A Full Week

So Bill and I took the entire week off last week. Taking the week of the 4th off is somewhat of a tradition for us and it is highly recommended!

We started off at Lake Ida on the 4th to swim and party it up with our favorite friends - the Tortorice's. I also got to see a dear friend who was up visiting from California. And as luck would have it, her cabin is just down the beach from where we were. The kids had a blast. Heck, so did the adults :)

Then we headed on over to my Stepmom's cabin where we got to fish and go on boat rides. We ate Zorbas and Hotel Shoreham while we were at the lakes and all gained about 10 lbs. each.

The girls had fun, but Laila was quite a handful. She is still very much in to her routine and the combination of fresh air, sunshine, no naps and odd sleeping arrangements left her......a little prickly.

We left for home on Wednesday, unpacked, picked up and waited for my Mom's arrival the next morning.

The next couple of days were spent here at the pool, grilling and relaxing.

Then last weekend my Mom, the two older girls (after dealing w/ Laila at the lake it was decided Bill would stay home with her) and I went to Little Falls to visit my Grandma, aunt and uncle. It felt good to be able to sit in one spot for more than 5 minutes and enjoy a nice glass of wine and funny conversation.

The next day we went to Parker's Prairie to take part in the last day of our family reunion. We visited the house and farm my Grandpa was born and raised in. He was the youngest of 9 children and there are a great many generations that like to get together and celebrate our Swedish heritage. Lefse anyone?

My Mom flew out on Monday morning and, as usual, it was hard to say goodbye. I sure love you, Mom. You're the loveliest person there is.