Mother/Daughter Sleepover - Cottage Style

Four daughters, three mums, two nights, and one island cottage is the perfect recipe for fun and relaxation. (The relaxing part began at 9 PM each evening after the girls FINALLY fell asleep!)

The boat ride over to the island proved to be a windy challenge for Zoe and her wayward ponytail. Julia offered assistance to little avail.The cottage is on Healey Lake near Lake Huron's beautiful Georgian Bay, about a 2 1/2 hour drive north of Toronto. Linda (and husband) bought the cottage five years ago and find it so magical that they spend every weekend there from spring through fall. This week provided an opportunity for Lily and I to experience the magic first hand.

Lily is on the left with her daughters, Taylor (age 2 3/4) and Kelly (1 3/4). Linda is on the right with her daughter, Julia (age 3 - pink life jacket), and Zoe (now 3 1/2). Zoe met Julia and Taylor in a neighbourhood tots music class almost two years ago. "Baby" Kelly appeared on the scene a few months later. We all became fast friends and now play together at least once a week.

The kids had a blast jumping into the lake (20 ft deep at the dock). Zoe just started her first swimming lessons this week. In fact, she missed a couple days while we were at the cottage. While she has always enjoyed being in and around water, I was thrilled at her eagerness to jump off the dock (though only from a sitting position) and her relative comfort while in the water.

With Linda...

With Lily...

It was great fun to swim with Lily out to a goose decoy about 20 yards off the dock.

The lake was surprisingly warm (a testament to how hot our summer has been) but it still felt good to warm up in the hot tub after each swim.

Learning to float in the hot tub.

Floating in tandem.

All that swimming and fresh air makes a group of girls hungry!

Cuddling with Linda, our hostess extraordinaire!

Lounging on the expansive deck.

Story time...

Alas, the time flew by all too quickly before we were packing the boat for the ride back to the mainland and home. The Canadian Shield is gorgeous with its stunning rocks, plentiful lakes and majestic pines. We thoroughly enjoyed this small taste of it!!