Okoboji-July 4th

Well, since this was our only "family vacation" this year, we wanted to make sure we all had a great time.  We went up to the lake after work on the 3rd so we could spend as much time as possible up there.  We are always so gracious to Aunt Mary and Uncle Fred for letting us stay at their house.  And did they have a housefull-Mary, Fred, Amy, Matt, Kim, Lily, Ben, Christina, David, Tessa, Mom, Dad, and the five of us; (luckily the three dogs were excluded this time)!  As always, we made it work and had a lot of fun.

The best picture I could get off all the kids

Alena and Lily

Alena and Lily got to play together for a couple days, including jumping into the lake together, going to the beach, taking walks on the Ezy Roller, and spending part of a day at Arnold's Park. 

The Grandparents and the kids took turns spending time on the boat, which meant we actually got a kid-free afternoon on the lake which was nice.  For the first time ever, we did not make it to the Barefoot Bar! Guess that means two trips next time we are up there.  We enjoyed some yummy meals and even spent an evening watching old Minnesota videos.  Those never get old, and they always make us cry because we are laughing so hard.

 Caleb enjoying the nice weather

 

Lily and Alena joined us on the boat to watch the fireworks, which were beautiful as always. There is no better way to watch the fireworks!  Unfortunately, when we all tried to go to bed afterwards, some people thought they should continue the celebration until after midnight! 

The last day we were there, we took the babies out on their first boatride and Baptism in Okoboji Lake.  I can still remember Alena screaming during her Baptism so I wasn't really looking forward to this, but the tradition must continue.  Caleb fell asleep during the boatride so Lauren got to go first.  Instead of just dunking her in the water, I dipped her feet first, then lowered her in a little at a time.  She didn't make a peep! In fact, she was kicking her legs underwater and splashing her hands around.  Serously?!  Between the two of them, I thought for sure she would scream bloody murder, as she is our Drama Queen :).  Later on, I put her in a raft and pushed her around. She couldn't get enough, (and I thought the water was cold!).  After Caleb woke up, he got his chance to go into the lake.  He didn't like it so much and pretty much started crying the second his feet hit the water.  That same day we went to the beach and Lauren loved "walking" on the sand and having the water rush over her feet.  Once again, Caleb was not a fan...

Alena and Tessa

 



Overall it was a fun, long weekend. I wouldn't say it was relaxing, but it never is going to be with three kids, but we are so glad the grandparents were there to give us a break when we needed it.  It was definitely a toned down trip, due to twp 9 month olds and Christina being pregnant. I predict next year will be pretty tame also, but by 2015, we better get out game on and not skip out on going to the Barefoot Bar because we're tired!