Welcome back Lake Sundog

I have either been dating or married to Carl now for 14 years and almost every single one of those years I have been to Lake Sundog with him. Its tradition, and one I am getting sick of and complain constantly about how we have to go on the same vacation every year. Then we get there and I remember why we make the effort to go back. To the Johnson clan this is a magical place with lots of history, lots of love and lots of memories. My father-in-law has been going here since he was a kid so in my 14 years I only have a glimpse of what this place has meant to everyone.

Now I am raising the next generation of Johnson men who will revere this place. A new set of grandchildren fill the walls with laughter, creating new memories. Its also a different kind of fun since I first started going here. I think there are two philosophies of Sundog. Carl's sister was always one to get up and go and never sit still traveling to all the cities for adventures. Carl and I were always content to sit and read a book and just relax in the good air with the comforts of home, and maybe kayak the lake, take a canoe ride, walk through the forest.

With the boys I am mostly content to just hang out at the cabin exploring the woods, even letting them go outside by themselves so they feel like they are testing the limits even though I can watch them at every second. This year was especially different because it was so hot. It was the hottest, most humid I have ever experienced at the cabin which made it hard to sleep, but was great for swimming.

So there isn't much I can tell you about our trip, I have 133 images from our all fun times, but I'll highlight some of our favorite memories if you just want a glimpse into what Sundog Lake means to the Johnson family. Here is a link to all images if you want to check them out.

Sundog Lake means a glimpse into nature in its raw state.

It means kayaking on the lake, by myself or with a child aboard.

 

It means swimming in the lake. Sometimes it very cold so we only stay a few minutes just to say we swam. Some years, like this year, its almost as warm as a bath water so we bask in the sun and swim to our hearts delight.

It means taking risks and testing your boundaries because boys will be boys.

It means new traditions, for us its visiting the Michigami River in Republic. The boys really love the beach here and the ore makes the water orange. We always have the best time at this beach.

It means visiting family and there is a lot of it, but the same familiar faces always make an effort to come by the cabin for a swim and dinner.

This year it meant getting fireworks in Wisconsin so the boys could have a real experience. Erik LOVED it and kept grabbing more fireworks for us to light. Elliot buried his face in my chest because he didn't like it at all.

It means visits to town which this year was a park in Ishpeming and the Marquette Children's Museum.

 

 

 

It means taking the time to smell the flowers, or pick them and give one to every person around you.

It means, being spoiled by their grandparents and just getting to spend time with family. Its nice to take a moment to connect.

 

For all these reasons we keep coming back even though it takes us an entire day by plane and car to get there. Its worth it to keep these memories growing.