Lake Winnie

We had our family reunion in Minnesota at Lake Winnibigoshish. All of the siblings were there this year except for Michael, who is on his mission. I usually ask myself during the week if it is worth the 24 hours drive each way, but this year it was definitely worth it! Things are so much more fun with kids. I wish Benjamin could live like that all the time: cousins everywhere, an old-fashioned playground he can stay at as long as he wants, activities to do, free time with mom and dad..,

Charity was there without Jarrett and was a big help with the boys and taking pictures.

Performing an old trick that Faith and I did as kids. We can still do it! We are both standing up with me on her shoulders.

The pool was nice and warm this year. Benjamin went from screaming the first day in the pool to happily playing by the last day.

Peter and Grammy had a special connection. They loved talking to each other.

Grampy wasn't feeling well so he stayed around their cabin instead of fishing. That means we got to see more of him!

Lamoni and Benjamin took the kayak out to this platform and I rode the paddle board. When I got to it I couldn't decide quick enough to turn right or left so I hit it at a bad angle, lost my balance and toppled over into the lake! In this picture I am soaking wet from head to foot. Benjamin was scared for me and started crying! I was laughing, though. :-)

Our arrival after 24 hours in the car. Note that Benjamin already had his life jacket on. We picked it up at Cabela's on his way and he loved it.

Naptime. Charity took this picture because Benjamin has the big bed and the three of us are snuggled up on the small bed. This kind of sums up the mantra in our family: whatever will help Benjamin sleep!

Peter was definitely not a fan of his life jacket. I think it pushed too hard on his chubby cheeks and was uncomfortable.

Charity and Katheryn on a boat ride. Lamoni was a good boat driver for those of us who didn't want to fish.

Enjoying a sunset ride.

Grammy brought lots of arts and crafts for the cousins.

We had fun with Joseph around.

Excited to get on the boat!

Out on the dock Grace took this picture for us.

Grace drove up with us. She was such a big help! She opted to drive back with Mommy and Daddy because we left a night early. We sure missed her!

We listened to Harry Potter there and back and it definitely helped keep us awake.

The sun fish were disappointingly small this year, but we did catch some nice-sized ones. The rest of the fishing was great, though. Daddy hired a guide for the first couple days and they got a ton of fish.

Look at those blue eyes!

Pleased that I found a way he was happy in his life jacket.

Off to boat.

The four of us out on a paddle boat.

Eating ice cream with Jared at the lodge.

Back seat sleepers on the way to church - a 45 minute drive.

Trying a different life jacket to see if he liked it better - he didn't.