We were finally able to make it up to Minnesota as a family year. This time was extra-special because it was the kids' first time to the cabin since we purchased it, Brock got his boating license, and Ella brought Wyatt along to experience the joys of Minnesotahood. It was such a wonderful time, and we all look forward to getting back up there!
Off we go!!
Card Throwing
Kids going fishing without Mom and Dad 😔
Prepping the boat...
All-In Fishing Guide Services
Trying to convince Sophie to bait her own hook:
Nope.
I love my tackle box. I got it on sale.
"Sophie, why are you holding it like an ice cream cone?" -Mom
All-In Fishing Guide Services for the win!
They are never too old for smores!
"Do you have to get a picture of me stuffing my face?!?!"
It's not a bonfire unless you have children falling down beside the billowing flames nearly burning themselves completely while they plummet to the soft, pillowy grass -- all with a smile on their faces while their parents experience sheer panic.
"Get your feet away from the fire!!! You are going to burn your shoes!" *sigh*
"It's fine, Mom."
Friendly Badminton Competition
Unfortunately noboby really wanted me on their team. I stood on Sophie's side, and I was a top contributor -- not causing any distractions whatsoever.
o
Fire Wood
All-In Magic Show
Tubing
The average temperature in Minnesota at the end of June and beginning of July ranges from 70-80 degrees on a warm day. I'm not exactly sure what we I was thinking. The temperature that day was the warmest of all days which would get to a high of 78 degrees. What I didn't take into account was the wind and the cloud cover.
When we got to our location for our 2.5 hour relaxing tube ride, Sophie's tube somehow got punctured. It's fine, I said. We have duct tape, I said.
We loaded into the water, and something was amiss. Instead of floating down the river, the wind was pushing us back toward the inlet. It's fine, I said. It'll be fine when we get going, I said.
What was supposed to be a relaxing 2.5 hour float, quickly turned into survival of the fittest. As the sun went behind the clouds and the wind picked up leaving white caps on the river and near-frigid temperatures (okay, maybe not frigid, but it felt like it!), we were determined to survive. Sophie's tube began deflating under the extreme pressure put on it by the white caps and aggressive paddling. I switched her tubes, and I took on the task of paddling the deflating, flacid tube to our final destination. We. Paddled. The. Entire. Way. Cold. Shivering. Exhausted. There was, however, one 30-second moment when the sun came out and it felt nice; otherwise, it was torture.
Don't let the "bright sky" fool you. Beyond the bend, we entered Antartica.
The only reason they are smiling is because the tube ride is over. Poor, Wyatt. He pulled Ella the entire way. Never once did he complain. 😆
We laid on the hot concrete until our ride arrived.
Zorbaz
Evening Walk
Let's go to the beach-each; let's go get away!
Kayaking / Paddle Boarding
Jet Skiing
It was a little chilly and windy but really fun overall! You think we would have learned our lesson from tubing!
We were able to get beds! Needless to say, it was quite the adventure!
Let me tell you a story about a man named Jed...🎵
25mph for home for 45 miles was a bonding experience. :)
It was all worth it!
Goodbye, air mattresses!
Hello, beds!
There's another bed that went right beside this one, but by the time we got it put together, I was too tired to take another picture. Haha!
Poison Ivy Identificiation Lesson
"Shuffling"
Brock's Fishing Guide Hands
Granny's Pantry
Goodnight, Minnesota. Lots of memories were made on this trip, and there will be many more to make. Until next time...
