The road trip back home

 Ice cream break!

 For Grandma Deanie - nothing like children's hands

Train spotting

Like all good things, our vacation had to end, and we had a 7 hour drive that we decided to do in one shot this year.  In order to keep the kids (and me) from melting down into a puddle of goo, we made frequent stops.  The first one was for lunch and ice cream in Hackensack, MN. The second stop was at the Paul Bunyan Welcome Center in Brainerd. Shortly after we left the Welcome Center we saw a train, which we followed to several train crossings so we could honk and wave. After that our trip got a little hairy, and the photo opps ceased. Kids were overly tired and it did not bode well for the morale in the car. Thankfully, everyone (including me) took a much needed nap from Clearwater to Albert Lea, and we were back home about 12 hours after we left Cass Lake.  Hopefully next year we can knock that time down to 10 hours, or buy a motor home.  Mama needs to recline when I sleep!!

Cass Lake!

 Helping Mic

 Cleaning the beach after the storm

 Jet ski!!!

 Riley -the best negotiator around!

 Some QT with my baby

 Loungin' in the hammock

 Boat ride!

 Jumping off the dock

The annual O'Neill trip to Cass Lake was once again a success.  We all just love Mic and Lisa's cabin, and here are a few pictures of the highlights.  The weather was hot, hot, HOT, but that didn't slow the kids down. This year, they not only loved playing on the beach, but had so much fun jumping off the dock and swimming in the lake too.  Riley had the brilliant idea of renting two jet skis for the family, and they were quite the hit.  Even Grandma and Sr. Marian joined in the fun! Finn took a turn on the tube, and Norah took boat rides whenever she could.  We are already looking forward to going again next year!

Sprinkler Fun

Earlier this week, our garden was in desperate need of water, so Dennis and our friend Lance came out to rig up the sprinkler in the evening.  It was still so hot outside, and Norah was helping us weed the garden, and she wanted to cool down, farmer style.  The boys heard her laughing and came running.  Soon, it became a party in the garden. They were a muddy mess, but had so much fun beating the heat. This is going to be one of my favorite summertime memories!