More Minnesota Summer Fun

In between trips to the cabin and up north we enjoyed lots of fun times at my parents' and my brothers' houses. The cousins always have tremendous fun together and this year was no exception. I had a few full-time nannies helping me with Abby most days! She loved her new cousins and grandparents and aunts and uncles. She developed a love for the song "I Have a Little Turtle" thanks to Kaitlyn and Elissa. I have showed her the video of them singing many times in just the few days since we left. She always gets a big smile on her face and starts doing the motions. She also now says "bubble" and "pop!" Abby also discovered a love of raspberries that Grandpa brought her fresh from the garden every morning.

We packed so much fun in such a short time: swimming, s'mores, kayaking, paddle boarding, pontooning (is that a word?), board games, corn hole, swimming the middle of Lake Fanny, cousin sleepovers, and grilling great food.

The whole gang:
Dave, me, (Abby's hand on my shoulder), Justin, Jeff, Elissa, Shelley,
 Kaitlyn, Micah, Mom, Dad, Carl, Jonathan, Eme, Brianna

Brianna, Kaitlyn, and Abby swimming in Jonathan's pool

Justin, Brianna, and Carl: cousin love!

Justin and Carl

Abby was fascinated with the boat ride; Justin loved it too.

Group selfie: My mom, Elissa, Kaitlyn, and me

Jumping in off the boat

Lake swimming!

Uncle Jeff even let Justin drive the boat for a bit.

Justin on a paddle board at sunset

Elissa and Justin trying out kayaks

Abby helps Grandpa and Grandma husk corn

Kaitlyn, Carl, Dave, and Jonathan making s'mores

Corn hole Minnesota style

Justin attempted to pull himself up in the bucket. It didn't work :)

Brianna, Justin, and Carl: cousin sleepover at Grandma's

All seven cousins!

Kiddie Corn hole

Justin and Micah

Perfect day at the lake

Justin was a natural at the paddle board.

Abby loved the lake

Justin and Brianna's selfie

Surprise! Elissa and Kaitlyn took a selfie on my phone. What cuties :)

Justin, Grandma, and Grandpa squeezing one more game in before we left

Grandpa hand picked raspberries every morning for Abby, who devoured them

Grandpa taught Justin how to drive his John Deere

Close-up of Justin's expression while driving. I love it!

Until next time, Minnesota

Sometimes when a store clerk would find out we were from California, they would ask why on earth we would want to come to Minnesota. They obviously have no appreciation for all the beauty and adventure Minnesota has to offer! We experienced it all and loved every minute of it and loved being with our Minnesota family. See you at Christmas!