Howe Two: Summer Fun--Week 5

We packed a lot of fun into this week. Warning: picture heavy post ahead!

Jillian had FCA camp all day Mon-Thurs, so I had lots of time with Adrienne. On Tuesday afternoon we had lunch with her BFF Charlie, then I took them to the Gibbs playground and to Flapdoodles.

After Charlie went home, Jillian returned from camp and Kaia stayed for a little playdate and dinner. They included Adrienne in their play, and I went downstairs to find the girls were creating a darling little library club.

After two days of tennis, Jillian and Kaia did 2 days of tennis. Jillian loved tennis and is excited to get more exposure to the sport.

Blew the girls minds when we drove through Dairy Queen to enjoy a cone in the car at the car wash. It's the little things, right?

On Friday, we all packed up and headed north to join the Tauntons for our second annual Grand View Lodge vacation. We made a pit stop for some coffee in St Cloud and the girls of course had to get a treat. Adrienne finally realized her dream of getting a Juicy Drop Pop. What a mess! But she was in heaven.

We arrived a bit ahead of the Tauntons, so we checked in and scoped out the place. It was gorgeous! We upgraded to a cottage on the smaller Roy Lake and it was a much better fit for all of us.

Dinner together the first night was at the Italian Gardens on the resort. They have beautiful landscaping.

Back to the cottage to settle in. Jenni passed out bandanas she got for us all. We had some fun with them all weekend!

I feel like Jenni is a pirate, and I'm Little Red Riding Hood in this pic.

Finally got the kids settled in and ready for bed. Everyone snuggled up in the loft where J and A were sleeping to hear some bedtime stories read aloud by Jenni.

Sunset from our screened porch. Then it was time for some grown up game playing. We had lots of laughs playing What Do You Meme?

Saturday morning started with some fun on the beach. The kids couldn't wait to get in and explore. The water was shallow and the bottom was smooth and sandy.

Matt helped blow up the donut floatie and then did a little swim around the lake. We had a good laugh at his inflatable buoy that he pulls behind him. Had to get a Baywatch inspired pic.

We rented a boat for the weekend, and it was so great. We were able to tube, swim at the sandbar, and boat to different restaurants around the area for dinner together.

Matt and Adrienne ready to rock. Adrienne tubed the longest of all the kids, and wanted the fastest speed!

Captain Jack. It's hard being 2 and on a boat!

I swear Matt looks like a college boy when he wears these sunglasses.

A quick stop for some ice cream at the main resort. Can't get enough of the Chocolate Ox!

Boating up to eat at the Bar Harbor Supper Club on Saturday night.

William. Love his sweet little soul.

Jillian riding home deep in thought.

Adrienne and Rachel in a Titanic moment.

Sunday morning was spent at the beach. Will was in his own little world looking for fish and frogs.

Jillian and Rachel spent a lot of time trying to catch minnows.

Jenni and Will back from their canoe ride.

We boated into Nisswa for lunch and ice cream and some shopping. Jack conked out on the ride.

And so did Adrienne!

Lunch at Rafferty's pizza. Adrienne thoroughly enjoyed her orange soda.

Obligatory ice cream on National Ice Cream Day at the Chocolate Ox

This tree looked like it had a happy face! See it?

The Dr and Mrs T.

Matt chillin on the sand bar.

Dinner on Sunday night was at Ernie's on the Lake. We had a great table on the water, and the kids enjoyed the sand playground and watching water planes take off right in front of the restaurant.