Blessed Beyond Measure: Memorial Day Weekend

This year, for Memorial Day Weekend, we headed to the cottage again. We were really excited to go to see Eric's family, but we were also excited to see the progress that his dad made on the cottage since the fire that they had back in March and also the new kitchen cabinets. Although I have been working for 11 years now, and my official title is "Architectural Designer", I rarely get a chance to design anything. Thus, designing an entire cottage (or lake home) for my in-laws and then watching it come to life is pretty awesome. As an added bonus I get to enjoy short term stays in it too! :)

In the past, Eric and I have always traveled to the cottage after work, arriving there late in the evening. With Asher, that has become difficult, since he is usually quite awake when we arrive (after sleeping for 4 hours) and needs some time to wind down and grow accustomed to his surroundings, while we want nothing more than to go to sleep. This time, we left home right after breakfast on Saturday morning and arrived there at around lunch time. It was a bummer to not have the morning to spend there, but overall, it worked out better for us. Asher did pretty well on the drive (only fussing the last half hour or so), and we were not exhausted the entire time. When we got there, we were able to enjoy the afternoon outside and within the cottage, giving Asher plenty of time to get comfortable and sleepy for bed time.

Video: Asher happy to be at the cottage

Asher & Emma enjoying the view of the lake from the cottage's living room windows.

One of the best things to do at the cottage is to enjoy the hammock and hammock chair out by the lake. Since Asher really likes to swing in our chair at home, Eric and I both enjoyed some snuggle time with him.

Emma, enjoying the freedom to dig to her heart's content.

Asher playing a little ball.

Since Asher is now on the move (which is different than the other times we been to the cottage since he's been born), everything had to be baby-proofed. Eric's parents did a great job making that happen in the cottage, but since doing so would be difficult in the garage-home, we tried to spend all of our time in the cottage. This meant that Eric's mom prepared all of our meals in the garage-home and then brought them into the cottage to eat, which meant that we had a meal in the cottage for the first time ever! So exciting! :)

The first meal in the new cottage!

On Sunday morning, we enjoyed another lazy day, playing inside and out. However, we also enjoyed the company of more family. Eric's sister, husband and baby came after breakfast on Sunday morning to spend the day with us. It was fun to see Emmett again and see how much he has changed and grown since the beginning of April.

Asher wearing Grandpa's hat.

Emmett enjoying the hammock

Eric, Asher & Grandpa M enjoying some guy-time on the pontoon.

Happy Guy!

Asher & Grandpa

On Sunday afternoon, Eric, his dad and I tried to take Asher for little boat ride. Unfortunately, we only made it around about half the lake though because Asher was not to keen on having to wear his life jacket. Maybe he'll do better in July when the boat ride results in some ice cream from the lake's ice cream store! :)

My family! :)

For comparison, this picture was taken last year during Labor Day weekend (Asher was 2 months old)

The cottage is exhausting for a pup!

Emmett enjoying some time in his rocker

Since Rob couldn't make it this weekend, we brought him to visit us via Skype.

Video: Sumo Asher

Asher was quite interested in Emmett's stuff. At one point he even sucked on Emmett's paci. Sorry Emmett!

Eric's dad was determined to get Asher to walk this weekend and kept trying to entice him to do so with various objects and toys. Realizing that Asher needed a little help and practice he got this mop bucket for him and made him a make-shift walker.

(2) Videos: Asher with his make-shift walker

Emma enjoying the view.

Before Asher went to bed on Sunday night, Eric wanted to let him experience his first bon fire. He was quite interested, so I never let him get down.

On Monday morning, the Sturzas had to head home and we needed to be on our way soon too. We enjoyed a little lazy time in the cottage, since it was a rainy day. Then, Eric's mom and I went into town to look at countertop options and other finishes for the cottage, while the boys stayed home. Like the good hubby that he is, Eric wouldn't let his dad try to get Asher to walk while I was gone, to be sure that I didn't miss out on the moment.

Asher loved all the space to roam.

While us girls were out, Grandpa read Little Blue Truck to Asher. I try to read to Asher all the time, but he never seems interested and will not hold still. Apparently Grandpa has some magic up his sleeves! :)

Video: Grandpa reading to Asher

At around lunch time, Eric's mom and I got back to the cottage, reviewed our finds with Eric's dad and had lunch. Then it was time to load up the van and head home. It was a great weekend and as always, we can't wait to go back!