1,719 MILES IN 2 1/2 DAYS - once we made the decision to go there was no stopping us.  We called River Forest Yacht Center and told them to get her ready to go in!  After a holiday season of unusually mild temps (and practically no snow) we departed on January 4th and arrived back at the boat on the 6th.  Broulee was there in the sling waiting for our inspection and then to be splashed. 

Getting ready for the holidays a Smith Family outing to cut down a Christmas tree (this was all the snow we had, until New Years Eve).

Our lake finally froze mid December, so on a warm sunny day (they claim there was 6" of ice) Pops and Cooper headed out for some ice fishing. I thought they were crazy, but they both kept calling me chicken - so like an idiot I followed them out. 

and the ice boats were out - so it must be safe, right?  Unfortunately, later that day, one broke thru the ice.

Then we came to this patch that had broken up and refroze again - he's only 8 and a daredevil - have at it Cooper. You can call me chicken all you want.

We visited with Santa and gave him our lists.

The kids in their Christmas hats from Great Grandma Joan and Great Grandpa Jack.

The whole Christmas, New Year experience at home was lots of fun - however, time to get the decorations down and get the heck out of here.

Once, again - No stopping for Ruby Falls.  The signs start 83 miles north of Chattanooga and are placed every mile or so thereafter.  It really gets you curious - I at least finally googled it - might have to put it on my bucket list.

We had the yard put a fresh coat of bottom paint on her and buff the hull - WOW, she's looking good!

Ready to drop her in -  Broulee looking pretty puny next to that Krogen 58.  Unfortunately, the 58 was in pretty rough shape - needing lots of TLC. 

She's floating.

and she is so shinny and pretty heading to tie up at the wall.

Now unloading the car (one of us brought way too much clothes) and the job of getting her cleaned up and everything unpacked and stowed begins.

To our nothern friends and family - we know it has been nice in Minnesota, but you ain't doing this!

We spent three days at this beautiful, quiet, private marina getting Broulee ready - hard to leave, but up early on Monday to head for our reserved slip at Legacy Harbour Marina in Ft. Myers. 

Izzy will greatly miss her 30 acre fenced in yard! (So will we).