Labor Day Weekend September 8, 2009

This past weekend of course was Labor Day weekend and I think this was the first year I actually had something to do for the holiday weekend. Usually my dad’s side of the family tries to get most of us together once a year up at  Kathy & Jim’s cabin but this year we had to reschedule for September. I think this was actually the best weather we’ve had (it didn’t rain!).

 

Eric & Jim starting the beer drinking.

 

Craig and his very tiny tent. I would not sleep in that thing. I think it would make me feel claustrophobic not to mention too close to wildlife while sleeping because I like having some space between me and the tent walls at night.

 

My cousin Nick with a beer and a turkey leg.

 

Eric enjoying a beer.

 

Abri & Emily

 

Payton

 

Uncle Steve

 

This was actually a very pretty sunset but the sun doesn’t look right in this photo.

 

Abri

 

Emily (don’t you just love the soft light!)

 

Uncle John, Sammy, & Grace.

The four of us took a short little walk down the beach before dark. I love how sandy the shoreline is on Mille Lacs. It’s for sure one of my favorite lakes to swim in.

 

Some sitting around the fire:

Alan & aunt Mary Ann with Daphnie (the daughter of my dogs Gracie & Luke). They have to drive all of the way from Ohio to visit.

 

Craig & Nick

 

I think that Troy is getting a little big for this.

 

Jim mixed up a giant martini for uncle Tom.

 

The next day it was more warm sunshine

Deja

 

Emily & Grace

 

Pat at the wheel for a while thinking he’s the captain.

 

aunt Kathy

 

Jim, the real captain. (as indicated on his cap)

 

Rick & Mitchell

At the end of the boat ride Jim told a few of the guys to put weight on the front of the boat so they all got up there without really thinking and the whole front end of the boat went down like we were sinking. Thankfully we didn’t sink but sadly I didn’t get that YouTube worthy moment on film   I also went on another ride with the next group and noticed by the time that I got back to shore that I should have put on some sunscreen. I am seriously burned like I can’t believe. It’s painful to raise my arms and the burn has a purplish tint to it. Hopefully it will turn tan and not peel!

 

Dad, Rick, Derek, Mitchell, & Craig.

Father Hennepin State Park August 13, 2009

I spent August 3rd through the 8th with my parents and aunt Mary & uncle Dan. (& Craig for 2 days) We stayed at Father Hennepin State Park up in Isle, MN on Mile  Lacs Lake. Craig came home during the weekend while I was up at the cabin in Amery, WI and the day after I came home the two of us drove up to stay with the others in the campground. I think this was my first time camping that I really didn’t need any bug spray! The park has a really nice long & sandy beach, paved paths, and some hiking trails. The downsides were that it was crowded and the sites had no privacy and the park itself is kind of small. I think it would be the perfect park if the campsites had more privacy because that was a BIG downside. There were people walking through our site to theirs and while sitting around you almost had to look at your neighbors because they were so close with nothing seperating the sites.

Luke riding in Craig’s lap. Craig put on the brakes and poor Luke’s head smacked into the horn on the wheel. It was pretty comical but also a good reason your dog shouldn’t ride on your lap.

Gracie in the back seat where she later threw up a clump of grass.

Craig & Luke on a dock on our first walk around the park. Notice how you can’t see the shoreline on the other side of the lake. Mile Lacs is huge!

Nice sandy beach.

Me.

Dan & Craig.

Duckies!

It seems like everyone has these recliner chairs now.

Playing some washer and box game. (Almost the same as but not as good as cornhole).

It took some time for Gracie to get used to being tied up because at home she’s always running free.

Sunset!

Dad & the puppies.

Some funky mushrooms.

More duckies! (I love ducks).

On another walk.

We played a very loooong game of Canasta followed by a couple games of Liverpool.

The only deer I see the whole time I’m there & it’s an albino one!

Taking the Boat Out May 29, 2009

Well today was really nice out and I didn’t have anything to do after going to the post office so My dad & brother talked me into taking the boat out to make sure that it still runs. After getting it in the water it took us about an hour to get the darn thing started since it hadn’t been used in about two years. We thought that we would have to give up & go back home but we’re very stubborn people and kept on trying until it finally came to life. After that we kind of just drove a few times around Lake Byllesby. Suprisingly for such a nice day the lake was pretty dead and there were maybe only 5 other boats out there with us. At least I finally got some sun and hopefully didn’t burn anywhere. Lately I’ve been mostly in the house because I’m either making jewelry or posting it on etsy, or just browsing the web or watching a movie. Normally I would take advantage of sunny days and lay out on the trampoline but a storm mangled it last year and it’s sadly no longer with us.

 

Dad testing out his “new” depth finder. It was actually a present to him from my mom about 5 years ago and he hasn’t used it until now.

 

Eric & Gracie. This was Gracie’s first time on a boat and she was very good about it. Poor Luke didn’t come along because he’s always the one that gets to go on little trips so this was Gracie’s turn.