At the beginning of the summer we took a trip north, all the way to Minnesota for my niece’s wedding. After the wedding we spent a couple of days with my brother including a trip to Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary where we were able to view beautiful black bears from just a few feet away. Next we drove to Lake Okoboji in Iowa where my in-laws own a cabin by the lake. We spent several days there living high and being treated like royalty. Bob and Kathy went all out to give us the best time of fun and relaxation. This was truly a highlight of our summer.
It wasn’t a good day for fishing, but the kids always have fun trying. Funny that I think of Joy as one of my least patient children, but you wouldn’t know it by the way she waits there hoping for a fish!
Floating all the worries away…
The kids had a blast digging in the sand and building castles.
Castle building was serious business for this guy. But when his brother came to destroy…it was time to go inside. Ha ha!
Lunch was always already ordered or prepared. What fun to eat outside!
Let the good times roll! Our evenings were spent playing Farkle or a movie for the little ones. Such good times!
I think I’ve already shared this photo with you before, but it was taken on the deck just outside the cabin. It’s not the greatest photo of me, but I just love it of everyone else so worth the share. It’s my newest favorite of our entire family. Such fun family memories at Lake Okoboji!

Are you kidding me? It’s a great picture of you and your whole family!