Family Reunion

At the end of July we went to Spicer, MN for a family reunion. Josh was able to stay home because his cousin was getting married that friday. Elaine, myself, My mom, uncle and aunt, and two cousins and their families all caravand(if that is a word) to Minnesota. We set out on a Thurs July 24th we drove to Blackriver Falls, WI and spent the night in a hotel. Thank goodness for my cousin's kids they kept Elaine so occupied that she did not even know she was traveling 14 hours to minnesota. They played with her, sang to her and followed her around everywhere she went. Elaine loved swimming in the pool at the hotel. She did not want to get out. Swimming helped her to sleep right through the night. Friday afternoon we arrived at the campground. It was so nice to see all of my family. and most of them had not seen lainey yet so that was fun! It was a busy,weekend, keeping up with a one and half year old at a campgroung with a playground, and beach with in walking distance from your cabin, was a handfull. Elaine was able to see some of her third cousins that are about her age, She played and played. here are some highlights from the weekend.

* Elaine swam naked in the lake with all the other kids, during an evening walk by the beach, it was not planned. It was so fun to see allthe kids having fun!!

* The word NNOOOO!! was learned and freqently spoken by my child!

* Elaine at lots of camp food and junk food, she loves monster cookies!

* having a wonderful church service just as a family. Four cousins singing acapella!! Gods presence was felt while sitting outside at a campground.

* Elaine fell asleep in her high chair at lunch while eating a chocolate brownie

* walking with great uncle harlan by the beach , they both bent over at the same time and came up and bumped heads.

*uncle Jon meeting all the family for the first time

* Elaine was able to ride a Horse for the first time at my cousins house. She was so excited and did not want to get off of the horse. my camera battery died at that exact moment, but i should be getting copies soon.

* visiting tht two family farms, reliving memories and lots of tears and laughter

* Mommy almost stepped on a snake, I started to hyperventalate

* the tears that welled up in my eyes as elaine climbed up and sat on my Grandma and Grandpas grave, They would have just cherrished seeing her. It was a special moment. My Grandparents were very special people. Im sure they were looking down with joy and love.

Overall it was a great weekend, the drive was long but made easier thanks to all the kids who kept her busy.