One thing I must say that I really missed while living in Texas was 4th of July weekend at the lake! There is something about the lake that relaxes me and helps me to forget about work the whole time I'm up there! I think it is because I grew up going to the lake in the summer, so it is very comforting to me. I love the sound of the loons at night, the waves crashing on the shoreline, the beautiful sunsets...so many things! Thankfully Noah LOVES the lake too, and he is so happy to have a lake cabin to go to in the summer. I'm glad we are both "Lake People" because we are both totally relaxed and really enjoy ourselves up there...even the drive North to the lake is fun! :) Are we crazy?! And, our sweet chocolate lab Miss Bailey has also found, "heaven on earth" at the lake! She can't believe how much water there is, and she loves that she is not on a leash and can roam freely on the dock and in the water.
I came up with a list of the Top Ten things I like about MN Lakes:
10. I love how traffic going North gets really bad because all of the city people are driving up north to go to their cabins on the lake. I'm not saying I like the traffic, but it is a sight to see and know everyone is all geared up to enjoy the sun at the lake! I remember when I moved to TX I didn't realize that in the summers everywhere else, people don't drive North to the lake...call me crazy-yes!
9. ROASTING MARSHMALLOWS!! Noah and I would roast them over our grill in TX, but it never felt the same. I love having a fire and looking out at the lake at night...I have probably roasted a whole bag of marshmallows already...and maybe eaten that same amount too. also SMORES..love em'!
8. SLEEPING IN THE HAMMOCK- my parents have a hammock that overlooks the lake, so on a late afternoon when I need some time out of the sun...this is such a relazing place to rest!
7. WATERSKIING- I only did this one time once I moved to TX, so waterskiing at the lake this past weekend was a fun treat! I could still get up on one ski although my endurance is lacking! Goal for the summer- make it half way around the lake! :)
6. TUBING- even though this is painful the next day...I love the thrill of the ride. And, now that I'm older my dad actually is a tad more forgiving on the big waves!
5. LOONS- I LOVE the Minnesota state bird! They are such pretty animals, and when they come up out of the water, they look fake they are so pretty! I love hearing them make calls late at night too. On Farm Island Lake, there are about 4 or 5 pairs of loons so they sound really pretty late at night while we are by the fire.
4. PONTOON SUNSET CRUISE RIDES- so relaxing!
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| Monkey See Monkey Do on the Pontoon ride! :) |
3. FLOATING IN THE SUN- need I say more?
2. FIREWORKS ON THE LAKE!!! LOVE IT!! we always take the pontoon out with snacks and drinks to watch the fireworks-and they are going off past midnight from various cabins on the lake!
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| IT appears like the island is on fire...but I assure you it is not! :) |
#1. Taking a SAUNA- taking a sauna at night and then jumping into the cold water and looking up at the stars...its too much fun! And, you sleep like a baby afterwards! Miss Bailey thought this was way to fun! Not the sauna part, but chasing us down to the lake and jumping in at night. :)
FAMILY MEMORIES
Before I arrived for the weekend, I cleared my camera memory card so I didn't miss a moment with the family. :) Both my sisters were up there, so we had a great time and I was enjoying capturing the moments. Guess how many pictures I took over the weekend?....y'all will not be surprised... 636 photos! :) What can I say-I never wanted to miss a moment! Here are a few of my favorite pics of the weekend! Besides the ones I already posted.
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| Grandma & Stanley Playing with Baby Everett. |
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| This was the MOON...it was as orange as the sun that night~ |
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| Gina made festive red, white and blue parfaits for breakfast! |
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| They were delicious! |
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| Did I mention Monkey see Monkey do! :) HAHA |
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| Water Basketball! And Swimming! |
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| Noah taught Bailey to get up on the dock using the LADDER! HIlarious! :) |
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Grandma and Stanley ready to go get the Edstroms from the Lagoon!
My parents cabin is on an island, so we have to park at what is called a lagoon, and then my parents come pick us up. They have a dock in the lagoon where they keep their pontoon for going back and forth. :) Just wanted to clarify. |
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| Yay Baby Everett is here! |
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Uncle Ryan doing story time in the grass. :)
They loved it!
Edstrom Family..."Zoozer" always has a big smile!
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| Everett was all smiles! :) ZOOZER!! |
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| Auntie Jill Made Red White and Blue drinks! |
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| Just a little snuggle bug!! |
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| Smores Time |
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| Miss Baileys first time sleeping in a tent |
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| Ryan stubbed his toe playing badmiten! OUCH! |
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| My fruit pizza...thank you Pinterest! |
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| Jenaveeva and I. |
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| Can you believe this crazy dog! :) |
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| You are one cool dude! |
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| Mommy and Everett |
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| He looks so cute here...just a little charmer! |
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| Yes that is Miss Bailey on the back of the jet ski...she jumped on and was not coming off...and she loved it! Noah went pretty slow. We need to get her a life vest now. :) |
As you can see we had a great weekend at the lake! I'm glad we were all able to be up there for the 4th because we had a great time!
Until we meet again friends, cheers!
