A fifth of July party and a baby shower...

On Sunday, we headed from great grandpa Kolar's south to Aunt Mell and Uncle Terry's for their annual fourth of July party. Little did I know, this was also a baby shower for Addie. We got loads of girly pink clothes for the little one and find ourselves very lucky to have such kind, generous relatives. Most would never have a shower for a second baby, but my family is so thrilled about bringing a little girl to the family they just couldn't help themselves.


Opening shower gifts


Luke and Jackson play in the pool


Adults like pools too. Tinker and Jackson


And who doesn't like sidewalk chalk? Kathie and Jackson


And dads like trikes

Camping for the fourth...

On Saturday morning we loaded up the van, picked up my mom's camper and headed north for our annual "camp out in great grandpa Kolar's back yard" trip. We made it into Pine City at around 11:00 and started setting up the camper. We kept Jackson busy with lots of books and toys inside the camper while we got organized.

Grandpa had visiting relatives from Kentucky, his sister Claudie, her daughter Susie and Susie's husband Rob. They all came out to check out our camping digs and we joined the for a small lunch. Later in the afternoon the rest of the family came up for a fish fry. Uncle Mike, Aunt June, Uncle Steve, Aunt Kathy, Grandma Jan, Uncle Jim, Uncle Chris and Aunt Linda. Jackson had the first piece of fish off the fryer and loved it!

Jackson had a blast chasing poor Muffy around the house, playing games with Susie and Claudie, a little fishing from the dock and watching the 4th of July Boat Parade on Cross Lake. All kept him too busy for a nap, but when we all sat down for dinner the boy fell asleep at the table! After a nap on great grandpa's bed, he was refreshed and ready to go again.

Uncle Mike took us out on the pontoon to catch some fish, and boy did we ever! Uncle Mike is a pro fisherman and knew just the way to catch them, one right after the other. Jackson helped his dad and uncle Mike to real in many sunfish, a few perch, a sheep head and a crappie. He had a blast getting worms to put on hooks and petting fish before tossing them back into the lake. By the end of the trip when asked about how big his fish were, Jackson would answer in true fisherman style: spreading his hands out further and further while saying "this big!"


That night we roasted a "smarshmallow" over the campfire and watched a few fireworks from across the lake. But the mosquitoes had joined us and it was time to call it a night. Jackson watched a little video in the camper before lights out and fell fast asleep, just after his mama did next to him.

The next morning we had breakfast and snuck in another quick fishing trip before heading south again.

Happy Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July Everyone!