a cottage project - revamped boat seats

Our time at the cottage was so wonderful! When our cousins from Kalamazoo arrived, they brought a boat along. Here's what it looked like after we finished our project. Before this, it was in pretty bad shape, including some moss growing on the foam on the front cushions, but after washing it up a bit we tackled it with a staple gun, a scissor and some new fabric.

Lisa and I will always remember the summer we did this project! Maybe a little on the down and dirty side, but it was fun to let loose and not have to be ultra precise for a change. We enjoyed being on the lake doing something creative, and it ended up looking pretty good, even if I do say so myself!

Here's what it looked like before we started and in progress...

Ah, ready for relaxing on the lake! We all piled in and went for several boat rides. One of the highlights for little f was when we ran out of gas. As he began to panic, an older gentleman walked out onto his dock and hopped in his pontoon boat. He drove out to us and asked where we wanted to go. We tossed him a line and he tied it to his boat. Little f could see the propeller and wake up close, so it was quite exciting for him. And we were all so thankful for that gentleman.

"Why that gentleman help us?" little f asked. That's just what you do when you are on the lake. We all help each other, because we might need someone to help us another time. What a cool way to teach him about paying it forward.

glen lake getaway

It was a wonderful escape from the ordinary. We could see Sleeping Bear Dunes in the distance, and enjoyed several sunsets. All the best things were part of our summer vacation - swimming, fishing, boating, reading, eating outside, laughing, yoga, bonfires and family.

Fairy houses made by Uncle Don, who we met last year. He was the oldest living Luebke, and little f was the youngest. These are his handiwork and stand in his memory at our cottage garden.
"The fairies go up the steps and goblins live up here."

We love this place, and the simplicity it holds in it's beauty.

Where do you summer?

summertime at the lake

Remember when everything was new? The first time in the lake, on the boat and the dock - so enchanting. I fell in love my first time, and again as Fyn experienced each of them this summer.