Isabelle has a new swimsuit

After Isabelle had her tubes replaced in her ears, Grandma and Great Grandma brought her a new swimsuit. Princess of course!

Me, my mom, my girls, and my grandma

We have been able to spend the past couple of weeks with my grandmother. Since she lives in Minnesota and is 95, this kind of time doesn't happen often. She LOVES playing cards, so we have spent many hours playing Uno, and some new card games. The kids have loved having her around and we will miss her now that she is getting ready to head back north. We love you Great Grandma White!!!

Enough of vacation already...........

Abby's learning to ride her bike!! (and starting a new gymnastics class which she LOVES!!!!!)

And Finally.......some fish!

Here are a few of the fish we caught off the dock. Brian caught some out fishing, but no pictures to prove it! (Sorry Brian, can't replace your fishing picture hanging on our refrigerator just yet!)

Then on to Lake Shamineau for some......

....fishing, swimming, corn hole, waterskiing, and tubing. (pictures of fish coming soon.)

From Chicago to Jordan, MN (0utside of Minneapolis)

Our next stop was at my cousin Amanda's house. Our time there included a trip to the Mall of America, which involved a lot of time riding rides and LegoLand. We were also able to take part in there neighborhood's annual 4th of July parade. The kids were able to decorate their wagons, etc. and then march around the neighborhood. (Samuel won an honorable mention award and $2.00!!) Brian was also able to squeeze in a round of golf with Amanda's husband Joe. One of the holes you had to tee off and hit across water. So much water that then you had to drive your golf cart onto a fairy and ride it across the lake to the green. Only in Minnesota!!!

We're Home!!!!! (finally!)

After two days of driving we have made it home from Minnesota. We had a WONDERFUL trip, full of lots of stories, and pictures. It was great to visit family, and relax at Lake Shamineau. I thought I would start with pictures from the beginning of our trip. (so we start with Chicago!) However, I didn't want you to have to wait to see the lake. This is the view from my aunt and uncle's cabin. It is only "part" of the lake! After we get some sleep, and a good shower, we will post more later!

Vacation started in Chicago!

On our way up to Minnesota we decided to stop for a few hours in Chicago. The kids have never been, so we thought it would be fun to take them to some of our favorite places. The kids LOVED Chicago. Our stops included Gino's (of course!!), the Disney store, and the Hershey store. Basically, it all involved eating! (except Disney, that was to give us a little break from the eating.)