4th of July festivities

Every 4th of July, Ebert's resort (on Star Lake) holds their annual kids games. I remember participating in them as a kid and loving it! Now, as a parent, I think I love them even more. Jackson got to take part in the fun this year. He ran in the "Mommy Relay Race" and the "Limbo" contest. He was in his glory -- people cheering him on and telling him how cute he it! He ate it all up! At the end of the games, everyone won a BIG bag of candy. The only problem was... Jackson doesn't like candy. Honestly, what kid doesn't like CANDY???? Most of his candy ended up on the ground or in his cousins' bags. Oh well! I'm so glad that the Ebert's are continuing on with the traditions!

Jackson's new "girlfriend"

"Cheerleaders make me nervous!"

"Not me, I love them! Go Vikes!"

Last Friday night, my Dad and I took the kids out to dinner at a local "watering hole" (only at the lake) and ran into some unexpected guests. The Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders!! They were at the bar selling their swimsuit calendars and taking pictures with the locals. Alivia and Jackson were completely in awe! They kept going up to the cheerleaders and touching their sparkly outfits and white shiny boots. I had to take a couple of pictures to show Daddy. The girls were very friendly and loved playing with the kids.

Sandcastles

We went to the lake for the the 4th of July weekend. What fun! Jackson and his cousins, Alivia and Shay, had a blast playing in the water and building sandcastles on the beach. Great weather and a good time! Thanks for everything, Dad!

Thumper Pond

Whit and her girls

"Hi, Auntie!"

Pooped!

This past weekend, we spent Father's Day at Thumper Pond in Ottertail, MN. What a wonderful family resort -- waterpark, golf course, close to the lakes, etc... My sister and her girls came over and visited us. Jackson, Alivia, and Shay, "the cousins", spent most of Saturday morning in the pool. All of the kids are within 9 months of each other, so needless to say, they were BUSY! After the girls left, Jackson was exhausted! I asked him, " Do you want to take a nap?" He just shook his head, let out a tired "Yes!" and grabbed his blankie. I'm not sure if his head even hit the pillow before he was asleep! What a great weekend!

Fun at Star Lake

Sand castles?!? Hmmm...

I'm bringing the shovel, Livie!

Snacking with Grandpa

Here you go, Grandpa! Open WIDE!

My sweet niece, Alivia, the mischief maker

Mellow little "Shay Shay"

Kissin' Cousins

Wheeeee!

I'm going to get you, Jackson!

On Saturday, we went to our family friend's 60th birthday at Star Lake. It was so fun to see a bunch of old family friends from the lake! My family has been going up to Star Lake for 30+ years -- lots of fond memories! The cousins had fun playing on the beach, in the water, and on the swing! Jackson had a few little "melt downs" when his cousins wouldn't comply with his wishes. He's into the "MINE!" stage. Aghhhh! Oh well, we still had a blast!

First Swim of the Summer

We took advantage of one of the first warm days of summer today! Jackson and I filled the pool up and took a dip. Brrrr! Chilly, but lots of fun! Kobi, our "lifeguard", was on duty and made sure we didn't get too out of hand!

Mowing the grass

Jackson thinks that Daddy is the greatest. Whatever Paul is doing, Jackson wants to try. Lately, Jackson has been interested in mowing the grass. Whenever he sees Paul or one of the neighbors mowing, he has to stop and watch. I found an Elmo mower the other day at a garage sale, you should have heard the squeals of delight when Jackson saw it! He has been mowing ever since. Here are some pictures of Daddy and his "shadow" mowing the lawn this morning.