Yikes. Our trip to Minnesota was August 2-10, and it's been over two weeks since we've been back . . . and I am just now finding time to post. Needless to say, the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind around here.
While we had a fun, relaxing time in MN, it's been a whole bunch of crazy since we've been home. I had 3 days to get my classroom in shape prior to the "official" back to school work days (during which no one really gets anything done due to meetings, professional development, etc. etc.). My room got new carpet and paint, which looks lovely, and was supposed to get new built in cabinets (which STILL has not happened), so last spring I had to box up every last item in my room, and this fall had to unpack/put away every last item. Add to that a new teaching partner, teaching an additional subject this year/needing to learn new curriculum, and it all equals a lot of work and stress. I am actually somewhat relieved that the school year with kiddos is underway, because that first week of getting ready was a beast. I went from seeing my own kids 24/7 to working some looooong days and hardly seeing them at all. I must give a shout out to Billy for keeping our boat at home afloat over these last weeks, because I have spent all of my time and energy at school. Hopefully that's going to change (well, it just has to).
So, back to vacation. (I could really use another week at the lake to relax right about now!). As usual, we had a lot of fun hanging out with the Hartsock fam. Braden just loves playing with his cousins - and of course swimming and boating are right up his alley. He also spent hours (as did Elise) on the little playground. I was pleased to be able to read 2 1/2 books during the week, and Billy enjoyed just relaxing and some time on the lake.
For the most part, I'll just let the pictures tell the story . . . (and there's a lot of them!)
Like last year, we broke up the drive TO Minnesota, and spent the night with friends on Friday evening. The kids (and Billy) had fun swimming in their pool.
When E wants something, she WILL get it! We found her in the bathroom trying to get a toothbrush!
Upon arriving at the lake, the kids were excited to take the boat out. This is E's very first boat ride! She loved it.
Almost every night we had some type of campfire treat . . . the first night Aunt Amy made pies - yummy!
Our kids wanted just plain butter bread. ;)
But E did try the pies . . .
We did a little fishing (by we, I mostly mean the big kids . . . and by little, I mean Braden went once) :)
And we did a lot of just hanging out . . . Addie was great with the little kiddos.
Elise loved the playground as much as Braden, and would happily swing for an hour if anyone was willing to push her for that long . . .
One evening Addie gave pedicures. When B came in and saw E's pink toes, he said, "Ohhhhh Elise - they look beautiful!" (And then he wanted polish too, so she gave him a clear pedi!)
Every morning Grandpa brushed Elise's hair (complete with a serenade of "Soft Kitty" :)
Despite temps remaining in the low to mid 70's all week, we did hit the pool most days . . .
Because it was so cool, our little ones didn't spend much time in the lake - it was cold! But on the last day we took them tubing - which was a lot of FUN!
E's first tube ride!
She sooooooo badly wanted to touch the water. ;)
Warming up!
So much fun!
Holly and Baby Maura came too this year!
While in town, we picked up these "Thing" t-shirts at a t-shirt shop. We had seen them last year and talked about getting them, and this year we did. So funny!
Doesn't Aidan look thrilled?
Grandpa and Grandma and all six of their "things!"
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