Then...Goldpeople in Leikvold

Paul, Joyce, Jordana and Whitney made the 6-hour trek from Lake in the Hills to our Lake in the Northwoods, making their first trip to Leikvold to spend time with the Lucie girl. Despite bringing the grey and cold often associated with Illini fans, we kept the cabin warm and toasty and everybody managed to find some fun.

In addition to lounging in front of the fire and eating too often and too much, the Goldpeople toured the lake in the pontoon boat, including a trip to Middle Bay to watch one of the weekly/bi-weekly/somewhat regular/"anybody-want-to-race?" regattas.

Paul and I were poised to sail the Red Hoby to certain victory; however, our efforts to make Middle Bay were thwarted by a strong easterly wind. This wind also carried an evil enchantment, creating waves the size of small mountains and deadly air eddies. One such eddy, combined with a wave the size of Kilamanjero, exposed the underside of our trampoline to a sudden gust, tossing captain and captain-in-law into the drink. To our credit, despite the clear unnatural forces at work, the Red Hoby was incapacitated for only a moment and was righted by the combined effort of her crew. Paul showed his sailing roots and fine character by not only seeming to thoroughly enjoy the sail, but by not once claiming his dip in the balmy waters was the fault of anything other than the Lake Gods. We sailed on, fearing neither wind nor wave. Even without entering the regatta, we were victorious.

After facing Neptune's fresh water relatives and baptizing my father-in-law in the fine waters of Lac Courte Oreilles, the masses retired to the warmth of the cabin to shower our attention-starved baby with grandparental and auntly love. As you can see, Lucie was very neglected and had a difficult time finding a place to rest her weary head.

It was during the Leikvold visit that Aunt Dana (Jordana) and Nini (Whitney) began to establish their "aunting" styles. Aunt Dana is the watchful eye, always observing and thinking about the Luce Goose's miracle of existence and new human tricks. Babies are incredible little beings and Aunt Dana is there to watch, cuddle and nurture at every turn. Every turn, that is, when the Baby Hog is not stealing away with the little Goose. Aunt Nini is the human jungle gym, life-size talking doll with the kung-fu grip, automatic diaper changing machine, and walking bed. Baby Hog. Both Aunt Dana and Nini were never farther away than a brief cry, and Lucie will grow up knowing they'll always be just a phone call away. She is a lucky girl, and Lucie will have a lifetime filled with Dana and Nini stories and experiences as unique as each Aunt.

Despite the only cold spell in a summer of record high temperatures, the brief escape to the Northwoods with Paul, Joyce and the girls was great fun. Lucie will have countless years in the playground, and although she won't remember this one, it will always be a special visit.