New Year's Eve, Good Old Three Lakes

We got back from Christmas vacation Friday night, we both worked Saturday and so Sunday morning we were off again. 

After having to drive back home, twice forgetting something, we were finally ready to head up to Duluth to pick up Blake. 

We figured since we would be going to Duluth at the end of the week we'd take a little detour on the way to Wisconsin and pick him up.

Ah, Duluth. I'm starting to love this city.

Blake had us meet him at work and so we got to take another tour. The house was still decorated for Christmas. It was kind of neat to see it during the winter time.

Blake even did some decorating. It was nice to see, but we had places to be.

Blake made us stop at the library first.

We were hungry for lunch by then, so Blake suggested one of his favorite places in town Duluth Grill.

There were so many good food options it was hard to pick. A lot of their produce is local too which is pretty cool. I think we may have to stop here everytime we are in town.

Best meal in a long time. I had stuffed hot pepper tacos. So, good!

Blake made us take another stop in Ashland.

As the sun went down and the woods got darker we were only 2 (milli)seconds away from completly smashing into a buck. I made sure to pay attention to the road extra carefully until we got to the cottage.

My heart nearly jumped out of my shirt.

Once we arrived we waited for dinner. Blake found a Smokey the Bear activity book and drew a picture on how to have a safe campfire.

Grilled chicken.

Blake ate mashed potatoes from the box for dinner. Poor guy.

After dinner Blake and I played Snakes and Ladders. Scott was too cool to play.

I only play Chutes and Ladders.

My dad had been ice fishing all day and noticed he got a tip up.

Fishing all day from inside the house, that is.

Too bad there wasn't enough fish for all of us.


We eventually convinced Scott to play Sorry with us.

I think I won.


We enjoyed the Northwoods decor, drank a few brewskies (well not Brooke, she's with squirrel) and then called it a night.

The next morning my mom made biscuits and gravy. Except that she added sweetened condensed milk instead of condensed milk so it was a little sweet tasting.

And then Santa came again this year.

Scott got the biggest present.

Here's my bounty. We'd have a picture of Brooke's, but she's kind of shaky with the camera.

Here it is anyway. Apparently it's too blurry for Scott.

As she does every year my mom braided my hair.

This year my mom got a Hello Kitty puzzle from Santa. Everyone was excited to work on it except for me. I wanted to get outside. 

Hello Kitty was finished quick enough.

We got out our snowshoes and took a walk around the lake.

Brooke was really happy to be out on the lake.

Until we started falling through on the marshy side of the lake.

Some spots were a little mushy.


She looked so cute in her snow pants and puffy jacket.

Our snow shoes came with poles. We decided to try them out this time to see if they were worth using. Not really. Maybe if I was going up a steep hill or something.

My dad kept whizzing by us on his snowmobile.

This tree was not here last year.


Eventually he came over and said we were slow and that he passed us like 12 times.

Hard to compare a vehicle careening around a lake to a couple snowshoers.

Eventually we made the big loop.

Back inside it was time for lunch.

Brookie nubby hands made an appearance.

The trails were actually open this year so Scott was excited to finally go snowmobiling.

We hadn't really gone in two years.

And we were off.


We got a 1/2 mile or so away when Mr. Mike realized he was low on gas.

He had to siphon some gas from his bobcat.

Second time was a charm.

The plan was to have enough gas to make it town.

My snowmobile got stuck on a shitty ramp and we turned back.

While they were out mobiling Blake and I decided to clear some snow to make an ice rink.

Once it was big enough we took our skates for a spin. It was dark by then so no photos.

Then it was time to celebrate New Years. This year Scott suggested we go to The Old Stag. The restaurant is in an old general store.

It's mostly German food, but also has your classic supper club items.

Scott and I got German food. The food was so good here compared to other places we went to previous years.


My mom had to get a dessert so the Blake, Scott and I decided we did too.

Bananas foster ice cream cake. I could go for some right about now.

Then we headed into Eagle River for drinks. We stopped at our favorite little bar The Tiny Tap. 

With squirrel and Blake got kiddy cocktails. 

When we gave the bartender money to pay she refused and said "Happy New Year."

Still not sure what that was about, but we couldn't complain.

We then went to a marine themed dive bar two doors down.

We wanted to go to Braywood, but they were closed. Now Scott is determined to buy this place.

It would be the dream.

Driving back into Three Lakes. Scott and my dad wanted to go to The American Legion.


Momma Gail got some brightly colored drink.

Lucky for us it was polka night and they had free food.

I waited a while to get something. I was still full from dinner.

That's actually how Momma Gail smiles.

 Brooke made fun of my meatball plate. I want to come back next year.


Mr. Mike was afraid that the old ladies were going to kiss him at midnight. So, we headed out 20 minutes before the clock struck twelve.

After watching the ball drop Blake found some fireworks to light.

But did he come back inside with his hands intact?