As we’ve done the past few years (could it really be 9?), the family packed up the car early on the Fourth of July and drove to my aunt and uncle’s cabin, which is located just outside of Luck, Wisconsin, on Bone Lake.

The crowd was a little smaller this year – our immediate family, mom and dad, grandpa Smith, my aunt and uncle and their daughter (who just got married last month). Add in three dogs, fireworks, lots of great food, jet ski rides and perfect weather and you get a very enjoyable holiday outing.

The lake had more boats on it this year (around eight) and the water levels were really low – I’d say maybe down a foot overall. The neighbors across the bay launched really loud mortar shells all day. That was fun at first, but the novelty quickly wore off. I’d love to hear one of those suckers go off in the city, though.

Traffic through Lindstrom, Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls was decent and we stopped at Eichten’s Cheese shop, Rainmaker Fireworks and the Milltown Drive-In in Milltown, Wisconsin, on the way up.

The drive home was uneventful – no speed traps this year. We got home in time to set up a bonfire in the driveway, watch the Eagan fireworks and set off our own display that we purchased at Rainmaker.

Pictures are now up on Facebook and in the private section of the 7MM photo gallery (the password has changed – email or call me if you’d like it).