Madeline Rose: Summertime in Minnesota Part II: Inver Grove Heights/Gull Lake

Scuba Kids

The first couple of days of our trip to Minnesota were spent with Grandma Jan and Grandpa Mike at their home in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota. I worked Monday and Tuesday at my "home" office at U.S. Bank in downtown Minneapolis, and Mike and Jan watched Maddy. Jan and Maddy went to the Zoo, where Maddy was most interested in the corn dogs and face painting. It was nice to spend time with Mike and Jan and we also were able to meet up with Ben, Shelly, Anton, Leah and Eli along with Sara, Jeff, Colin and Jana at Ben and Shelly's one night. Maddy joined the other kids on the trampoline and had a great time jumping (one of her favorite things to do!)

The middle part of our Minnesota trip was spend in Duluth/Knife River/Bayfield per my previous blog.

The last part was spent at Grand Lodge at Gull Lake in celebration of Mike and Jan's 50th Wedding Anniversary. Mike and Jan, all their kids and grand kids descended upon two cabins at Gull Lake, Minnesota (near Brainerd) where an excellent time was had by all. The ladies spent a morning at the spa enjoying massages, and some of the men golfed that afternoon. During two of the days we rented a pontoon boat, which we used for fishing, swimming, tubing and cruising. Steve and I learned the yard game "Kube" which was lots of fun, we enjoyed s'mores, fires and pot-luck dinners that everyone took turns creating. The kids had a blast swimming, playing with water cannons,squirt guns, pails, shovels, scuba gear and each other.

It was so nice to see everyone, catch up, chat, and just hang out without a schedule. Sometimes life gets so busy, and it's important to sit back and enjoy the time you have with family and just relax.

Thanks Faust Family for a wonderful vacation, and Happy Anniversary Mike and Jan!