A long weekend...

We stayed at Nilsen's lake cabin for the weekeend and enjoyed ourselves immensely! We went to the Woodstock Fair, played in the sand and cold lake water, played games, watched movies, picked berries, visited relatives, and even relaxed. Yes, I did just say we actually relaxed!! The key is to exhaust the kids beyond "code red" (Ryan and I have coded our children's emotional states and you can guess what code red is) and then put them to bed early so we can enjoy the evening. :) So here is our weekend in pictures.

K and E

R, O and A


A

Marcia and Bill, my in-laws. Great picture you two!

E, O, C

There was a sand sculpting company at the fair. That is entirely sand behind these three. Elsie and Clara have there hands behind there heads because Owan has his hands on them. I'm not sure if someone told him to put his arms around them or if he was trying to pull them back. I'm guessing it was the latter.

O on a ride where he found a toy snake and I don't think I have ever seen him so excited. It was one of those "that is so gross but you are making my heart explode with your happiness" moments. When he got off he asked if he could keep it...how could we say no? Yes, it was up to his face almost the whole day but, hey, if a kids never gets germs will his immune system ever get strong...no! So, go immune system, go! Oh, and he named it Fuzzy snake. :)

This is E and C getting off the ride, which was their first. The first couple rounds were fine but for the last few each time they came around they seem to take turns crying and they were a car apart too. I feel a little bad saying this but it was very funny to watch.

All of us and Ryan went on the Ferris Wheel. Very nice calm ride. The kids all enjoyed it and it was much cooler up there than down on the ground. (Notice the snake?)

K and C, "up where the air is clear"

Kari, O and R

Papa, Mimi and Ryan took O, E and C respectivly on the Carosel. Once again cautious Clara wouldn't ride on a horse. I'm so glad I didn't have to go on this ride I couldn't even watch it very long I got so dizzy.

Owan really enjoyed this goat at the petting zoo. He was playing with the beard and the goat just let him!

Kari, E and a camel.

Back at the lake. S and E just relaxing.

C and O trying to figure out Candyland. :)

E, O, C All I have to say is Brrrrr!

Stacy and Kari got me a pedicure for my b-day and we all decided to go with different shades of purple just for fun. I have to say it was thanks to Stacy and I am very much enjoying my purple toes!

Last summer this wonderful little restaurant was discovered by relatives and we have fallen in love it! it's called Bill's Bread and Breakfast. A tongue twister in itself. :) Our favorite food there is a huge pancake called The Chunky Monkey. It has bananas, chocolate chips and nuts in it! Mmmmm!!

After breakfast went and picked blueberries.

C, E, and me

Annie is getting a little bored here I think.

"Almost, just a little farther, stretch!"

This is Ryan's Great Uncle Paul. Elsie is named after his wife who passed away a couple years ago. The kids all really like him and ask to walk over to see him when we are staying at the lake.

E and O are in the front, C in the back.

This next pic is what happens when we take an exhausted 3 yr old for a paddle boat ride just before supper on the day we are leaving the lake after a very busy weekend. :)