Time at the Lake....

We were fortunate enough this summer to have three different stays by a lake. The first trip was the annual Stanek/Boisvert stay at the Shady Inn Resort. Each year my aunt Judy travels from Rockford, Illinois to spend two weeks on beautiful Lake Alexander. Her son, Brian, and his family, Denise, Alyssa, Kyle, and Chrissy travel from Chicago to vacation by the lake, too. While everyone is here, I try to spend as much time as possible with them, since most years this is our only chance to see each other in person. Jay spent the weekend with us, and the kids and I spent an additional three days out at the lake. Here are some pictures to highlight....

Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids

Eli jumping off the dock!

Group shot!

Ainsley resting on Grandpa's belly...awww....

Judy, Brian, Denise and the kids

Immediately following our days on Lake Alex, we traveled to Grand View Lodge in Nisswa to spend the weekend with the ENTIRE Burnham crew in celebration of Jay's mom's 80th birthday this year. Although lodging was potentially going to be a problem, the weekend was beautiful, we had plenty of food, and it was great having the whole family together.

Phyllis and her children

Julia and Ryan--what a cute couple!



Mark, Renee, and Davis



Courtney



Ryan snuggling with the kids

And finally, our last lake voyage was again to Gull Lake, but this time we stayed at a friend's family cabin with Jay's good friend, Troy, his wife, Nikki, and their two beautiful daughters, Rylee and Maggie. Troy and Nikki moved to Florida a year ago, so it was nice to spend time with them since we don't get to see them often anymore. Two of our three days up north were spent as families by the lake. On the third day, all of Jay's buddies took out the "Sweetwater" pontoon for a day of, let's face it, drinking. Jay and pals all turn 40 in the next year or so, so Troy's visit to Minnesota was a chance for the boys to "celebrate" their upcoming milestone.

Jay and the boys



A rare family photo--with ALL 4 of us together



Maggie, Rylee, Eli and Ainsley

Jay and I had originally planned for a trip to Colorado as well this summer, but it just didn't work out. Looking back, though, it's clear that we made wonderful memories enjoying the landscape that Minnesota has to offer.