Final days in America

On our last couple of days in America, we were able to go over to Ben and Jill's, and Andy and Erin's new houses in Minneapolis.  They had both just moved there and it was a great opportunity for our families to see each other one last time, and get some family pics with the new additions.  I was just snapping a few here and there, but for whatever reason, I don't have any of Ben and Jill's family??  I must have been distracted doing something else at the time?? :(

 All of the grandchildren: L-R: Elijah, Grace, Jonas, Lance, Graham, and Stella

 Grandpa and Grandma with all the grandchildren

 Josh and Lis's family

 I love this pic of Andy and Erin!

 We played in Ben and Jill's neighborhood pool and Lance and Jonas had some wrestling fun!  Can't wait to do it all over again!!

Wherry Visit!

Fortunately, we are so lucky to have so many friends living in Minneapolis!  We're able to see a few more people while we're back visiting!  We made a quick trip over to Mike and Lynsey Wherry's new house to see them and their two boys, Jack and Owen.  Jack and Grace are about a month apart and Owen is about 1 year older than Lance.  We met Mike and Lynsey while living in Cedar Rapids (Lynsey also works for General Mills).  We became good friends, traveled to Europe together, and have kept in touch through each of our family's moves, children, and adventures!  Our kids don't really remember each other, but hit it off great!!  The boys were such great hosts (as were Mike and Lynsey ;)  and we enjoyed an amazing mexican dinner while catching up.  Thanks again, Wherry's!!  Looking forward to our next visit!

Friends in Minneapolis

We spent a few days with our amazing friends (whom we met in Ohio and now live in Minneapolis), Paul and Lonna Bohlsen.  Our kids became the best of friends as well while living in Ohio, so it's always so much fun to see each other and get together!  I mean, even Reid still calls Lance "his brother"!  Ha!!  SO SWEET!  Our other great friend, Lori Matlack, had also moved up north to Crookston, Minnesota, so she brought her girls and they came down to stay and see us a couple of days as well - how did I get so lucky?!!  We had so much fun all hanging out together - treasured memories I will never forget!  It was REALLY hard for even our kids to leave!

 We had a girls day out and took a visit to the Mall Of America (of course) and ate at the Rainforest Cafe - the girls all loved it!
Jessica, Tatum, Sarah, Grace, and Kristin

 Lonna, Lori, me (thanks, Grace, for taking the picture!)

 Next stop - AMERICAN GIRL store!!!!  This was Grace's first time there and boy was it fun - I was even like a kid in a candy store!!  SO CUTE!  American Girl started right after I "moved out of that stage/age", so it's all new and fun for me, too! (Yes, I'm that old!)  We love everything American Girl!

 The girls enjoyed watching someone's doll get her hair done at the beauty salon.

 Sarah and Grace with their purchases!

 Can't have summer without some swimming!  We went to their neighborhood pool with everyone (including Lon and Carrie Freeman and their kids)  - friends from college AND Ohio, who now live on the same street as Paul and Lonna!!!  Such a small world!!

 They made their own slushies after some swimming - great idea, Lonna!

 One night, all the adults got to watch an awesome performance put on by all the kids.  There was singing, guitars, drums, everything!!!

 They even had a spotlight man, Reid, who took his job VERY seriously!!!  CUTEST THING EVER!!!

Girls also enjoyed Tatum's box of fun makeup!  Even little Jessica was in on it - love it!!! TOO CUTE!  Thanks for sharing, Tatum!

4th of July - lake style!

We drove over to our friends, Paul and Lonna Bohlsen's house, to stay with them for a few days in Minneapolis after leaving the Dells.  Bob and Cindy Wetherbee (my sister-in-law, Erin's parents) so graciously invited us up to their place on the lake for the 4th of July!  It was such a fun day and they were such amazing hosts to us!  We enjoyed the beautiful day, boating, tubing, playing in the lake, eating, hanging out, and of course the amazing fireworks display which we watched from the boat that night - UNFORGETTABLE!!!  Thank you so much for inviting us and letting us be a part of your special day - I know how important that day is to your family!  Love you guys!

 view of the lake from the house

 Grace and Tatum

 Lance and cousin Solon!

 Grace and Tatum with Bob ready to go tubing

 Erin tubing with Solon and Lance

 Raquel and Lonna on a wild ride!

 Scott and Josh

 the kids having some dinner

 gorgeous sunset

 all ready on the boat to go out and see the fireworks!

 Half of the gang in one boat!

 fireworks were awesome - GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!