Fun in Bayfield--July 2-4

Kathy here:  After all that fun on Canada Day in Stratford, we were eager to get to Dennis and Laurie's cottage in Bayfield.  We arrived in the early afternoon, unpacked and had lunch and relaxed.  Later we went down to the beach.  Laurie and Megan, Rick, Maia and Rylee had taken a trip to Toronto to see the sights.  We enjoyed the solitude with Dennis.

The beach at the cottage shrank after the winter.  Not much beach left.

Brothers

Sunsets at Bayfield are the best

The wheat field across the road from the cottage

Strolling with the dogs, Joey and Nichols

Sunsets at Bayfield are amazing

The next day we went to Zehr's to get supplies.  Those Mennonite ladies really know how to cook.

All the maple syrup you could ever want

We did some yard work and some relaxing and then Laurie and the rest of the family came back from Toronto.  Soon we were joined by Megan's friend Jen, her husband John and 5 yr. old son Alec.  They set up a tent in the backyard.  We all went to dinner and afterwards had a backyard fire and s'mores.

Waiting for s'mores

Good beer at "The Docks"

Megan, Rylee and Alec

Laurie, Den and their loving brother

Finally, the next day,  the weather cooperated and the kids got into their swimsuits.  Water fun ensued!

Watchers on the deck

kids plus water balloons equal fun

They passed the water balloon and when the music stopped, the kid with the balloon had to pop it over their head.....hahahaha

Megan and jumping the hose water game

Rick is immersed

Me and my Freddy substitute, Joey.....what a sweet patient pup

Megan in the kitchen

In the afternoon, the kids went down the the beach.  Megan, Dennis, Rick, Jeff and I joined them.  Even I agreed that it was too cold to swim, but the kids and I had fun counting to three, dunking ourselves and screaming at the top of our lungs.  That game lasted a long time.  We also played on the float, built sand castles and waded.  Sadly, no camera made it to the beach with us, but even without pictures, it was a lot of wet fun!

Another lovely sunset.  I took a few mosquito hits getting this shot.

Maia on the deck.

John and Jen fixed a gourmet feast for dinner on the 4th.  Thanks so much for your delicious cooking!  I was surprised by a Zahr's carrot cake and candles for my upcoming birthday.  Thanks everyone for such a warm celebration!

Later that night, Jeff was the hero of the day.  On the way to Detroit, Jeff had invested in a lot of really amazing fireworks.  We passed out the sparklers first, then Rick (designated pyrotechnician) lit the big fireworks one by one. Each was greeted by the appropriate oooohs and aaaaaahs and the kids all said they were the best fireworks ever!!  They all gave Jeff big hugs and I never saw him so happy

Rick gives Rylee instruction

Even the neighbors came to watch

Lots of smoke

It was a wonderful respite to hang out with Dennis and Laurie and the family.  Sadly we packed up and said goodbye to everyone on the morning of the 5th.  Maia asked "When will I see you again?"  "Hopefully soon", was our answer.