small modern living blog - all the small things
In the earliest hours of morning, my son leapt from his bed, unable to contain his excitement for a beloved toy expected from santa’s sleigh. “Where is my Lego Prison Island set?” He rushed around the dining room table, his hurried pace waking up his sister. She wearily arose with a long yawn, unwilling to believe her blanketed cacoon would soon be abandoned.
It was a rocky start as the Lego packaging had not come quite as Asher expected, leaving him to think he did not get his desired set. After several assurances and demonstrations of how it was in fact the right set, (just packaged differently because it was a way cheaper knock-off version), Asher agreed everything was there and he was happy with his gift. We spent the morning listening to bluegrass records, cooking breakfast, preparing Lake Superior Whitefish, and assembling a large Lego Prison Island set, complete with a getaway balloon and escaped prisoner. I love the image on my husband sitting on our bench, huddled with the kids, trying to make sense of the Prison Island experience.
In the afternoon we walked to Pikes’s Bay Marina to admire the sail boats lined up in once empty patches of concrete and grass. My son intent on discovering each name written on the hull - “Tell me a story about this one, mom.” The kids enjoyed a leisurely stroll and eventual nap on the Brownstone Trail. We made it past Wild Rice Retreat when we heard the snoring and began talking in whispers, desiring our 30 minutes of quiet time. We passed by streams, ravines, waterfalls - nature at it’s finest. We walked through downtown Bayfield and wished one other gentleman a merry Christmas. A few businesses were bustling with activity, serving as a place for families and friends to celebrate the holiday. The St. James Hotel looked almost magical as fog cascaded past the main road leading to Lake Superior. This was the first Christmas I remember with open water and mild temperatures, perfect for a mid-day stroll.
As we prepared for bed that night, we read stories about Lake Superior shipwrecks, ferries, and sailboats. I couldn’t help but wonder how Christams may have been different. My time cleaning, preparing food, and getting ready was minimal because of our tiny house set up. This freed up time to take a six-mile walk. We were all in the same space, conversing, laughing, enjoying each other’s company. It was all the small things that carried weight that day - The things we can easily take for granted.