Independence Day

     We enjoyed another 4th of July at our friends' cabin.  Mike and Darci (and their kids, Logan and Emma) are always such gracious hosts, and it is very fun spending time with Ann and Steve as well as their twins, Miranda and Kyle.

     Darci has spruced up the cabin with some nice landscaping.  A new hammock also greeted us on our arrival.

 Logan and Emma having some fun in the lake. :)

 Miranda showing us her muscles.

 Marley was having a ball playing in the lake.

 Here I am with Annie. :)

 Ann, Darci, and I always enjoy our time together.

One night we spent a few hours with another friend who was on the lake, Heather.

 A beautiful sunset on Farm Island...

 Tasty 4th of July treats...Manda sure liked them!!

 Emma and Manda spent time reading together on the hammock...a perfect summer activity!!

 Kyle heading out to play with Marley...

 She could've done this all day!!

 Darci, exactly what are you and Darrell doing under that umbrella?  Ha! Ha!

 Time for a pontoon ride...

 Steve and Annie heading out on his sailboat.

 Mike and Steve preparing our seafood boil for dinner.

 Mike heading out in his rain gear... a funny story for another time!!

 Logan and Kyle were supposed to be in bed but were upstairs showing off their muscles instead.

 Steve didn't miss reciting the Pledge of Allegiance on the night of the 4th of July.

 One morning we were treated to entertainment compliments of Manda and Emma. 

 Steve's sailboat

 Emma and Manda having a one-sided water fight with Marley.

Mikey took out the kayak for some exercise. 

Steve, Ann, Miranda, and Kyle

 All of the girls...

 and the guys...

 We saw a beautiful bald eagle on our pontoon ride.

Enjoying our time in the sun

 Manda flexing for us again.

 Fun in the sun

Of course, it wouldn't be a trip to the cabin without seeing the loons!!

Extreme Treehouse Getaway

     Three friends and I headed to a really cool adventure this week.  I found a very unique trip for friends, spouses, families, etc... in a town about 90 minutes away from Sartell.  The couple that built this amazing treehouse adventure actually lived in it for two years before they decided to share their labor of love with others.  Since then, they have a very busy "business" that is just so cool!!  I'll take you through our journey!! :)

We decided to stop for some beverages at Ernie's, and this is what we selected.

 

Arriving at the treehouse...Alison and Deb head up to check things out!

The owner, Peggy, and her very sweet daughter, Lori, took pictures when we arrived.

The landscaping was beautiful!

A place for a picnic, campfire, bocce ball, etc...

A view of the treehouse

Before you walk up the stairs, you see these embedded in the concrete.

Part of the wraparound deck

Peggy explained that they selected all of the driftwood from the North Shore/Lake Superior area in Duluth.

A nice hot tub is available too!

Peggy warned us not to think we were "losing it" if we felt a little dizzy in this spot as the trees move back and forth a bit.  It is a weird experience!!

Getting the hot tub ready...

Black walnut adorns the windows in the treehouse.

The owners...Will and Peggy

Here is the loft area.  It sleeps five people comfortably.

Looking down at Alison :)

Hi, Heidi!!

We toasted to good friends, Heidi's new job at the high school, and other fun things!! :)

Our new favorite treat...yummy!!

Alison relaxing...

Deb enjoying some much needed rest and relaxation!!

We walked into town for...

2 for 1 burger night. 

What a fun night with good friends!!

Of course we did some shopping and had to hit the book store! :)

Another toast...

A cool picture of the moon through the trees as we relaxed in the hot tub.


Here I am with Alison.

After breakfast we had another photo op!!

New York! New York!

FINALLY!!! I have been asked by numerous people how my trip to New York was and when I was going to post my pictures. It's been a very hectic June thus far!! It took many hours to complete the photo book (which I always make for my sister whenever she takes me on a fun trip: New Orleans, Las Vegas, New York, and upcoming...San Antonio). I figured since we did so much while we were there, that it would be much easier just to share my photo book on my blog. It was such an incredible trip; I hope that you enjoy my pictures!! :)

Click here to view this photo book larger

The new way to make a photo album: photo books by Shutterfly.

Happy Father's Day!!

Photo collage generated with Smilebox

Dogs, Dogs, and More Dogs

     Poor Dakota suffers from allergies, so we've been having to give him allergy Rx and doggie oatmeal shampoo baths.  He doesn't think too much of either as indicated below!!

     Meanwhile...we took JJ to visit Mom O.  Both of them were so excited!!  Mom's eyes lit up right away as she had to give her dog to some relatives after she broke her hip.  She loves JJ, so we thought it would be nice to cheer her up.

JJ even had to check out what grandma was having for lunch!!

     Meet the newest addition to our neighborhood.  Katie and Freddy got a Goldendoodle recently, and she is such a cutie!!  I never thought that I would see the day that Freddy would give in as he always said that Katie had to learn how to speak French first (since he is a Canadian and that's all that his family speaks).  Well, she didn't even have to learn basic French!!  Welcome, Willow!!

Megann and Willow...she is going to be one loved puppy!!!