Serious vacation picture overload post

I can't really do a picture overload post without some background on our trip, where we went, and why we took it. Jon is from Fargo, North Dakota. Growing up, his family had a small lakeside cabin in the woods in Minnesota on Pelican Lake. As a child, Jon spent his summers there with his siblings.

Jon's mom Roxane was celebrating a huge birthday milestone, her 60th, and we celebrated it by having her entire family at the cabin. A few years ago, she had a guest cabin built to help accomodate the growing family. This is where Roxane graciously let us stay for a week (if you're my facebook friend, you get the bonus picture of my three boys inside it):

Obviously the highlight was the birthday party. In the time since she became a grandmother, I've seen many happy faces on Roxane but there was something extra special about her smile as she watched her four grandchildren sing happy birthday to her. I won't ever forget it.

Also in attendance through the week was Marguerite (Gigi), Jon's grandma. As long-time readers will remember, we celebrated Gigi's 80th birthday in December. Not too shabby for 60 and 80, huh?

Forefront on this vacation was Pelican Lake. The front of the main cabin is all windows, providing ample space to appreciate the gorgeous view. It invites contemplation, as evidenced by this completely unposed photo. I will fess up to lots and lots of photo bribery but sometimes the kids just get it without my help.

But the lake is not just for watching. It is also for recreation. Nate jumped in a few times the first day until he realized how cold it stays all summer. What I love about this kid: he didn't even stick a toe in before jumping completely in!

Roxane also has a pontoon boat, perfect to fit the entire family. I'm not sure who enjoyed the four kid dance party the most: the kids, the parents, or the grandma. The boys loved every minute on the boat.

Oh wait. Nate did NOT love taking ANY pictures this trip, not even on the boat. (For those that watch SNL, I did get a photo of myself with arms outstretched singing, "I'M ON A BOAT!")


We took the pontoon to a sandbar for a little water fun time. Who could see these three coming and not want to play? (We also took out another boat with peanut butter pizza, wine, and no kids. The ultimate booze cruise and it was glorious.)

Let me not forget playing in the water near the dock. Perhaps the most fun game of the entire trip was hitting the neighbor's pontoon with squirt guns. If you ever want to occupy three 3 year olds for an hour with no supervision, set up this activity.

I would also recommend letting them make whatever faces they want to make for photos and your results will be much better.

Those that follow me on twitter (follow me and I'll follow you!) know Jon and I went into Fargo for a day by ourselves. During that 24 hours of glorious freedom, we shopped, Jon got a haircut, we saw Hangover (you MUST see this movie, best comedy I've seen in 5 years!), had mexican food (enchiladas with queso on top instead of red sauce = best food ever), then saw HP6. Twin parents know how to pack EVERY MINUTE of freedom.

The weather also felt cool to us, which was a welcome relief from the heat and humidity of the south. During that time, we took the kids to a mini-golf place. We also picked up a puzzle and it entertained the boys for two days. I'm pretty sure I can do that puzzle with my eyes shut now.

Overall it was a pretty spectacular vacation. I wonder what we're going to look like when we're 60. Hopefully we'll get to celebrate that milestone with our family with a vacation like this.