miss independence

Independence day is by far one of my top three holidays.  Second, in fact, right behind Christmas and right ahead of Thanksgiving.  This year was no different and our family was geared up for an extended celebration.  Last Friday we went to my parent's lake cabin in Bad Medicine, MN. They have recently finished their beautiful lake home and it is great spending time there.  We stayed until Monday and stayed busy the whole weekend.  Our friend's the Rutherfords came along and both my brothers and their family came with.  All together it was 9 adults and 4 children ages 3 and under.  We always eat a little to much and get a little too much sun!  Kendall and Jaxon absolutely love the lake.  They even both went tubing with Rick on the lake!  However, I forgot my camera!  Dangit, I didn't even have my phone with me or anything.  Grandpa went barely over an idle speed, but both kiddos had huge smiles on their faces.  Grandpa was even able to go a little faster with Kendall and she loved it. 

We went on boat rides, went on this amazing rope swing on the other side of the lake, went up to Itasca State Park for a quick trip to the head waters, and capped off the weekend with fireworks. 

For the actual 4th of July, we went to the annual parade in Mandan, shopped and ate at Art in the Park, had a blast at the Jeffers' BBQ, and finished off the evening with some crazy Mandan fireworks!  I just love all the patriotic songs, colors, and festivities. 

PICS!

Grandma and Grandpa's bathtub is HUGE in the cabin!

Jaxon's toy from Art in the Park.  He LOVES Ernie

So proud of Kendall for riding the train at Art in the Park.  Last year she was too scared.

Parade!  Her headband did say USA, it was just windy

Jaxon and Landon in their 4th gear

Hot mess :)  Love her random outfit, she is so dang cute!

Still too big, but it will fit in a couple years!  This was my life jacket when I was little. 
I have SOO many memories in this thing.

Tammy and Pacey in the pontoon

Miss Independence

Best part of a hot day, freezies

Checkin out all the minnows

NOT impressed with me just putting him in the water

Kendall in her bumble bee in the lake

She's got the whole world, in her hands...

Family pic at the head waters in Itasca

Daddy and Jaxon at the start of the Mississippi

I love this picture of Kendall and Grandpa.  Especially the background