Visitors (sort of)

Sisters! 

Every summer for at least 12 years, my parents and at least seven other couples/individuals get together for a golf outing. For most of these years they have stayed in Bayfield, a few years they explored other spots in Wisconsin.  The men golf (except the year I went and golfed) three different courses (one on the way to Bayfield, one in Bayfield, and one on the way home) and the women do whatever they feel like.  Last year we met at our favorite beach, Souix Beach and then joined them for dinner. This year we just joined them in Bayfield at Ethel's. So technically we visited them, but they were in our part of the state, so I am counting them as visitors we didn't need to clean the bathrooms for.

While waiting for dinner, Lilly listened to books and then did hill repeats in the alley behind the restaurant. (We were eating on the back deck). Greta fussed a lot and eventually went to sleep in my arms so I could chat with people at the other end of the table. It was nice to catch up with my parents' friends who were a significant part of my childhood. I consider many of them to be unrelated uncles and aunts.  It was especially great to see Carol and Virginia the day after the Supreme Court ruled on marriage equality. They were one of the couples that sued the state of Wisconsin for its ban on same-sex marriage, so nice to be able to celebrate a beautiful victory with them.  

Greta was passed on to my dad, Nick finished his dinner after a break so I could eat mine.  After dinner Lilly and I walked to the candy shop and I let Lilly pick out a treat. She picked a giant lollipop. My first instinct was to say no, but then I thought, what the heck.  It isn't like we will let her eat the whole thing now, it won't go bad, and it is just as unhealthy as the rest of the candy. So, we left with a giant lollipop for her and milk and dark chocolate sea salt covered caramels for mom and dad.

Then back to the restaurant where we rushed to leave. Greta was losing it and we suspected a painful drive back to Ashland.  My dad loaded some gifts/hand-me-downs, and other miscellaneous items into our trunk while Nick changed Greta's diaper. I rushed hugs and goodbyes and a potty break for Lilly.  We got into the van, Lilly told her dad to step on it (often Greta will stop crying when the car is in motion), and we left Bayfield. 

And a painful drive it was. After having sufficient time with her lollipop, Lilly took to singing while Greta screamed. We got home, I fed Greta, Nick got Lilly to bed, and then I was able to use my new-to-me phone (thanks, Dad!).

A girl and her lollipop the next day: