minnesota vacation.....and it's summer!

After 3 1/2 years of only returning for cold winter holidays, we finally made it back to Minnesota in the summer. Despite waiting on the runway in Atlanta for 3 hours, we made it exhausted but excited to be back HOME!

We headed straight to Addi's 2nd birthday party for a few hours then headed up to Duluth, the place where it all started with Luke and I. Thanks to Grandma Schipper, we had a luxurious ride in her new Toyota Camry. We stayed at Great Grandma's fancy new condo right on Lake Superior. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect Duluth day. The weather was absolutely beautiful.....no humidity! Grandpa Schipper and Oreo joined us in Duluth for the festivities. We then headed to Grand Rapids to see Grandma and Grandpa's newly remodeled home.

Our road trip continued back to Minneapolis to stay with Uncle Adam and Katy for a few days. We were spoiled by the two of them with great food (stuffed french toast) and drink! Grandpa and Grandma B came up to visit for the day and loved up on Gracyn. I was so good to see the two of them. In between we saw lots of good friends and family.

The week ended with Luke and his brother playing in a softball tournament, and Gracyn and I headed to Spicer for a GIRLS ONLY weekend at the McDonald's cabin. Even 4 week old Chole made it up. Addi and Gracyn were trouble together to say the least. It was so great to catch up with my girls. I miss them so much already!!!

Thank you to everyone who made time to see us. We had such a great vacation! Check out the 3 slide shows below....yes, I love to take pictures.

happy 4th of july!

We had such a great relaxing weekend! We stayed home on Friday and hung around the house. We had our own private fireworks display right in our own backyard. Our neighbors blasted $$$$ worth of fireworks across the swamp. It was comparable to the Austin, MN show!!!

On Saturday we headed up to Hutchinson Island, 60 miles north, to our friend's condo right on the ocean! The Heggerick's were so generous in having us stay for the night. We enjoyed our time on the beach, in the pool, and lounging in the house. Gracyn fell in love with Laddie, the Heggerick's golden retriever! Wherever Laddie went, Gracyn was there! Katie is already almost 4 months old and is smiling like crazy! She was such a trooper! It was so much fun spending time with them. The highlight for Luke was going fishing this morning. Luke, Jarrod, and Jarrod's dad headed out on their boat early this morning. As you can see from above......there was plenty of action! Just think, next week at this time we will be at Addi's 2nd birthday party!!!!