Vacation--Part One--Minocqua, WI

This past week we went to "Helfer-fest" The Helfer Family Reuinion in Minocqua, WI. It was fantastic! The boys got to see...and meet so many of their second cousins! There was a great photo-op and Gigi had her picture taken with all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren! We stayed at a beautiful hotel called Lake of the Torches Hotel and Casino- (Did you know they let you jump on beds there?!)The view out our window was fantastic! Saturday morning the boys woke up and were looking out the window and saw a bald eagle catching his breakfast! The reunion was fantastic- it was so much fun to catch up with everyone and see all again! The boys had so much fun playing with everyone! Gigi even showed Ben how to play a ball game!

Though it was cool out, we still got to see beautiful sunsets

and even go for a boat ride!

It's mid-July....and freezing!!

Every year we go to our friend's the Bade's for their Annual "Party for No-Good Reason." We always have a lot of fun!! Being the middle of July, it is usually a hot day which is great for swimming.... this year however.... it was warmer IN the pool than out of it! Brrr!!!

The boys got to see horses, goats and of course the dogs!

This year, since the pool wasn't too popular, the boys got to have their first pony ride!

They did great! Of course the weather was perfect for a large campfire...which always seems to mesmorize!

The next day, it was sunny...so a bit warmer. We took the boys to see a B17 Bomber at the Rochester Airport. They had so much fun! It was a long line to see the inside, but there was so much to look at- being right on the runway! There were planes landing and taking off, air traffic controllers and many other planes to see! The tour itself was an adventure...starting with an extension ladder and having to walk across a 6 foot long, 5 inch wide walk way to get to the other side of the plane (now imagine holding a 1 year old for this) It was great, and we are glad we took the boys to see this piece of history.