacationing for the week before heading up to the cottage on White Lake. This morning we took a long walk down to the harbor and beach. After the kids enjoyed time playing in the sand and collecting rocks we headed back into town where we stopped at the local fudge shop and sampled a few different kinds of yummy fudge. Tomorrow we'll have to go back to try the homemade ice cream....yum! After lunch we took a trip to The Farm. The kids had a great time feeding and chasing the lambs, milking a goat, and playing with kittens. It was hard to get them away. On the way back to our condo in Egg Harbor we stopped to take a picture of this tractor made out of hay bales. The rest of the afternoon was spent in the swimming pool......we'll see what tomorrow brings.

Jewelry Pouch

I'm still having fun sewing from the book Pretty Little Purses and Pouches. I've been working on end of the year teacher gifts and decided this little travel jewelry pouch would be perfect for the teacher who has it all, likes to travel, and owns a LOT of jewelry.

The pouch has two pockets and a nifty little ring roll that snaps on and off. The pattern was more user friendly then some of the other patterns in the book, and it only took me about 2 hours to complete.

Dish Towel Handbag

I made this nifty handbag using two coordinating dish towels. The bag is reversible and can carry all your necessities, plus more! It was relatively easy to make; the hardest part for me was sewing around the handles. It turned out cuter than expected and I was very pleased with the end result as was Esme who received it as a birthday gift.

Reversible!

Polka dots

or squiggles!

Whimsical Teacup Wristlets

I found this teacup wristlet pattern in a book called, Pretty Little Purses and Pouches, and fell in love with it. Given that I'm not a quilter, the pattern was difficult for me, even with help from my mom who's a wonderful seamstress. Needless to say, I was determined to figure it out -- I really wanted to make this wristlet for my friend's birthday gift. It took two days to make my first one but the end result was well worth the time! And by the time I finished with the fifth one, I could sew without referring back to the pattern.

One of my favorite things about sewing these, is creating fun color pallets with the fabrics. A few of my friends have been recipients of these and although I haven't made one for myself yet, it is on my to do list.

These are not only whimsical but practical too!

Fits on your wrist
and has a zipper and lining