Memorial Weekend

We started Memorial Day weekend with Jacob's last day of preschool on Friday. They had a little ceremony at the beginning of class and they all got certificates. He'll be returning to Miss Patti's class next fall for another year of preschool. His best friends though, will not - all are going to different schools or classes. I do hold out hope that his friend Maggie will get into his class and the good news is that his good friend Kyle will be in his class too. Not that it's a big deal to Jacob, he tries to make friends with anyone that walks by.

Preschool Accomplishments: Counts past 20, recognizes most of his letters, writes his name (almost legibly, but while not holding the pen correctly), made lots of friends

Fred took Friday off, so when Jacob was done with school we started our trek up to Tenstrike (past Bemidji). We made about 4 stops before getting out of the cities, hit some traffic and then got to St Cloud about a half hour after the kids had fallen asleep. We had to drop off the dogs with my parents, as dogs weren't allowed at the resort. The boys woke up and that was the end of naps for the entire 6 hour drive. Arg.

We had to stop in Brainerd at a park to let the kids burn off some energy. Jacob was a pro at the rock wall.

We got to the resort on Friday night and checked into our cabin. Rustic is how I would describe it and unlevel. Every room slanting towards the lake except the bathroom, that slanted away from the rest of the cabin. It was a meagerly stocked and I was not quite fully prepared, but we made due. The kids had a great time playing with cousins. Jacob did a lot of biking, there was a small playset, and lots of t-ball. Gavin did a lot of wandering where ever he wanted. They boys both slept great at the cabin, thanks to all the activity and fresh air.

We rented a pontoon on Saturday, but I ended up in the cabin with Gavin for most of that time while he napped. Poor little babes have to wear those annoying lifejackets with the floaty in the back of the head and he was not liking that. I enjoyed my time finishing up my latest book.

Gavin playing with cousins Jesse and Jared.





MacKenna and Jacob, little sweethearts.

On Sunday we headed to Melrose during naptime. We were to be in Rogers on Monday at 11 am and did not want to do the whole drive that morning. It was much better to break up the drive. Plus the boys got to go to the farm and see cows and play with the remaining Middendorf cousin, Jordan.

Laney, Parker, Claire, Gavin and Jacob

On Monday we went to Jason and Amy's beautiful new house for a cookout. A delicious spread was supplied and we enjoyed bbq chicken, chicken salad, veggie pizza, and fruit. I supplied some desserts. It was fun to see Paul and Abby who have moved back to Wisconsin and see how much their kids have grown. The kids had a great time playing and swinging on the porch swing. So cute!