Vis Family Vacation at Lake Shetek

It was a cool weekend for July at Lake Shetek, but it allowed the cousins lots of time to fish, paddle boat, and canoe.  The kids went out multiple times with Kensie in tow. 

Carter took an interest in fishing with Grandpa and occasionally stole his seat at the end of the dock.  They caught just two little fish from the end of the dock, but did lots of reeling and casting.

The 10 year olds, Maddie and Hailey.  (They say that they are going to room with each other at Dordt College in 8 years)

Damon, Taylor and Makenna

Ladder golf was dangerous with Carter!!!!!!

Bean bags was also popular with the cold weather; Stephanie and Eric remain undefeated.

This year the boys took on a new adventure with Michael out on the canoe.  They paddled through the lake inlet and then across the lake to Scheirers campground.  Their stories are already turning into legends of great waves and amazing adventures along the trip.

The sun decided to make an appearance on the final day. Hailey did some skiing and both Taylor & Carter attempted skiing for the first time.  They love love love to tube.

Little Harper was the most angelic baby ever to spend a weekend at the lake.  It did help that she was held and talked to continuously for 4 days straight.

Michael and Carter on the Gladiator

Kensie's very first tube ride with her mommy and Hailey.  I do believe this was the only smile for the ride.

Grandma, Maddie, and Hailey

Our group at Key Largo minus Cassandra Sue.

Hailey Joy is 10

 Happy birthday to our Hailey Joy.  10 years old!  It is hard to believe.

She is such a blessing to our family.  She has always loved her birthday; grand plans to make it an incredible event.  She has way of thinking big; trying new things.

 This year she decided to take three of her friends: Olivia, Sonja, and Julia to the Water Park of America.  We had a blast and never had to wait in line once.

She has wonderful friends.

 Hailey loves to read, to create, to write.

Separate ways

After a great deal of family bonding, Mike and I decided that it was about time for an adult weekend away.  We headed north to Brainard with Josh and Jodi for a weekend of boating, golfing, manicures, pedicures, and quiet time.

Grandma Miedema and Mariah transported the kiddos down to the Zeinstra farm for the weekend.  They got quite the education while our on the farm.  They loved every minute.  Their highlight was playing with the kittens (I am sure the kitties are glad they left)

Carter loved Misty the dog

They went to check out the milk house and were allowed to drive the ranger.

Both Carter and Taylor wanted no assistance with driving.

Thank you Zeinstras and Grandma for having them!  I believe it needs to be an annual event.

Friends Welcome Home

 Carter couldn't wait to move back from Boston to play with his next door neighbor buddy Isaac.  They pretty much have been together all day, every day.

 A host of Calvin Christian friends had a welcome home beach party for the kids complete with games and Popsicles on a hot hot day.

 The 2nd graders.....

 5th graders..........

 We head to the Bloomington pool almost every afternoon with Isaac and Olivia for a cool down.

Finally Finished Party

 We begin a new phase of life next month; Mike begins his practice at the Minneapolis Heart Institute.  We celebrated the many years of training and completion with friends and family.  We are so very thankful for all of our incredible family members and friends that had always been so supportive and encouraging during this long process

 Thanks to Craig Veurink for this perfect shirt!

 Julie, Michael, and Teresa

 Dave, DR, Michael, and Dan

 Mike and Brad

 Michael and my parents

Our prize possessions; worth more than anything in the world.

Happy 4th of July

 The kids finally got to meet Harper in person!  What a sweet baby girl.  They had some trouble taking turns and couldn't get enough of her.

 Happy 4th of July 2013!  Last year we celebrated with Wil, Ginnie, and Kensie at Boston Pops, but this year we were back in the Twin Cities with the addition of little Harper Ann.  We went to the Bloomington fireworks, but we are quite certain that Boston Pops fireworks has forever ruined us for firework displays.  I guess the east coast is definitely the place to be on the 4th.

 We scored 8 Minnesota Twins tickets on the morning of the 4th!  We had great seats, but the heat was almost unbearable.  We found some shade and headed to Dairy Queen at inning 7.

 The evening of the 4th was celebrated on our driveway with mini firework display from Mike.  The biggest hits were the race cars and the train.  Kensie was hilarious!

On Saturday we went to the Bloomington pool with the kids.  Such a beautiful weekend.

We are also feeling very settled here at home.  Wil and Mike were able to complete some home improvement projects and Ginnie and I made a pretty good IKEA run.

 Jeremy, Leanne, Cullen, and baby Larkin also stopped in to welcome us back to the mid west.