Summer...that's a wrap!

Settle in for a LONG recap of the rest of our summer. 

Mid-July, the kids headed up to MN to spend a week at Gramma and Papa Thompson's house in Savage. They enjoyed time with the Skubics, shopping, cooking and taking the light rail to downtown. Chris and I joined them for a nice long visit while my brother Brian and his family were visiting from Connecticut. We took the time to have some fabulous family pictures taken (I don't want to spoil anyone's Christmas cards) with all of us together. It was a blast just to hang out and get to know each other again...it's been two years since we've all been in the same place at once!

Gramma Sally with her 3 girls...Olivia (16), Quinn (3) and Celia (7).

 The Green Brigade...Jack (2), Cal (6) and Tony (13). I think it's so great how we each have an even "pair" of kids.

 Quinn was always up for snuggling with a good book. Olivia and I both enjoyed the special time with her.

 Cal loved hanging out with his big cousin Tony...and vice-versa.

Olivia and Tony are always game to hang out with the "little ones".

They both are great role models and I think they secretly enjoy the chance to be silly with the little kids. 

 Celia was the "dragonfly whisperer" wherever she went! So pretty!

 We had great fun playing in the Skubic's beautiful back  yard...funny how when you get out a bucket of water balloons the "big" kids have the most fun!

 We enjoyed a visit from these two precious baby deer. They wanted to just join right in!

 While at my mom's, Tony and Livie helped make homemade spaghetti noodles so we could all enjoy a fabulous meal together and what a treat it was! Delish!

 Chris and I took the kids to a rock climbing gym one afternoon. Tony had a gift certificate from the Skubic's for his birthday. Both kids had a blast...

...and were absolutely EXHAUSTED when done. 

 Chris AMAZED the kids with his Rubiks Cube skills.

 I couldn't believe how long they sat and watched him. Cal was DETERMINED to sit there until he got it done. Chris came up 2 squares short of solving it...maybe next time.

Olivia got some tennis-time in with Uncle Brian, Uncle Jeff, Chris and Papa Jocko. They had a blast and kudos to the OLD GUY for beating them ALL. Nicely done Jocko.

During the tennis match the "little" ones enjoyed the park's splash pad, playground and little lake. We really lucked out with perfect weather our entire visit.

Our visit with the Thompson family was wonderful fun and we are already planning our next trip out East so we can see Cal and Quinn again soon! (oh, Brian and Amanda too...)

The second leg of our trip was spent up in Hibbing with the Maras family. The kids wanted to spend a day out at their beloved McCarthy Beach State Park. Although it was cool, they wasted no time getting in the water!

Joanna and Tim's sweet Stella joined us for the day too!

The little guys, James (4) and Victor (2) had fun in the sand...

 ...and had a big water war with Uncle Chris! Their giggles were priceless.

The Maras grandkids all in a row: Olivia, Elizabeth (12), Tony, Drew (10), James and Victor.

 Auntie Jojo brought out her paddle board and it was a huge hit!

Olivia looks cool no matter what she is doing.... 

The whole Maras clan!

Two more traditions are pizza at Bimbo's

and ice cream at the CC Camp. Perfect day complete. 

The next day was a bit gloomy so we took the kids for a tour of the historic Hibbing High School.

We also visited the Hull Rust Mine View and re-enacted the scene from about 10 years ago when a photographer snapped a picture just like this one that ended up in a MN travel brochure!

 We all headed out to Jojo and Tim's house for dinner and some shenanigans!

 Uncle Tim talked Livie into learning how to drive his tractor. Wonder if she can borrow it for "Drive Your Tractor to School Day" here in Blair???? (it's a real day, I kid you not)
.

Trying to keep the bugs away by the fire. 

Then it was Tony's turn!!! Tim is a very very patient Uncle. 

Saturday we spent a GLORIOUS day on the north shore of Lake Superior.

 It was our first visit to Tettegouche State Park and we couldn't have asked for a better day weather wise.

It was a long hike, but the falls were amazing.  Chris, Joanna and the kids spent what seemed like hours jumping in. (I say hours, because I was stuck watching all our cell phones, cameras, sunglasses, etc...)

I found a few things to keep myself busy. 

Our heights are starting to even out aren't they???

I can't say enough how much we enjoyed this day. Did lots of rock picking, agate finding and just enjoying the beauty of Lake Superior. Our entire visit to MN was wonderful and ending on a high-note just makes us look forward to our next visit even more.

 Upon our return, first order of business was getting this girl her driver's license! Look out world...here she comes!!!

The backpacks are ready and tomorrow, Monday August 11th, is the first day of school. This year we have a junior in high school and an 8th grader. Hope all you non-Nebraskans enjoy the rest of your summer!