A Blue Ox

Every Summer Seth and Samantha spend a week with their grandparents in Nisswa.

On Tuesday they came down to watch Seth's peewee baseball game and Sam's soccer game.

After the game we quickly packed their things and they headed back north.

They went fishing, swimming and explored the campgrounds with their newfound friends.

Nisswa has a small shopping area that draws a lot of tourism.

One of their favorite stores is The Chocolate Ox.

There are also statues of Babe, the Blue Ox all over.

Fireworks

My Grandpa Williams neighbor puts on a firework show that is top notch. Boats on the lake position themselves to watch his and the "official" fireworks on the other end of the lake. This year we sat on his front steps and watched them shoot the fireworks off about 200 yards away.

Sam thought they were a little loud and was concerned that the noise would be scaring the baby inside.

It was a beautiful night...

if I don't think about the mosquito's that were biting my butt while sitting on the deck.

Independence Day Parade

This is our second year being part of the Cannon Falls Independence Day Parade.

This year Sam joined Jenny (our neighbor) and myself on the golf cart handing out candy to all the kids. She was wearing a cute 4th of July dress but decided to cover it up with Nick's fire department shirt that he just took off. (He needed to wear his uniform shirt)

Seth rode in the back of Engine1 waving non-stop at the people watching.

Nick got bored back there, so they stopped and he climbed atop Engine 1 to spray people with the fire hose.

Sam and I laughed as we watched teenagers run up to the truck with their water soaking toys and drench Nick. He was dripping head to toe. Where oh where was my camera then!

Rockin' the Boat

My Dad's side of the family gathers every Independence Day at my grandparent's home on Bone Lake.


We decided to take the pontoon and my cousin Jenny's speed boat out to the island drop off. I forgot my swimsuit and wasn't too happy with myself. Sam wouldn't even go in the water because I wasn't in the water. It's a new lake she said.

Chris in front of boat, Jamie center, Andrew standing at front, Quinn's back, Aunt Laura getting a beverage.
My cousin Katie and her husband Josh were at the back of the pontoon, and her cousin Ali on the floaty at the back. 15 horse motor that pushed them all out there.

To top it off, my sunglasses gracefully left my face with the assistance of my loving son
bounced over the gigantic dog and slid overboard.
Poor Seth, he felt SO bad!

Cannon Ball!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Stormy Night

The days air was thick

a breeze gained

the sky darkened

and then it rained

We went ouside to peak

the rain had stopped

bolts of lightening streaked

a rainbow touched the sky

The sky turned to fire

with beauty

it was something to desire

Just Thinkin'

What is on your mind?
She must be thinking about how much she misses her momma!

Or maybe how she can get herself off the boat to go swimming some more.

That one is more likely.

~I just want to kiss that little girl~



Nisswa Bliss

There isn't a better place

than to float on the pontoon

Lake Edna in Nisswa

The lake is relatively quiet

amazingly clean

and very relaxing

Seth and Sam were enjoying a four day vacation with Grandma & Grandpa Loken
while Nick and I were stuck in the cities working.
Sometimes being an adult isn't very fun!