Escape to the Lake

Grandma Jane, Grandpa Roger, and Morgan came last month for a visit, and we couldn't have had a funner time! We crammed so much fun into that week, I feel tired just thinking back on it all! They flew in on Saturday night, and by Sunday afternoon, we were headed up north for a few days at the lake. Roger has a sister named Patti, and her husband Dave is from Brainard Minnesota. They have a cabin near there in a little town called Nisswa, and every summer they come up from their home in Florida to stay for a few weeks. It just so happened that they were going to be at their cabin the same time that Jane and Roger were in town, and Patti and Dave invited us ALL to come and stay for a few days! We were a little bit unsure about it, we had never met Dave or Patti, and we were a big group, and didn't want to over impose. Patti insisted, and Roger really wanted to see his sister, so we went, not quite knowing what to expect.

After we dropped Ava off at my good friend Mia's house (we decided it would be a bit more relaxing to NOT chase a busy baby all over a lake front cabin), we made the 2 1/2 hour drive and arrived at Dave and Patti's cabin! We realized very quickly that we had NOTHING to worry about. Their family could not have been any sweeter or more welcoming! After about an hour, we felt like we had know them our whole lives!

We took advantage of all the fun activities up there, and we didn't waste any time getting started! The kids tested the lake right off the bat, and pretty much lived down at the dock for the few days we were there. Callie was our brave one! No matter how chilly it was (in the 60's one day) she had a suit on, and was jumping in and out of that lake! The first night we all had a blast fishing off the dock for sunfish and bass.

You and me go fishin' in the dark...

Dave & Patti's oldest daughter Albany & their dog Gigi!

My half naked child & his sunfish!

Jane & Dave enjoying the evening. (Dave also bated ALL the hooks!)


It doesn't get much better then fishing in your PJ's!

The kids had a ball tubing behind the boat, and taking the paddle boat out, although it had to be tethered to the dock after the wind took them half way across the lake, which called for a rescue! (Mind you this was with in an hour or so of being there:) They also played on the water trampoline, and just plain old swam!

Hadley (the youngest daughter) & Callie tubing.

Dallin & Morgan on a successful paddle boat ride!

Dallin & Grant hangin' on the trampoline!

Callie, doing what she did best that week, & LOVING every second of it!!

Dave was kind enough to take Chuck, myself, Grant and Morgan fishing one afternoon, and we had so much fun catching fish every few minutes! Morgan and I caught big fat sunfish, and apparently the one I caught was pretty impressive (of course it was!!!). That night we had a huge fish fry, and enjoyed every bite! Yummm!

Grant & I & my MONSTER of a sunfish!

Here were the keepers! Chuck cleaned every single one. Took over an hour!

Taylor (friend), Patti, Morgan, Kenzie, & Callie relaxing by the boat house.


Morgan pointing out her prize catch!

It was such a joy to have a few days to just relax and play together. No schedules, no demands, no phone calls (okay, so maybe a few), no errands, just fun!

Dallin & Grandpa Rog. (Can you even see him behind the HAIR!)

The boys wishing that they could take the 4 wheeler out for a spin!

S'mores! Need I say more? I think there was an unnatural amount of marshmallows consumed in those few days!


Chuck getting his bad mitton on! He's got some serious skills (that's why I married him:)!

Chuck took Callie out for a ride (no helmets will make a mom very nervous) and when they came riding back down the road, her hair was absolutely plaster against his black jacket! It was so cute, but my picture of that didn't turn out:( I love her look of total excitement, and you gotta love the death grip she has on his arms!

Here is a picture we took with the whole crew right before we left back for home. Front row: Dallin, Hadley, Kenzie (holding Gigi), Callie, Albany, and Grant. Back row: Me, Chuck, Jane, Roger, Patti, Morgan, and Dave.

It was such a treat to have this little get away at the lake with Rogers family. We made many priceless memories with our children and family, and after all, isn't that was a vacation is all about? Thanks again Dave and Patti for your kindness! We LOVED every minute of it!