Iowa Summer Fun Part III: Back to Boji!

The last leg of our trip was back to Boji (Bridges Bay) for the week of July 4th!  This time we got a 1st level room so the boys could run around (in their undies) outside  - it was awesome! 

Yes... they are in the jammies and yes, Ethan is in his underwear!

The first night dad came up and we all went to eat at Miles by Smiles and these awesome little mini-taverns that they called Charley Boys (and some big awesome drinks).  Drew loved the taverns and the tots! 

He also loved Papa's silliness -- he sure has a way of getting these boys to giggle!

Drew - are you ready for this???

HAHAHAHAHA!!!

MORE, MORE!

So on the 'more' note, Lukey taught Drew the sign for 'more' on this trip!  It was crazy how fast they learn things from each other! 

Considering it was about 95 degrees in Florida while we were up there - I had to get a snapshot of the morning temp... it was a little brisk, but beautiful!

I don't have any pics from the visit- but I was able to spend some time with childhood friend Juli (Volkert) Johnson -- it was so much fun to catch up with her and meet her kids (minus Camden... I didn't get to meet that little bugger).   We had such a great time - crazy how so many years can pass and you can pick up right where you left out and have lots of great laughs like old times! 

Pooltime with daddy! 

 And more play time with the cousins!

Can't get enough 'Ring around the Rossie!'

 Drew loves his cousin Ethan so much.  He watches every move he makes and is just HAPPY when Ethan plays with him!  Which by the way -- 'happy' was a word Drew learned on this trip.  Whenever he got really excited he would jump up and down and say 'happy, happy, happy'!

4th of July poolside!  The boys took awesome naps so we were able to relax for a couple hours (with some 4th of July cocktails, of course :)

We ended the 18 day adventure with a trip to 'The Park'!   I promised that every year we go back I am going to take a picture of Drew in front of this sign...

Maybe next year, mom?

Family selfie!

Bye-Bye Boji -- see ya next year!

This truly was a wonderful vacation and we made such great family memories.  It was so sad leaving.. I hate even thinking about the drive back to Minneapolis to fly back.  But we are already looking forward to next year!  I can't wait for the moment when Drew understands that he we are going on a trip to see all of his cousins and family in Iowa - makes me smile just thinking of the excitement he will have one day!

Iowa Summer Fun: Part II

Here is goes... Iowa Summer Fun Part II:  Weekend at Grandma Loris! 

We drove to Holstein for the weekend to see Grandma Lori and Frank - they said it was supposed to rain all weekend but it ended up being a great weather weekend!  We played with the boys outside, went for walks, went to the park and the guys golfed about 100 rounds! 

 Let the games begin at fun Grandma Lori's house.... 

Geez Lukey, you're quite the load! 

 Drew loved this little choo-choo train that grandma had for them to play with.   It started by Luke showing him how you not only get on it, but ride backward.  By the end of the weekend they were both standing up on it and beeping the horn....

 And then we transitioned downstairs... it was basically a madhouse.  Drew had this bucket on his head for about an hour.  It was dance party USA!

 How about this for a view from my 'Remote Office'?!  I camped out in the basement at dad's on Friday and Monday to stay on top of some work stuff that was going on.  Many thanks to Super Aunt Wendy for taking on 3 kids while I worked!

 We took a couple trips to the Holstein Park - wow it is really nice!  I remember playing in the park as a kid!

I can go up these stairs all by myself!

 Out to Cousin Kelbys for a yummy dinner on the farm!  We were laughing so hard because Kelby kept asking for a 'beer'! 

Little farmers bellied up.

What's a cow say?  Mooooo.....

Lovin' the Iowa grass - so much softer than the grass in Florida!

 I seriously think Ronnie could live in Holstein!  He loves the small town vibe and the constant rounds of golf... do the Pirates need a new coach?????

Daddy and Drew after a long day of golf! 

 Or maybe just another guy on the Sunday Night Softball roster...  Ronnie, Brad and Frank played in Ben and Bri's leauge on Sunday night!  We all went down to watch the game  -- Drew was cheering on his daddy!

Hey - that's my dad out there at short stop... you won't get one past him...

One of my favorites of the entire trip.  The Radio Flyer.  What is it with babies and their love for red wagons?? 

 Grandma Lori supervising as Ethan pulled them down the street!

Where's Drew?? Oh... there he is.  Under Lukey. HAHA.

 Ethan didn't want to miss out on the action in the wagon.  Lukey wasn't having it.  Drew is stuck and Kelby is just confused!

 There were lots of summer thunder storms when we were home!  Look at this pic of the sky!  SPOOOKY!

 We spend lots of time on Grandma Lori's beautiful patio!  Drew decided to practice up on his golf skills so he could go along with daddy next time...

 Look at this cute baby patio table that grandma lori has - perfect for afternoon snack time!

Freezey pops!

Drew   - quit screwing around -  they found us!

Stay tuned for Part III:  Back to Boji!

Summer fun in Iowa

NOTICE FROM THE MOST OVERDUE BLOG ON THE BLOCK:

We went to Iowa for 18 days!

First, I have to appologize for the fact that I haven't blogged for MONTHS... and it's not because I don't have anything to report, it's because I just haven't had time!  This little munchkin has kept me on my toes and there has been lots going on at the Merrill Household! 

With an extremely busy year with the business... hiring new people, traveling for work and preparing for this trip pushed me near my mommy limit.  But nothing my awesome family, beautiful Iowa weather and couple glasses of crisp white wine couldn't fix! 

We started this trip on a Wednesday... and I was counting on the way to the airport that this was Drew's 9th airplane trip since he has been been born!  For only 16 months old -- that's a lot of trips!  He is going to know all of his cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and great grandparents well...Ronnie and I are committed to lots of visits so this is only the beginning!

This is a shot of Drew at the Tampa Airport... BEFORE he started throwing his ball at anyone and everyone.   He made lots of friends in the 60 minutes we waited by the gate!

Skinned knee and all... we are ready to rock this trip!

Hey mom - do you think the flight attendants will find me down here?  I need some cookies!

 Wendy picked us up from the airport in Minneapolis and we headed staight to Mankato!  These two were reuinited and double-trouble was BAAAACK!

'I swear we didn't do it."

 If this isn't a 'meeting of the minds' I don't know what is!  Ethan was quite the leader -- Drew was obsessed with Ethan this entire trip.  Since we have been back, he stops in his tracks every time I pull up a video from the trip with Ethan it.  It is the cutest thing. 

 The next day we were OFF TO THE LAKE!  However, had to make a pit-stop in Wally World to hide out during a bad storm!  The 3 amigos all jumped in the cart (this lasted about 30 seconds)  - #mobileplaypen #notforlong

 We stayed at Bridges Bay in Okoboji.  It is a great resort/hotel right on the lake with an indoor waterpark (for those stormy days) and a great outdoor pool.  Luke and Drew were in charge of moving all of our stuff in...

'Hey Drew  - make sure our snacks don't fall off the cart!"

 

 

Wendy and I were excited to have almost 3 weeks to hang out together and one of the things we love to do (well we love it because we love to eat and drink too) is run!  We found a great route from the resort and ventured out the next morning.  View from the trail with the lake in the background: 

Is this heaven?  No, it's Iowa.

 

 The first weekend we were in Boji was to be there to support the 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament that dad helps organize each year.  Ronnie golfed and had a blast!  During the tournament I was able to hang out with my life long friend Becky (Brand) Thomas and her kiddos!  We all had a blast at the pool. 

After the tourny was over, we all went over to the club for the Silent Auction.  It was a blast and it we had fun supporting such a great program.  Ronnie and I bought some ISU Basketball Tickets -  Can't wait for some Hilton Magic next January! 

Checking out the list of items to bid on...

Two Tickets in the 6th row at Hilton - SOLD!

 After the auction we all went over to 'Green Space' to listen to a little Damon Dobson and enjoy the 9:30pm sunset!  SO beautiful!  Connie lined up some babysitters for the evening so we could all enjoy the night!

 Photo opp time on the dock!

Selfie!

Me and dad!  Love this picture!

Me and Aunt Ronda!

The next day we all hung out by the pool!  Aunt Bri, Uncle Ben and Cousin Beau came up.. I don't have any pics of the three boys at the pool,  but trust me - THEY HAD FUN!  

Grandma Butcher is such a joy!  We just love spending time with her!

Papa's in the pool!  Of course being silly and getting these little guys all wound up in the water!

That evening, Renea and Steve came over and we all went to dinner - fun was had by all! 

The Butcher Bunch!

 Sunday we took a trip to Arnold's Park... all the locals call it "The Park"... we were feeling like locals by the end of the trip!  We made several appearances at 'The Park'! 

BABY BOATS!

'Hey Beau - they're all lookin' at us...what's the big deal?  I mean, we're just ridin' around in some flying dragons!??

 Oh boy... then there were these two and the train... so Luke is a total wild man dare devil and made us all nervous on this little train (that actually went pretty fast)!  Double Trouble got paired up in the same car and we all thought Luke was going to let Drew out, then let himself out and fly off the tracks.  It was one of those... 'is this funny and cute or is this scary' moments!

'See Drew - ya just pull this rope and you're free... ready??'

Chillin' in a flying fishy...

 Andrew, Melissa and Kelby came up for the day but where MIA for this photo opp!  This is BOB Stroller Madness!  Beau, Luke, Drew and Kate!  Quite the crew! 

On the top of the crazy house!

 I love this next picture of Drew and the Monkeys!  He was hugging them and wanted to be their friend!  He is really into the '5 Little Monkeys' book right now and if we were to go back to The Park now he would probably try to jump on the bench!

Luke- we need a drink!  It's hot out here!

Fun times with mommy!

Back to the flying fishies - he looks like such a BIG BOY!

After a hot, sweaty day at the park -- Double Trouble needed a bath!

This wraps up Summer fun in Iowa:  Part I.  Stay tuned for Part II where we head to Holstein to see Grandma Lori and Frank!