Movie Night

Nothing says movie night better than this! 

Strike a pose; there's nothing to it. 

Minnesota 2015

This year, Jacob was able to come along with us, which made the vacation for Brock extra special.  The boys were constantly on the go -- biking, fishing, rowing, exploring.  Very seldom did you catch these two sitting down or sleeping.  They were two peas in a pod.

First Catch -- Snatch Fish

What's the best way to catch a flopping fish?  Well, you step on it.

First Fishing Day

Wait a minute...something seems out of place.

Oh, that's what it is.  And...

I have to admit, that bike is pretty awesome.

We were going to use Little Perchy for bait, but after bring up the basket and seeing his valid attempt at escaping, we let him go.  

Yep, lots of that.

Mama and the girls are taking the row boat out now!

Taking Her Fish Off

It's a biggin'!

Bling Bait

(gold head with a pearl body -- oh, and a fancy hand)

She managed to get her bait, cut her bait, and bait her hook all without touching the leeches.

Papa:  "That's not how you hold a fish."

Adam learning the proper hand placement for picture taking:

Northern

Large Mouth

The mysterious Northern Bass only found at Norway Beach Resort.

Frogs and Minnows 

Smack and Scoop

Animal adaptation at its finest.

Minnow

It's not a Hiller/Heusinkvelt vacation without a little trouble.  We had boat trouble on a couple of occasions where both boats needed rescuing.  There was also trouble within the Hiller cabin in which the fridge stopped working.  After talking to the resort owner, a different fridge would be delivered the following day.  When the new refrigerator was being installed, it was noted that the cause for the faulty fridge was indeed a plug-in malfunction.  In other words, Grammie unplugged the fridge to plug in the fan.  *sigh*

Granny's Pantry!

Washer Tournament Trophy
Handmade with Minnesota's finest.

I didn't have my macro lens, so I wasn't able to get a clear picture of this really cute bug.  Yellow bug, you will forever be in my heart.

Pay close attention to the seizing child in the background.

Just the beginning of the rigor mortis attacks.

There was some of this...

And a little of this...

And a tad of this...

High Quality Amplifier 

Effen Cucumber sparked a vacation conversation that was truly memorable.

Grammie sure likes her pepper.

Collecting Rocks

Bonfire

Watching TV in their sweatshirts.

The boys with their bass.  Brock had a fat bass.  It's all about the bass.

Water shoes came in very handy for this vacation.

Ella and Jacob crashing swimming lessons.  They joined the swim lessons group, and I waited to see how long it would be before the lifeguard told them to leave.  The lifeguard didn't acknowledge them, so after about 5 minutes, and after laughing and taking picture of them (without them knowing), I then took the opportunity to discuss their behavior and made them apologize.  

Getting Fish Fry Supplies

Grammie said that I looked like Katharine Ross from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Thanks, Grammie.  Thanks.

Razor Burn

The most comfortable shorts EVER (daddy's undies).

Definitely my staple of choice for everyday attire.

Daddy's Smiles

She's sweet.

Then sour.

Sweet

Sour

Sophie trying to use her hand as a sun visor:

Organizing the Fish

Uncle Adam caught two of the Blueies

Picture Payback - He was chasing me up the hill!

Although I was laughing, it was terrifying.

Story Telling

Grammie and Papa's Loot

Resort Exploration

Whoops!

Destination: House of the Rising Sun (aka Giant Hill)

The girls wanted to go all of the way down the hill, but I told them if we got all the way down, we will have to go all the way back up.  They decided that halfway down was sufficient enough.

When we got back to the cabin, Ella was talking to Dad and the boys about our trip.
Ella: "We must have gone probably 30 or 40 miles.  Mom, how far did we go?"
Me: "About 2 or 3 miles."
Child perception is an intriguing thing.

Pipestone, MN

Waiting Patiently

Looking for Shells

If one person has allergies, we all have allergies!

Little Bit of Heaven 

(lake, book, coffee)

Daddy's Birthday!

The day was spent tubing down the Ottertail River.  Such a fun time!  We seen two bald eagles in their nest, got stuck in weeds, lost a watch, a flipflop, and a toenail.  A definite must to do again next time! 

And we got a little sun. With sunscreen applied, I think you may have missed a spot?

My kids have been on graffiti patrol the entire summer.  Although I tell them that it is vandalism, they are in awe of the creativity and designs that they typically see on the sides of trains. 

Here, Brock and Jacob are saying "NO" to graffiti.
Jacob: "You'd better put that picture on Facebook."
Done.

Adios, Minnesota!