Autumn Weekend Holiday, Part I

Greetings, everybody. Mark and I just returned from a really beautiful, much-anticipated and seriously relaxing weekend in Rhinelander. We both thought that we would be missing the awesome color-change of the leaves, as it is pretty late in the season, but we were pleasantly surprised when we awoke Saturday morning (we left Cross Plains in the early evening, so we couldn't see the color as we drove up) to an absolutely dazzling day of blue skies and trees decked out in the myriad of autumn's palette.

Emma riding her bike

Blue skies

Although we did arrive in Rhinelander later than was originally planned, Mom, Dad, Lisa, Jon and the kids were still up to greet us and have a few beers. Jon, Lisa, Mark and I were pretty "wild" and stayed up until midnight talking! We so crazy!!

Dad demonstrates Romeo's interest in bed-making

Every morning, Romeo "helps" Dad make the bed

Mark had also planned on waking early to shoot a doe, but sleep and rest got the better of him and he slept in both mornings. Happily, he did have the opportunity to go hunting with Jon. Mingo was dressed in his blaze orange chest protector and off the boys went grouse hunting! Five or six birds were flushed and shots were made, but no bird was taken. Jon and Mark didn't mind though...this day was so beautiful, they enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, the excitement of Mingo, the great weather and the colors surrounding them, talking and NOT WORKING!

The Mighty Hunters

Leila!

While they were off hunting, Mom, Emma and I had our own little adventure walking--and riding a bike-- in the woods with the other three dogs (Oscar, Cocoa, and Lily). We were just enjoying the day and admiring the beauty of the season. We were a little surprised by a very sudden and light rainshower, which seemed to come out of no where. There was a little cloud above us, but it really didn't look like a raincloud...but it obviously was because we were getting wet! We laughed it off and it passed just as quickly as it started.

Emma and I by a cute little oak tree

Mom and Emma

Lisa and I also managed to slip out for a little while and head into town for some coffee and a nice little walk around the Pioneer Park area. Leila naps for a couple hours in the morning, and Mom graciously agreed to stay home and keep an eye on the kids while we went out for this excursion. Thanks, Mom! I think both Lisa and I needed that time to catch up.

Hey Ladies


Mingo and Lily relish in their freedom

When we returned home, lunch was waiting for us and brother John had also arrived! We sat down and enjoyed a snappy German tomato soup with dumplings that Mark had made on Thursday and we brought down to share with everyone. Unfortunately, Michael and Emma weren't big fans, but it was really pretty spicy... Michael looks on as Mom cuts pieces for a new quilt