Just a quick recap of 2008. January thru April 1st we spent in Marathon, Fl on Broulee. Deb flew to Phoenix in January for her Aunts' 85th Birthday and to spend time with her parents. March we were joined by our good friends the Stiefels', and after that we flew home to Minnesota for a family ski trip to Big Sky. Then it was back to Broulee and by the 1st of April we were heading north out of Florida, leaving the boat in Columbus, Ms and driving the rest of the way home to Bald Eagle Lake, Mn.

Deb's Birthday In Marathon, FL

Doug, Rick and their buddy "Ernie" Hemingway in Key West

Skiing withBrad, Katie and grandkids in Big Sky, Mt (March)

May was an exciting month, grandchildren needed hugs, gardens needed cleaning out and planting, boats and docks where put in and major projects were started.

Cooper & Pops singing in the rain.

Spring Garden - everything is starting to sprout!


Ahhh the master gardeners at work.

It seems window replacement is never ending in this 114 year old house! The greenhouse windows are our focus this year.

June whizzed by - the kids where out of school, we drove down to Columbus, Ms to visit Broulee and do some maintenance and Scott & Kristin where married on the island of St. Croix.

Fun in a puddle after a warm summer shower.

Now the serious weeding begins!

Cooper tried soccer - turned out not to be his thing right now (maybe in a few years) but he looks sooooo cute.

Scott & Kristin were married on the island of St. Croix June 21st, with a wedding reception July 19th back in Minnesota.

July seemed like a non stop party - starting off with the big 4th of July neighborhood events on Bald Eagle Lake. Rick's sister Sandra came from New York for Scott & Kristin's reception and we spent lots of time just having fun with grandkids.

Three generations of Smith men celebrating the 4th of July Bald Eagle Lake style.

Rick & his sister Sandra - always manage to have fun!

Pops & Georgia having fun on the Frog Hopper (He's the one in the big kids seat)

August was that busy month where we knew the kids would be back in school soon and fall would be coming so we were trying to cram in everything we could. The annual Wilson Family reunion was held on August 22nd at Bald Eagle Lake.

September was memorable for the Casserly's - Erin & Loren were both home from Iraq and we all met in Grand Marais for a fun filled weekend.

October, what can we say - we know it's coming to an end, but yet we try to hang on (we just put on more clothes). We hauled in all the plants we needed to save for next year, then we headed back to Broulee for a vacation up the Tennessee River to Chattanooga. Back to Minnesota for Halloween and made plans to get the house ready for winter.

Trick or Treat

Packing up the porches - time to start thinking about warmer climates.

November is a reminder of why we do what we do. Snow starts to fall and so does the temperature (although the first snow brings out the kid in you). We also had a week moment and finally got that black lab puppy we have been talking about for years - it's all good.

First Snow - ohhh it's sooo pretty.

Our new puppy Izzy- what more can we say.

December makes us ask the question "Are you crazy - why are you still here?" It proved to be an incredible experience. Christmas concerts, Christmas parties, lots of snow, and special moments with our family. Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for a super fine 2009!

Fred, Our Crusing Cat (1989-2008)


Katie, Georgia, Cooper & Brad

Jordan, Kristin, Scott, Jake, Meg & Josh