Anniversary

It is hard to believe that we have been married for 15 years now! We feel blessed and are very thankful for all that we have. Especially this family! We couldn't imagine traveling with a different bunch of goofballs.  

Today we had a good breakfast of sausage eggs hash browns, and cinnamon rolls. Then we went swimming. At 1 o'clock we packed a lunch and rented a pontoon. The kids had a blast (especially since they got to drive the boat)! We played out on the lake for 4 hours. 

When we came back, it was supper time. YUMMY! Shrimp, green beens on the grill, rice on the side. Yum!

Then more swimming and playing on the playground. At dark we came back for a campfire. S'mores and pie! We had apple pie and the boys new creation, marshmallow, Reese's and chewy chips ahoy.... pie! It was good and all topped with cool whip. We found Reese's peanut butter cups filled with Reese's pieces, definitely a must have! 

Turtle races

July 5th started early (for us), and the boys helped pack. Really they did most of the work!  We left and headed out to the turtle races. Along the way we stopped at a park along a lake and the kids had a blast! Then we went to Longville for the turtle races. 

At the races there was a mini carnival and lots of racing turtles. 

After the races, a quick stop at Walmart and we headed to brainerd. Where we stayed at the crow wing lake private campground. 

2017

Thanks So here we are at Mille lacs kathio state park in Minnesota. We are a little over an hour from the twin cities. When mary asked where we should go, I said "anywhere within a 100 mile radius in case we break down. Then I said we could go a little further one time, but keep it reasonable. So here we are. 

Having said that we are having a great time and the super 8 is running well. We left at 11am Monday and drove the whole way. One of the longer drives in the super 8. By the time we got here we were ready for a quick campfire and head to bed. 

Tuesday (the 4th of July) we took a little bike ride, then a short hike, and went swimming in the lake. 

 

We came back for a rest had dinner and set out for the observation tower. The boys were excited. We decided to walk as it looked like it was 1-2 miles and there is a trail (no bikes allowed). After being on the trail for a short time we noticed that the trail was a lure to provide food for the local ticks and mosquitos. It ended up being more like 3 miles and 139 stairs but there was a great view!

 So far this is the highlight of the trip for the boys. We took the road back as we felt that we donated enough blood for one day. On the road we saw a whitetail deer and a black bear crossing the road. We were glad we came back in the daylight.  We skipped watching fireworks and had a campfire instead. 

Today we are off to the turtle races and other fun opportunities. Stay tuned!