Happy 4th of July

We had a fantastic 4th of July weekend at the cabin! Busy and fun!! I should post some pictures, but I've hardly had a chance to look at them, and at this point I'd rather just post. I'll grab some pictures later.

On Tuesday, after Drum's first of many orthodontic appointments, we packed up and headed North. Dot and Dh decided to stay home and catch up on "stuff". The rest of us wanted to hurry and catch my brother's family up there. My sister-in-law had to leave with the oldest before supper, so it was a quick hour to say hi. Then we relaxed, had supper, and enjoyed the sunset cruise.

Wednesday, we headed up with my brother and two of his kids to Aitkin for our yearly trip to the Gumdrop Tree, Bakery, and Bookstore. Gumdrop Tree disappointed us a little, as they've added to their wonderful toys and candy. Now candles and women's clothes adorned the front of the store, and the toys and candy were in the back. They must be having trouble making ends meet. The bakery trip hit its mark, and we all hung around the sidewalk, eating gooey donuts. Sooo good. I let the kids get two a piece this year; teens have bigger tummies. Although the younger wanted their fair share as well. Then my brother ended up paying. Sorry, Bro! :-) A quick trip to the Bookstore for reading supplies. I brought in a few books, and got $8.50 in credit, which of course, I spent immediately! Then we went to the grocery store for supplies, got free ballons for the younger set, and headed home happy! That afternoon, the student anesthetist from Aitkin, Kristin, joined us for a cruise and supper. We headed onto the lake to feed the seagulls. They are so funny. Feed one, and soon you have a couple dozen popping up out of nowhere. When we got back, Papa joined us up North and brought strawberries!! After supper, we had strawberry shortcake. Mmmm. We had a fun evening and sunset cruise.

Thursday was still cold. It was definitely the coldest July 4th on record. We hung around the cabin catching up on stuff. It started warming up a lot nicer in the afternoon. My brother and his two kids had to leave. It was so fun to see him and get a chance to play with those cousins. We felt so bad it was so cold when he was there. After he left, we went to a close garage sale and bought a big swimming pool for at home! Only $20. Then my other brother and 3 kids joined us, as well as Grandma. It was definitely starting to warm up, so the kids hit the beach for a bit. We ended the day with the traditional sunset cruise, swimming with glowsticks, and then a bonfire. Whew!! PS. Dot and Dh came up after the cruise.

Friday dawned bright and clear. Dh, the four boys, and Cousin Nick headed farther North to do some dirt bike riding. They headed out at 9. The girls visited the local curio shop and grocery store. Then hung around the cabin doing laundry, cooking, swimming, and nails. :-) The boys came back noisy, happy, and dirty at 9:30 pm. They hit the lake to clean up.

Saturday, Happy 4th!, the crew crawled out excitedly for a bike trip to town to go out for breakfast!! Lily was still a little under the weather, so Gma stayed home with her and Kyle and let them sleep. After a great meal, we went to see the big fish in town, then headed back. It was a gorgeous day for a ride! We got back, and the crew set to work getting the boat ready for the lake parade. They did balloons, flags and bunting, and a sign that read, "Keeping Us Free". Drum and Dime wore their BDU's. Drum has sandstorm; Dime has camo. Nick wore his red dirtbike outfit and knelt holding the sign. They looked great!!! and they won 2nd place!!! They were thrilled! It turned out to be a beautiful afternoon for swimming and hanging out outside. Kyle and Darling splashed in the water. Darling just loved it!! We had burgers, my mom's famous potato salad, and beans for supper. Sooo good!! Another wonderful sunset cruise, and then the crew headed into fireworks. Gma and I stayed home with Darling and sleeping Dessert to enjoy some quiet. :-) The fireworks were beautiful over a moon decorated lake.

Sunday, Dh and the older kids headed to church. Dessert came down with a fever before the fireworks, and still had it. Grandma made homemade carmel rolls, sausage, and eggs for lunch. We eat sooo well up North! The kids swam and enjoyed the day, and then it was time to pack up and head home. We joined the traffic headed south. Another wonderful cabin trip!!