Oh Canada!

During the last week of July, I joined Matt's family in Canada for their long-established trip to Southview Cottages on Rice Lake. Matt, sadly, had to stay in Philly to work (and to row!). It is a wonderful trip that his family has taken every other year for most of his life. In addition to Matt's immediate family, his cousins x2, his cousins' cousins, and family friends all go on the trip. Now many of the "kids" are also bringing along significant others. It is a great big group of about 30 people, who drive many hours to relax, fish, relax, play cards, swim, water ski, kayak, chat, and relax some more.

Here are some of my favorite pictures:

Me with Jenny (Matt's brother David's girlfriend - wow - these labels could get confusing!) and our highly necessary fish rags.

This year, the pontoon boat became a favorite fishing boat - the more, the merrier!

Matt's dad, Mark, readying their boat for a morning of fishing.


Fresh fish goes fast!

Classic Canada - hanging out and chowing down.

Matt's brother, David, can't catch a fish from that side of the pontoon. But if he had only moved to the other side, his luck would have been better!

Lots of poles = lots of fish!

Beautiful sunset while fishing.

Matt's cousin, Elly, demonstrating how to remove a hook from a fish.

A little demo session prior to the traditional Euchre tournament.

Matt's brother, David, and mom, Nancy, battle out an intense game of Euchre.

Posing with my twin/Matt's cousin, Elly.

David and Elly - priceless.

Matt's cousin, Will, sipping his beer through his Twizzler.

Moments later, I catch Will's wife, Ayn, sipping her beer through a Twizzler, and no, she was not copying Will!

Proof that Brad joined in on the spa day.

David and his keeper walleye.

Matt's cousin, Luke, and his girlfriend, Angel.

Matt's cousin, John, and his girlfriend, Susie.