Creativity

T-man is very creative when it comes to his play. Here's his latest Lego creation at the lake: an airport with a control tower, airplane, and vehicle that pushes the plane back. 

The Lake Life

Today was a near-perfect day at the lake.  Waking up late. Ice cream in Harrison. Thimbleberry hunting. Boating. Tubing. Skiing. As D-man put it yesterday, "and we still have a week here." Very lucky. 

No Pool Needed

Today T-man said he is so lucky to have a Gramma and Granddad that have a place by the lake - you don't even need a pool! The kayaks and SUP were very popular today. Another great day on the lake. 

From Minnesota to Idaho

After a whopping 5 days at home, we left Colorado for a week long vacation in Idaho. We're now enjoying another gorgeous lake view. 

Final Cabin Wrap up

The last two days at the cabin were spent close by. D-man got 18 holes of golf in on Thursday (9 with Nana and Pop and 9 with me). We also enjoyed views of the moon over the water, tubing, more attempts at fishing, the slip n slide, pool, yard games, playing cards, and T-man made a new friend. Perfect lakeside activities. 

Bye Water

Marshall and I often use the phrase "bye water" when we leave a lake, ocean, beach, etc. It is something my mother does and it only fitting the boys and I say "bye water" after spending 3 wonderful weeks with my parents and the last two of them at the lake. 

So we said goodbye to Mom and Dad and then took one last trip around Lake Ann (thanks to Uncle Sean and his brother). Once again, wrapping up more summer weeks full of memories. 

Road Trip

An uneventful trip (sans having to wait for the pilot car during construction in South Dakota and waiting 20 minutes for the $5 buck lunch at Dairy Queen) from Lake Ann, Minnesota to Valentine, Nebraska (aka the Heart City). 

Other highlights include T-man taking a nap, the Corn Palace in Mitchell, a nice man checking on us on the South Dakota roadside, staying at "the nicest hotel ever," and enjoying a 24 oz cold one after being on the open road. 

Corn Palace

Making the most of our road trip - in Mitchell, SD. 

Life's a Beach

A last minute decision to drive into Minneapolis to spend the day with my sister. The boys enjoyed the beach and I worked from Jacki's house (with a trip to the beach for lunch). It was a hot day and we decided to stay through dinner to avoid the traffic. What a great decision and a great way to beat the heat! 

Trolling

A beautiful night on the lake trolling for fish. Unfortunately, no fish but a nice sunset and time with my son and my Dad. The best part - Dad telling me he's happy to be here to enjoy this. Me too Dad. 

No Words Needed

Once in a Blue Note (Ballroom)

Tonight the boys and I went out to dinner in Winsted at the Blue Note Ballroom with Mom and Dad to celebrate Mom's hole in one (the second of her lifetime). We enjoyed eating out, toasting Mom, and checking out a new town. 

D-man was the only witness to Mom's hole in one. He ran in the house and immediately showed me the scorecard. How special he could be there to witness the special moment. 

We also learned of algae bloom (which is apparently rampant in this part of the state right now) and that towns aerate their lakes to keep them from looking like Lake Ann. Alas, the boys will have to find other things to do with Nana and Pop. Shouldn't be too difficult around here. 

Weekend at the Lake

We decided to stay put at the lake on Saturday and enjoy the lake. It was a bit chillier and windy in the morning, but the evening was very nice. 

Fishing, boat rides, water shooters, a wonderful dance off (ha), and a campfire with Nana playing the guitar wrapped up a great week with all the Karlen family.