BOJI BOYS 2011

Thanks to Gran and Papa, the Olson family had the privilege of another vacation in Okaboji. We went a month earlier than last year which meant cooler weather and less people. With most of the days bringing rain, we had to be creative to stay busy. So we occupied our time with shopping, crafts, mini golf, games, and lots of books/snuggle time. The boys needed no time to adjust, sleeping well for naps and during the night (thank goodness!) They had a great time with their Papa and Grandma, not thinking twice about where Mom and Dad were.

We are very fortunate to have spent this week as a family and the boys with their grandparents. Tim and I were able to have 3 dates in ONE week!! We don't hesitate when Gran says "Go! I have the boys. GO!" It means so much to us to have that time together, as a couple AND as a family. THANK YOU VERY MUCH Mom and Dad for giving my family a much needed vacation WITH you two! We love you and appreciate your thoughtfulness!

1st day of crafts with Gran - thanks to Charlie's buddy Keira who got him dinosaurs to paint for his b-day! Thanks Keira!

"Ahoy Matey!" Pirates' storytime with Papa

More painting with Aunt Tina

It was chilly on the beach but that didn't stop the bubbles and sandcastle building

Papa and Linc diggin' away

This year we didn't have to worry about them eating the sand

Aunt Tina coloring with the boys at lunch

THE BEACH BOYS!

Dad built a shark out of sand with the boys' help

Windy day on the beach

Oh Gran! Thank you so much for prolonging Yellow's life! Grandma fixed the hole in CT's blankie so it can last another 4 years.

After a long, cold day

The boys sportin' their new OKABOJI sweatshirts

Tim and I spent one of our dates on the golf course. It was the only day that it didn't rain.

Great day for a great husband and father!

Max's book of choice for the week was the phone book! When one of us needed to use it he would get pretty angry.

Max's favorite Boat House breakfast - Cinn Roll

Mini Golf Indoors

Papa would shoot his ball toward the hole and Linc would pick it up and hand it back. haha

I'm not sure how much money Gran spent on the horsey. The boys were addicted.

Another day of crafts with Grandma - PAINTING

Linc's canvas of choice was his belly

Maxy says "CHEESE"

Loved his vacation

Papa on tot duty

"Our grandchildren accept us for ourselves, without rebuke or effort to change us, as no one in our entire lives has ever done, not our parents, siblings, spouses, friends - and hardly ever our own grown children." ~Ruth Goode

I love watching my children with my parents. It is an amazing feeling as their daughter and as the mother of those boys, to witness the indescribable love between them.

Can't wait for next year!

"Grown don't mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What's that suppose to mean? In my heart it don't mean a thing". ~Toni Morrison

Charlie and Grandma's paintings = BEACH

Find a Need and Fill It!

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot,

nothing is going to get better. It's not. ~Dr. Seuss

This is Charlie's biggest donation yet! We plan to beat it next year!

Charlie with a table full of the items he donated with the help of his family and friends at the office of the Theresa House in Mankato.

As we have in the past, Charlie asked for help for his birthday donation. The response he received was wonderful and heartwarming. Charlie made his purchases and the rest came from friends and family... Papa & Grandma, Great Uncle Tom & Aunt Charlene (my aunt and uncle), Tim & Faye (my oldest bro and his wife), Heather & Aaron Banks (daycare family), and Tate & Jess Mathiason (friends). Thank you so much for helping us teach Charlie what it means to give to those that are in need!!

To Charles Timothy our four year old son,

As you made your donation today we saw the light turn on and watched you realize what you are actually doing. We are so very proud of the little boy that you are and the gentleman that you will be. You make us happy everyday but especially today while we watch you help those in need. As we have said before we hope that you will continue helping others, whether that is opening a door for a mom and her children, picking up trash in a park, helping an elderly person walk up for communion, buy supplies for shelters, or pounding nails for Habitat. We love you and will always support you!!!

Hawk and Haggars!

Grandpa Ed and Grandma Arlene

I imagine my grandparents arm in arm right now.

Wish you were still here. Love and miss you both!!

We had our annual Haggars' celebration in honor of Grandpa Ed and Grandma Arlene this weekend in Sioux Falls. Great times were had by all. Our visit included the cemetery and lunch celebration, Washington Pavillion museum, lots of swimming, and tons of playtime with cousins!! My parents had all their grandchildren together for Saturday which always promises to be entertaining! We were able to celebrate all of the April/May birthdays in our family Saturday night with cookies and presents for Sophia(3yrs), Izzy(4yrs), Charlie(4yrs), Aunt Mary(27yrs), and Kyra(3yrs)! We love you all and can't wait for next time!

Brothers/Cousins Charlie and Malaki (his uncle tim nicknamed him Hawk due to his newest hair style)

Papa and Max getting Charlie and Daddy

Aunt Mary with Linc

Most of the crew on Friday night

Daddy and Max - Grandma with Lincoln

The boys had a blast jumping in the pool!

Celebrating Mother's Day with Grandma!

Chillin' on Papa and Gran's bed

More presents for Gran

Max was so comfortable in the water with Papa - swimmin' like a pro!

HAGGARS!!!!!

Sisters Mary and Christina with Aunt Colleen and Cousin Allie

My grandparents' final resting place. They will always be together.

The family getting ready to release our balloons for Grandpa Ed.

This year's turnout: Grpa and Grma's

- 5 children with 5 spouses

- 12 grandchildren with 3 spouses

- 12 great grandchildren

- Great Aunt Mart (Grpa Ed's sister)

AND THAT'S NOT ALL OF THE HAGGARS!

Aunt Teresa, cousin Amanda, Uncle Doug, and Cousin Alex

Aunt Colleen, cousins Steve and Allie, and Uncle Terry

We all enjoyed a traditional Haggars' meal and tons of desserts. I can still taste the amazing lamb (my mom's), cigars (Tim's), and baklava (Aunt Teresa's)!

All of the grandchildren with their spouses and children that were in attendance.

This pic is from Cousin Jess (mine was way too dark!)

sister Mary's family with Charlie

My brother Tim's family

Five of the Six children of my grandparents with their Aunt Mart

Terry, Tom, Aunt Mart, My dad Tim, Teresa, and Teddy

Aunt Charlene, Uncle Tom, cousin Jess and her daughter Evie

Papa and the boys eating rice krispies

Papa rubbed Sophie's head so much she went to sleep.

Faye, Jess, Tina, and Max

All of Papa and Gran's grandsons!

Our birthday party!

All the kiddos were chasing Charlie around the dining room saying "I'm gonna eat you!"

They got him!!

Uncle Chris and Sophia discussing Barbies

Papa and Grandma's grandchildren

Malaki (aka HAWK!), Kyra, Isabelle, Maxwell, Sophia, Lincoln, and Charles T.

Grandma got in on the picture but Papa was already in bed :(

Painful goodbyes for these boys. Mak kept asking if he could get in our car. When the answer was no then he asked if we could get in his car. Can't wait to see you again buddy!!