I love Liam's poses in this one!!!
IPad obsessed :)
With the van packed full last Saturday we headed South in anticipation of house swapping with friends for the weekend in the cities. We were heading on to Okoboji late Sunday afternoon. Plans quickly changed when we realized my newest neice, whom I hadn't met, would be in Albert Lea for the evening. SOLD! We drove all afternoon and arrived in time to snuggle on her before bed. After the quick visit we continued the trip onto Okoboji, IA to stay in a relatives cabin for the night. Arriving at 11:30pm to a less than 400 sq. ft. "cabin", with my sister, her husband and their three kids already sleeping, made that night not too restful.
We caffeine blasted the no-sleep induced "hangover" and took the kids to Arnold's Park amusement park all afternoon. Things started out slow, not knowing the kids daredevil tolerance, but they quickly rose the bar by riding rides even I would not go on....over and over again! We finally peeled them away before supper to officially check into the Mansion(as it was titled) at the Village West resort on Okoboji's west lake.
The first half the week was spent with Claussens(3 boys), Wellwoods(newborn), my parents, my neice(12) and nephew(10), and our family in a large cabin(the Mansion!). We rented boats and jet skis each day, played putt putt to our heart content, made quick visit back to Arnold's for a few missed rides, spent hours on the beach making sand castles and swimming, took walks, played yard games, played at the park, swam in the pools....it was glorious! Each night we feasted on deliciously prepared meals then stayed up late chatting and playing cards.
Thursday the Claussens and Wellwoods left and the Knutsons(4 kids) and my brother Daniel arrived. Those days were filled with fishing(my sister caught a 36 in. Northern Pike!!), smores making, driving range visits, more putt putt, another visit to Arnold's Park, even more hours on the beach(I read while Dan played with the boys, bless his heart!) and the notorious visit to Rocket Park.
It was incredible to be staying with so many people in one cabin but have things run so smoothly. The kids were great, making memories with their cousins all week, and soaking up the "no schedule" lifestyle. It was fabulous to be completely in the moment the whole week, not worrying about anything but relaxing and enjoying my family!
We hope this trip makes the books next year. Dan and I have said several times, "That was the best vacation!" and we hope to do it again!
