Our first trip with Cooper was Memorial Weekend to Cory’s parents lake home in Minong,Wisconsin.  It was just a few weeks after he was born, and we were amazed at how well he traveled!  He barely made a peep in the back, even with all of the loud music we played, and the sound of the dogs in the back.  We were even more surprised at how packed an Expedition can get with 2 adults, one little man, and 2 dogs.  Man did we need a lot of stuff!
We have been back to Wiestside a few more times during his first summer, 4th of July, Labor Day, and a few random weekends.  Cooper took his first swim out at Sand Island, after his first boat ride when Mama and Dada brought him out fishing.  He is such a fun kid!  He just goes with the flow, wherever we go, he is happy.

During our Labor Day trip, Cooper even got to come with Gamma G, Auntie Sheesha, Cousin Ary and Mama to Duluth.  We shopped, walked the town, and even got to go play in the rocks on the beech of Superior for the first time.  He had such a great time!

I am so excited for Cooper to get to spend time with Dada hunting, fishing, and hanging out on the hunting land just over 30 minutes from Minong.  I hope that he will learn to love nature as much as Cory does.  I am sure he will pick up on the respect for nature and animals, patience, persistence, and the ability to really relax and enjoy time by yourself in the quiet of the woods.  He will have to learn to care for the land, the cabin, and all of the toys.
I have no doubts that this is where he will ride his first dirt bike, snowmobile, 4×4 and even the Argo.  I can see him spending hours with DaDa in the garage learning about how to fix the brakes on one of the toys, or replace a windshield on something he crashed (hopefully with no major injuries).

He will learn to play cribbage with Gamma G, the right way, with no cheating . . . . unless totally necessary    He will play outside with all of his cousins, and the many dogs that will most likely always be a part of the family.
I am sure there will be hours and hours spent walking around the house with Papa while he shows him each of the animals he has hunted, teaching him about the places he has traveled and the people he as met.
Auntie Sheesha will be close by making sure he is warm enough, and giving out hugs and kisses as much as she can.

I am looking forward to this fall and winter to bring a few more 2.5 hour trips during the hunting season as well.  I am even thinking of getting out on their hunting land and trying it for myself for the first time.

Wiestside is a beautiful home, surrounded by serene nature, and filled with a loving family that I have no doubts will surround Cooper with love for all of his days.  He is one lucky boy!