Up North

We had another great MN trip a couple of weeks ago.  After arriving at the airport, we headed straight to Lake Ida to enjoy the slower, relaxed pace.  My parents recently put their place on the market, so this may have been our last trip to the lake house.  I knew it would be hard to say goodbye, so I didn't ... just see you later when we left.  Still, if it was our last week there, it was a wonderful one!  Luckily, my parents plan to keep the boat and dock it on Prior Lake near their home in the cities.  We went to see the marina, and it looks like a great spot where the boat will get lots of use.

 On our very first boat ride of the trip, both girls wanted to jump into the middle of the lake.  I was a little nervous, and my mom was very nervous.  But after jumping, they both came up laughing and then jumped again and again.  Brave girls!  A few days into our trip, Emma had a serious meltdown over the fact that she couldn't just jump off and swim to shore.  She was totally put out with us for making her get back on the boat.  Rough life.

 For the 4th of July Parade, we decorated Jane's golf cart.  Steve drove while the girls rode.  Emma threw candy, but I think she kept two pieces for every one she threw!

 

 One day when the lake was pretty choppy, we took the girls over to Arrowwood Resort to play at the indoor water park.  We all had a great time!  As soon as Sara discovered the big slides (and was thrilled to find she was tall enough to ride them), we hardly saw her again except when we spotted her climbing the many flights of steps to get to the top and ride down again.

Emma enjoyed the smaller slides until a lifeguard had to correct her for trying to climb up them.  After pouting for a few minutes, she went back to playing ... but didn't get back on the slide. While we were at the water park, Auntie and Adam did putt-putt, and we met them on the deck afterwards for some sun and beverages while watching the lake.  Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed some quiet time back at the house!

 Both girls loved riding on and driving the boat.  They continuously begged Grandpa to go faster.  It was so fun to watch them enjoy lake life like I always have.

 Sara was ready to tube this trip, so she and I went together (my arms felt it for days).  We laughed a lot and had so much fun, but a couple of days later she just wanted to go by herself.  She quickly learned the signs for faster, slower, and stop, and she was off. 

 Of course we had to make a trip to the winery.  Steve and the Sara played chess, and Emma ran in and out of the game just enough to irritate her sister.  I mostly just sat back and enjoyed my wine.

And we did all the other usual things ... lots of ladder ball, grilling, s'mores, fire crackers, fishing, playing in the sand, ping pong, watching our favorite movies, etc. Sara spent a lot of time on her new Rainbow Loom from Grandma making bracelets for everyone, but for the first time in a long time, we didn't manage to complete a puzzle.  My mom, sister, and I had an evening out while the guys took the kids to Zorba's for games and pizza.  Everyone had a great time, and I was so thankful for the special - uninterrupted - time with my two favorite ladies.

When we got back to the Cities, the girls got to ride in the red car with Grandpa.  Sara had been looking forward to it the whole trip, and Emma wouldn't be left behind.  She kept saying, "It has no roof!"  Don't worry, I got my ride in, too.

We also tie-dyed shirts with a kit Grandma bought.  It worked, and although we had to dye Sara's twice, both girls were happy with their results.  They've been worn multiple times (sometimes without washes in between...).

 Before heading back to Dallas, we spent a fun day and evening at Auntie and Adam's house.  We played in the sprinkler, made cupcakes, grilled, played with Expo, and just enjoyed visiting together.

Cheers to more great Minnesota memories!