On August 11-14th, we had our first fun-filled family vacation to some place other than a wedding OR back to Sioux Falls to visit family. We headed to Lake Alex near Cushing, MN to stay at some family friend's cabin. We stayed with our friend from high school, Mary. My sister, Mary, brother-in-law, Greg, and niece, Meegan drove up from Sioux Falls and met us there. It was fun, it was relaxing, and it was family time...all that a vacation should be!
On Thursday, Brian worked 1/2 day. The kids and I packed and loaded to go. We dropped the dogs off for their "vacation" at Paws and Pals pet resort. Lauren was kind of sad, so the people at Paws and Pals showed us their "hotel room" and where they got to play. She seemed satisfied, but stated that she missed them. Then, I finished loading the SUV to the brim taking everything but the kitchen sink! Seriously infants require a ton of equipment (especially now that he's rolling everywhere and we've started cereal). We picked Brian up by 12:00 and were on our way. We stopped for lunch at Lauren's favorite spot (aka Culvers). She likes the free ice cream with her meal. Then we headed onward to Lake Alex. We arrived at 2:30ish and both kiddos had naps in the car. We were greeted by Mary, Mary, Greg, and Meegan when we arrived and unloaded our stuff so we could head to the beach. We sent Mary Nelson to work and played on the beach until supper. Then Brian grilled a fabulous supper of BBQ chicken, potatoes that Greg helped with, and corn "on the bone" as Lauren would say. Then we headed to the movie theater room to watch Tangled on the big screen. Mary N. returned from her volunteer job, we hung out and visited. Well, the kids were in bed, so they slept. We had a grand time watching Family Feud on GSN.
On Friday, the boys went golfing in the am. Well, first, Mary fed us all breakfast of sausages and blueberry pancakes. Yummy food once again! The kids and girls headed down to the beach once again. This time, Mary N. got to join us. We took turns supervising the kids on the beach and taking the jet ski out. Mary even talked Lauren into going with her. Then Lauren wanted to go with mommy and Aunt Mary too! She even got to drive and went really fast. Lauren also jumped off the dock and showed everyone how she could swim like a fish. When the boys returned from their golf trip, we all headed down to the beach once again. This time, we took the "big" boat out on the lake. We rode to a local restaurant for lunch. The food was great, the friendship was even better! After our lunch, we got a tour of the lake courtesy of Mary N. She was a fabulous tour guide even though she put the kiddos to sleep. Okay, so it was nap time too. When we got back, Lauren decided she wanted to watch a movie in the movie theater again...she chose Tinkerbell. Greg grilled tonight's meal of burgers. We had corn on the cob again too. When Mary N. returned home, we had a "camp fire" and roasted marshmallows for Smores. We ended the fire early due to storms. That night they actually got 2 1/2 inches of rain! The kids went to bed and the adults played cards. It was a late night, but we had fun.
On Saturday, Brian made a breakfast burrito bar. It was a delicious way to feed lots of people and highly recommended! Mary N. had to work again and Mary, Greg, and Meegan headed back to Sioux Falls. After we said our farewells, the Heidemann crew headed down to the beach yet again. We took the paddle boat for a spin and just chilled at the beach. It was wonderful to relax. We did sandwiches for lunch and just did snacky stuff the rest of the time anyway. Mary N. made a fabulous roast for supper. After she got home from her job, we headed down to the beach and took the jet ski out one more time. After it got too dark for the jet ski, we headed in to dry off. Then, we opted to try a fire again even though the wood was all wet. Mary's neighbor came over to join us. It took us so LONG to get the fire started that Lauren actually fell asleep before the fire was really going. I took her to bed. Then I came back out to enjoy some "pudgy pies". Believe me, they don't call them "pudgy pies" for nothing...I had so many different combos that I felt "pudgy"! We tried PBJ, peanut butter/marshmallows, peanut butter/marshmallows/chocolate, chocolate/marshmallows! All were great! What a great way to end a fabulous vacation.
On Sunday, I made monkey break for breakfast. Then we pretty much packed and headed home. Nolan was a bit crabby and the traffic was worse...which made for a longer trip back. We had to stop twice--once for lunch and once for a potty break/crabby baby. We did make it home in time to unload, do the grocery shopping and laundry, and get ready for a busy week with Brian heading out of town on business.
Check out our collage of pictures from our trip! It was a blast! Thanks again Nelsons!
No comments:
Post a Comment