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| Cousins ready for croquet! |
Spencer's family got together as a big group again this year, as in year's past, by meeting up at his cabin in Minoqua, WI.
But first we all met up in Milwaukee, WI for a croquet tournament. We all dressed in white and make it to Lake Park to play. The John/Harper team took the trophy but I think everyone enjoyed the outdoors and eachother. Then we had a family BBQ at John and Ellie's house a couple blocks away.
Then next day Spencer, Elsie, and I were the first to arrive at the cabin. We were soon joined by the rest of the gang over the next night and morning. Elsie had a BLAST with her cousins, especially in following around Odette. Pretty much anything she wanted to do Elsie wanted to do.
Spencer and Mark built a sandbox in the front area of the cabin and Elsie and Odette went to town. Spencer got a bit frustrated that his brothers wanted to fish instead of help him but John eventually came up and got a ton of sand moved. Beckett and Miles also were super helpful, and Missy, Melanie and I also helped out. Thanks everyone!
Winner for the most funny/bizarre experience: Jacob, Harper, Beckett and Kate also brought their dog, the newest addition, Wickett. All the kids were loving Wickett, but Jacob and Kate were pretty hesitant to let anyone get too close. The kids got to give the dog treats, and pet very gently but that's about it. The dog is pretty small so maybe they were afraid the kids would trample it? And you wouldn't believe how much gear they brought for this new dog: a doggy backpack carrier, several leashes, a dog-sling that they could carry it around in on their chest (and they did!), a fanny pack with doggie bags for dog walks, several water bottle dish things, and an entire backpack of stuff for the dog (the size of a diaper bag). And someone had to always be present with the dog, can't be left alone for a moment, which I found particularly hilarious. Don't even go to the bathroom and leave the dog alone.
Other fun happenings: Elsie took her first paddle-boat ride with Missy and Harper, the kids enjoyed making some bead sun catchers with me, Grandma Melanie had everyone make plaster hands in the new sand and decorate with beads and shells, we played a new game called "Where's Hitler" (similar to The Resistance game), and the kids really enjoyed when Spencer took them to the big playground at Lac du Flambeau elementary school, we had a taco Tuesday, we had a dance party with "Old Town Road".
To finish off our Spencer family reunion weekend, Lila, Missy and Veda joined us for a couple of nights at our place in Madison. Elsie LOVES to play with the bigger girls, and her talking/chit chatting has skyrocketed. She still loves to give everyone their water bottle, too. Lila and Veda were obsessed with Arthur and Olive, and it was good for them to get some nice human attention for once (not the body-slamming rough housing they normally receive from she-who-must-not-be-named). So also has her independence and I want it my way increased over the last couple of weeks....haha. More challenging for us to get her to do things she might not want to (change diaper), but overall it's a good thing that she's finding her voice and pushing for independence. I think Spencer finds it more difficult to deal with than I, as he likes things the way he likes them, less go-with-the-flow. It was great to see everyone, next up is Elsie's 2nd Birthday :)
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| We first stopped by Duane and Kathy Shultz's (Nathan Shultz's parents) to say hi and see their new condo. Elsie warmed up to Gma Kathy right away, played some fishing, and got a wheel chair ride. |
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| We arrive to JMOE, lots of hugs from everyone, Elsie was sooo excited! |
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| Loves the kid adirondak chairs |
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| Snugglefest in the tent |
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| Helping Gma Mel? Gma always loves extra help :) |
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| Ran up to Gpa Mark and gave a big bear hug! |
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| From left: Spencer (32), John (36), Jacob (43), Missy (41), Quinn (22) |
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| Elsie (23months), Veda (7), Odette (3) |
Then we made it to the cabin for lots of playing with the cousins.
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| Spencer took all the kids to the big playground and everyone had a blast! |
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| Two peas in a pod. |
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| Crashed for a 2 hour nap after playing all morning, swimming, and a playground run. |
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| Odette (3) telling her scary story about a monster that ate the princesses mom. |
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| Gma Mel got her first braid! |
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| Finally got the little one down, just in time for a sunset picture. |
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| First paddleboat ride |
Lila, Missy, and Veda joined us for a couple nights before they had to head home.
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| Everyone made their own pizza. |
