Camping Adventures

We have really tried to plan several camping trips this summer so we can use our new camper as much as we can before we have to put it away until next year.  I am already not looking forward to that day.  I love our camper and enjoy all the family time we have experienced so far this summer.

At the end of June we went to South Isle campground in Isle, MN.  We have stayed at this campground several times over the years.  Here are some pictures from our weekend.

Our camper all set-up for the weekend.

Cousin Hailey and Kaitlyn playing at the park!

Relaxing!

Cousin Gibson trying on Kaitlyn's bike helmet.

Gibson riding Kaitlyn's Bike.

Uncle Mike and Uncle Sam playing Bean bags.

Grandpa Tim and Daddy playing bean bags.

Cousin Gibson, Kaitlyn, Hailey, and Darren riding the train.

Time for the tractor ride!

Gavin and Grandpa

Being Silly!

Gibson and Kaitlyn being silly!

This past weekend we headed to Two Rivers Campground in Rice, MN.  It was my first time here.  It was a great campground and beautiful.  They actually have 2 camping areas.  The upper section which is where we stayed and the lower section.  The lower section is beautiful because it is surrounded by 2 rivers.  The Mississippi and some other smaller river. (Sorry I don't know the name of it.)  We spent a long weekend with family and beautiful weather.

Our camper ready for the weekend at Two Rivers.

Kaitlyn and Gavin

Uncle Mike and Grandpa

Cody relaxing!  The kids loved to take him for walks around the campground.

Kaitlyn so excited to be camping with her cousins.

Going down the waterslide!  It was the highlight of the pool.

Kaitlyn and Hailey in the kiddie pool.

Gavin swimming... actually not swimming.  He preferred to walk around more than play in the water.

Cousin Darren floating in the pool.

Gavin in the pool!

Gavin and Cousin Darren playing!

Gavin a little too excited to be hitting his auntie Mandi with a stick.

Cousin Angie and Gavin!

A fun ride around the campground. 

One of the rivers at the campground.

We tried swimming in the river.

Aunty Mel buried Gavin's legs in the sand.

Gibson and Gavin!

Swimming in the river.

The river I can't remember the name of.  The campground allows you to tube down this river.  You take a bus several miles up stream and they drop you off with your tubes.  Than you float down the river back to the campground.  It was a lot of fun.  Angie, Jaren, Big Kaitlyn, Alex, Nate, and I all took the 2 hour float down the river.  We had so much fun.  We enjoyed the great ab workout during all the rapids, the tree branches we tried to avoid on the shoreline, and all the laughs that came with it.  We can't wait to do that again!

Cousins

We finally got some cute pictures of the cousins.  I want to thank my sister for taking these cute pictures and for letting me steal them from facebook to put in my blog.

Gavin (16 months), Kaitlyn (4 3/4), Brady (3 1/2 months)

Kaitlyn loves her cousin Brady

Gavin (24 lbs.) and Brady (18 lbs.)

I love that they have same look on their face.  I bet "Auntie" aka "mommy" is making some strange faces and noises while taking this picture.  (Love you Anny.)

Auntie Anny and the cousins!

Kaitlyn and Brady

Bopapa and Brady!

Sibling Love!

A few days ago I tried to take some cute pictures of Kaitlyn and Gavin for their Father's Day present for Bopapa and Grandpa.  Let's just say that none of them made the cut.  Still waiting for another chance to get the perfect picture for the frames Kaitlyn painted.

Take one!  Gavin's not too excited about this photography session.

Great picture of Gavin, but not sure who Kaitlyn is looking at.

Gavin gave his best, so now he is done.

This is my favorite! 

Camping in Redwood Falls

This past weekend we headed to Redwood Falls, MN city campground with a few families from Mayer.  We had a great time exploring the trails and waterfalls.  We also took the kids to the city splash pool and waterslide.  I forgot my camera so we didn't get any pictures, but it was the highlight of the weekend for the kids.

All set-up and ready for the weekend.

On our way to the waterfall.  Gavin really liked his new hiking back-pack.

Heading out in a big convoy! 

First stop the bridge before the long trek to the falls!

We made it to the falls!!!  So pretty!

We ventured out on the rocks to get a closer look.

Kaitlyn and Kaylee climbing down to see the falls up-close.

Kaitlyn and her friends: Braydon, Ashlynn, and Kaylee

Ashlynn pushing Gavin in her stroller.

On our way we also did some Geocaching!  The kids loved finding the treasures.

On our way back to the campsite!

Ashlynn playing while she waited for dinner to be done.

Steve making us dinner.

Liesel and Gavin having some dinner!

Gavin!

Dark picture... but here is Jenny and Sara the pregnany mommies!!!

Kevin

Nate and Steve

Sonja our tour guide took Nate and I to see another falls in the park.  It was a fun evening adventure.

 We had a great time with all our friends.  We can't wait for our 2nd annual camping trip next summer.

Gavin 16 Months

Gavin had his 15 month appointment yesterday.  I know I am about a month behind on his wellness checks.  Oops.  I guess this is what happens with baby #2. 

Here are is stats:
Height - 30 3/4" - 45%
Weight - 24.4 lbs - 45%
Head - 19" - 75%

Let's see what has changed in the last few months.  Well, he is walking and has been for a few months.  He loves being on the deck.  If we let him I think he would live out there.  We are thankful to Grandpa Tim for building a gate for the stairs.  He loves bread.  I think he could eat it at every meal.  He also loves to just eat.  When he is hungry he wants it now.  There is no waiting.  He also knows what he wants and doesn't want.  If he is done or doesn't like something it gets thrown on the floor.  He knows that Cody is nearby to clean up the mess. 

He loves to talk.  His favorite words right now are: Kitty, Hi (which includes waving), Hot, and Car.  He says mama when he is frustrated or wants something.  He says dada on occasion as well.  He is still a blankie boy.  He likes to sleep with 2 blankets at night or nap time.

Here is Gavin and Bopapa with matching hats.

Angie and Jaren's Wedding

Nate's cousin Angie married her best friend on June 16th.  Nate was asked to be an usher and Kaitlyn was one of the flower girls.  It was a beautiful wedding and so much fun.  Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Kaitlyn and her new shades for being part of the wedding.

Kaitlyn getting her hair done.  At first she was pretty excited, but during the process she thought it was too tight and too hot.  See what us girls have to go through to be beautiful.

Kaitlyn and Cousin Hailey with the beautiful bride Angie.

Flower girls

Kaitlyn and Daddy

Kaitlyn's Hair

So happy to be dressed up.

Kaitlyn and Mommy

A great family picture.  You are probably thinking someone is missing... Yes, Gavin was home with Nana for the night. 

Vacation Bible School

Kaitlyn attended Zion Vacation Bible School for the week.  They learned some fun songs and bible stories during the week.  Thursday night they had a little program for all the parents.  It was fun to hear them sing all the songs they learned during the week.

Kaitlyn with her friends Kaylee and Braydon.

Being silly!