Last week Tim and I took the boys to Okaboji, Iowa for our first family vacation. My parents accompanied us and we wouldn't have it any other way. Aunt Tina came down the weekend before we left as well to see the boys on the beach. My parents have had their timeshare there for 20 years and it feels great to be able to take my kids there now. Things have changed around there but it is still the same great place for families to gather and relax. Charlie and I went to one of the art classes, as well as swimming, digging in the sand, playing bocce, and shopping with everyone else. It was exactly what Tim and I needed, time away from home and time together as a family and as a couple. My parents took care of the boys for us while we were able to get away alone and reconnect. All in all, everyone was sad to leave and can't wait to go back.
Mom and Dad, thank you so much for giving our family this vacation!! You didn't have to but you did anyways and that is what makes you you. We love you very much and will hold on to the memories we made with the boys on the beach forever!
We always wanted to thank Tim's mom for pet sitting Pilsener, although her house is his second home. We are very fortunate to have neighbors like ours to watch our house while we were gone and save Charlies' sand box in yet another storm. Thanks guys!
Charlie, Mom, and Papa in our hats saying our good byes
Until next time Papa! Charles T. can't wait to ride the 1880 train in the hills in July with Papa and Gran. Thank you for giving my children experiences that they may not otherwise get to have.
Papa is a little worried about the next couple years when they are ALL fighting for his attention
Ok should I make you guess who is who??? They wanted to borrow CT's sunglasses.
"Get away from me!" "Ok now I love you"
They have a great Love-Love relationship. No hate, just constant crap dished to one another :)
My lovely parents
God broke the mold when He made you!
Their favorite spot to be, in the sand but next to the boathouse.
I love that my dad is one of those grandparents that doesn't care who's looking.
He traded hats with the boys all week. Too cute!
I had to take of picture of this tree that went down in our parking lot during one of two nasty storms. Luckily our car was on the other side!
Date Night
Couple 1 - Mom and Dad Couple 2 - Charles T. and Tina
These pics are priceless! He rode his bike down to good ol' Betsy's Diner
Well Tina did it! She got Charlie to go all the way in the lake. Tim and I watched from the docks. They walked out a bit then back in, then out farther, then back in, until finally he was totally in. It was great to watch and he was totally comfortable knowing Tina had his hand.
If they were missing we knew where to find them, in the sand!
Picnic fun the day Tina arrived
Bocce Ball game with Charlie and eating grass with Tina (Linc had handfulls!)
Arnold's Park
Ice cream to cool down
Two peas in a pod
Mom and Charlie enjoying the rides. We discovered that CT is a thrill seeker UNTIL it comes to scary old train conductor! Yikes
The famous Camel Race game
Charlie went on a ton of rides and found the sand of course
Playing with Mom and doing a puppet show with Dad and Grandma
These two kept Charlie busy the whole vacation - Painting with Gran and dessert with Papa
GOLFING AGAIN!
I had a few drives that were 155 yards! Not bad for someone who hasn't swung a club in three years
Our afternoon of golf and no children - Thanks Papa and Grandma!
I took that first pic for Chuck and Tate!
Mommy dearest
One of the only times you will see my boys dressed alike - Charlie and Malaki's sweatshirts
One of our many walks around the resort
"I don't miss our old house in St. Peter" said Charles T.
One Turtle, One Sea Star, and One Flounder
Testing the waters
Parents and Grandparents
Relaxing in the sun
This didn't happen too often b/c Max couldn't keep the sand out of his mouth
So we had a joke going that this was Max's timeout chair with Grandma (no sand to digest!)
Batman and Robin
Of course Papa and Charlie found the giant dump truck in the middle of the Spencer mall
Grandma's Boys
Maxy enjoying breakfast at the boathouse
This is Tim and Linc after another long night. Just because we are on vacation doesn't mean we get to sleep. Who are you kidding?!
Charlie enjoying one of four new puzzles from Gran
Happy Papa's Day!
Happy Birthday Grandma!
Charlie put the candles on her cake. NO my mom isn't 85!