After the kids quickly unpacked, washed their clothes and repacked, we headed off to Fredonia for Grandma's annual 4th of July Jubilee! My mom throws the BEST parties, and hosts the whole Brunner family. And it's not small, let me tell ya, as you can see by the pictures on the photo pages. And about half of us were missing! Anyhow, it's a fun day of old fashioned relay races, volleyball, horseshoe tournaments, and food galore. She even hands out perpetual trophies! The newest tradition is Joe, my Mom's friend, puts on a very nice fireworks display after dark. Thanks Joe! And thanks to those who helped with setup and takedown.
For the rest of the weekend, Michael and I were very blessed to have one-on-one time with family members. We accompanied our niece Amy to her church on Sunday (which is wonderful by the way) and then went out to lunch. Got to see my sister Cindy's practically new house. She has repainted and redecorated EVERY room and has really given a new flavor to the look. On Sunday evening we headed back to Port Washington to listen to the City Band at the Band Shell. This was a tradition that Michael and I did when we lived there and we loved it. We would pack up a blanket and some refreshments, head down to the lake and take Neely with so that we could spend time together. This time my Mom, Taylor and our nieces Ashley and Stephanie came along. The girls interest lasted about 5 minutes and then they hit the beach, but Mom, Michael and I enjoyed it thoroughly.
After that we headed to my brother Dan and sister-in-law Bonnie's house for a nice quiet evening firepit. Through the weekend I got to enjoy separate visits with each of my sisters and sister-in-laws, except for my sister Clare. But we'll plan something soon, right Clare? She is busy now planning her oldest daughter's wedding, and they had a blast on Monday, shopping for the wedding dress, bridesmaid dresses, and hers. They found them all! Whew. That's too much shopping in one day for me!
We stopped in Fond du Lac on the way home, visited for a while with Joe & Beth, left our kids and off we went. We even got to leave Sadie!!!! They've all been having a marvelous time. Nick just loves playing with his cousins Drew and Jordan, and Taylor is having a great time with Aunt Beth. From what I understand, they've been hitting all the coffeeshops in town, and have had a shopping trip or two. Sadie is even basking in all the attention she is getting, especially from Will's girlfriend. hmmmm.....maybe they'll keep her.......
As for Michael and I? We've been enjoying the summer nights out on the deck. We've actually had some great conversations - without interruption! But the dogs are definitely missing the kids (and I guess we are too). Last night when we got home, we let them out of the kennel to run and they both leaped up onto the trampoline, turned around and waited for us to join them. Are they spoiled or what?
Tonight we head back to Fond du Lac for Lifest. A Christian music concert that started on Thursday. I can't wait to hear what Tay and Nick are thinking of it. Michael and I are not looking forward to the drive, but we are looking forward to seeing the kids, hanging with the family, and enjoying some great praise and worship time with the Lord. And if we're lucky, we might get to see Joe Huenink there as well. We'll see if he got tickets.
So that's it from Northwoods Central. I'll keep you posted...
