Ah the joys of vacation! We had such a nice time away. We enjoyed a week in two pretty cabins up by Pimushe Lake, Minnesota with my entire immediate family minus my newly ordained brother who was put in charge of his parish for the week. That's 32 people! It was a blast. Here's a few pictures to tell the story.
We spent the 3rd of July at my sister Chris' home outside of St. Paul. There was quite the gaggle of kiddos & fireworks. Andrew & Rebecca were most excited to see all of their cousins & try out their "big kid" bikes.
The next afternoon we arrived at Pimushe Lake. After a quick trip down the road to the country Church for Mass, we settled in to our luxurious cabins, pontoon boat, & perfectly zero entry beach.
Andrew LOVED fishing. He actually made the first catch of the trip! They spent a lot of time fishing on the boat & just off the dock. I've never seen him exhibit such patience!
With an adjustable basketball hoop next to the playground, the kids were actually able to successfully make a few baskets. Rebecca spent a good deal of her time on the swing.
Benedict & Veronica looking cute
These modified paddle boats were a big hit with the kids. Even Rebecca could do a pretty good job maneuvering herself.
She loved playing at the beach. Sand, water, toys...good times. 
Here she is with Matthias relaxing by the bonfire before the Talent Show.
I don't have a big group shot on my camera, but here's one of my Mom & Dad with all the grandkids (well all except this one in-utero who must be doing some sort of acrobatics in there as I type.)
We left a two days earlier than the rest of the gang to have a little time to recover when we got home. On the way we stayed over night in Sioux Falls. We enjoyed yummy pizza that night & the up close & personal sound of airplanes landing pretty much directly over our hotel. : P The next morning we checked out what we could of the beautiful St. Joseph's Cathedral. 
The Marian grotto was beautiful...& a fun place to run.
The main body of the Church is under renovation, but we were able to visit Jesus in the Sacred Heart Chapel in back. The painting behind the altar was gorgeous!
Afterwards we drove through downtown out to the Falls. Gorgeous. 
I was here about 15 years ago but they have done a LOT of work since then. There was an observation tower, restaurant, older buildings to walk through, & beautiful landscaping.
We finished our trek home Friday afternoon. What a great adventure!
We spent the 3rd of July at my sister Chris' home outside of St. Paul. There was quite the gaggle of kiddos & fireworks. Andrew & Rebecca were most excited to see all of their cousins & try out their "big kid" bikes.The next afternoon we arrived at Pimushe Lake. After a quick trip down the road to the country Church for Mass, we settled in to our luxurious cabins, pontoon boat, & perfectly zero entry beach.
Andrew LOVED fishing. He actually made the first catch of the trip! They spent a lot of time fishing on the boat & just off the dock. I've never seen him exhibit such patience!
With an adjustable basketball hoop next to the playground, the kids were actually able to successfully make a few baskets. Rebecca spent a good deal of her time on the swing.
Benedict & Veronica looking cute
These modified paddle boats were a big hit with the kids. Even Rebecca could do a pretty good job maneuvering herself.
She loved playing at the beach. Sand, water, toys...good times. 
Here she is with Matthias relaxing by the bonfire before the Talent Show.
I don't have a big group shot on my camera, but here's one of my Mom & Dad with all the grandkids (well all except this one in-utero who must be doing some sort of acrobatics in there as I type.)
We left a two days earlier than the rest of the gang to have a little time to recover when we got home. On the way we stayed over night in Sioux Falls. We enjoyed yummy pizza that night & the up close & personal sound of airplanes landing pretty much directly over our hotel. : P The next morning we checked out what we could of the beautiful St. Joseph's Cathedral. The Marian grotto was beautiful...& a fun place to run.
The main body of the Church is under renovation, but we were able to visit Jesus in the Sacred Heart Chapel in back. The painting behind the altar was gorgeous!
Afterwards we drove through downtown out to the Falls. Gorgeous. 
I was here about 15 years ago but they have done a LOT of work since then. There was an observation tower, restaurant, older buildings to walk through, & beautiful landscaping.
I was surprised to also see my Uncle Ralph who was taking turns driving with a few of his buddies & my friend Chase who now works for the radio station that sponsored the ride but at the time was singing polka music on stage. : )
took advantage of a free train ride at the zoo,
then headed up to Darren's parents for a cookout & fun with the cousins. 
Rebecca spent most of her time playing...or sitting...in the fountain. ; )
*******
Happy Birthday, James!
is now this big guy! 
