Annual Christmas In July Camping Trip

It's that time of year again....Christmas in July at Jellystone in Fremont.  Our favorite place to be!  The weekend started out right with a game of BINGO.  Since there is a burn ban and no fires allowed, it gave us all the opportunity to go to the BINGO game on Friday night.  Tyler won a regular BINGO (but had to share with one other person who also got one) and got $5!!!  Out of all the times we have been camping there, Ben won a rotten card and Tyler won a candy bar BINGO, so this was pretty cool. 

Gabi had an ICE Cheer Camp on Saturday morning so my parents stayed back with her and graciously took care of her, bringing her up with them on Saturday at noonish.  Until then we plyaed some cornhole and just relaxed :)  We planned dinner and gifts for the evening.  Chad/Amber planned out a mexican themed dinner with Carnitas and chips/salsa.  I made an ice box cake thinking this would be the best option closest to tasting like s'mores (since we couldn't have them around a campfire).  It was all really good!!! 

The gifts were great this year...I think everyone did an awesome job of staying within the dollar limit and getting some good things their person would enjoy.  Gabi got gifts from Reese...cute sandals, some Milky Way Minis (which were gone by the time we left) and Baby Lips (her fave).  Tyler got somewhat of a gag gift and we certainly enjoyed watching him open...some non alcoholic beer, Ramen and macaroni and cheese for a nice head start to learning to live on his own at college.  I got a very cute Thirty One Bag embroidered with an R and my fave - Dunkin Donuts coffee.  Ben got some Spongebob golf balls and a Notre Dame coozie.  It was so much fun to watch everyone open their gifts.  We already can't wait til next year!!! 

The girls did some mining, jumped on the big pillows (two new things at Jellystone) and of course, did some swimming some walking and some bike riding.  The weather has not disappointed in that area!  To top off the weekend, on Saturday evening there was a family dance.  So much fun!  The girls had a GREAT time and it was so neat to see even maw maw, paw paw, and Tyler get out there and dance.  Reese was definitely a cutie doing her "dougie with the wheelchair!" 

Sunday morning we got the girls over to have "Picture Time With Yogi" before getting around to go home....another awesome camping weekend.  Always love going back to Jellystone...my absolute favorite place to camp!  We had a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS IN JULY!

More Canada

Dave was kind enough to give me photos that he took from the trip to Canada.  Sadly enough, I have still not come across any of my own husband with a fish! 

A visitor at their cabin...

Scenery...

The hat placed in memory of Dad R...a very fitting tribute.

Back to Naperville

It was nice to have Trenton home for a couple of days to visit.  He left yesterday to go back to Naperville and hopefully start his second job at Staples.  Miss you already...

Garden

So far...a couple dozen strawberries, a couple of tomatoes and one bunch of broccoli....to be picked  yet...peppers, watermelon, cucumbers, cantaloupe

So far, not bad.  Definitely learning what to grow in years to come, etc.  It'sa fun, learning experience!

Canada

Sneak peek....
Trenton's big catch of the day (24 inch Walleye) and should be found on Flindt Landing's board...

And a big Northern Pike for Tyler (36 inches)...

The boys saw eagles and Trenton even saw a swimming carabou!

Can I just say...glad my hubby is back :)

Ben also shared with me that they were able to nail up one of Dad R's fishing hats with a few of his favorite fishing lures attached to a tree where he loved to fish at Flindt Landing.  He said it was a very touching and memorable moment for him, as was the whole trip.  He had a good time with Uncle Jay, Aunt Annie, cousin David, brother Dave, Trenton, Tyler and Nick Schrader.  The weather was good (only rained one evening) and it was so hot one day, they were able to swim!  So thankful they all made it there and back safely.

Fourth...part 2

More pics of Gabi, Nikki and Emma (Day 2) of the overnight...
Of course, in 100 degree weather what could there possibly be to do, beside swim???

Fourth

Happy Independence Day!!!!

Just been Gabi and I all week.  Gabi has been excited about sleeping in my bed with me while Ben is away.  Trenton made it home last Thursday to pack up and head out to Canada with Ben and Tyler (and Uncle Jay/Aunt Annie, David and cousin David) on Saturday evening.  We have been trying to survive the heat by taking swims in my parents' pool when I wasn't busy working and we even caught the movie Brave with Jeff / Pam and kids yesterday for the fourth.  It was good to be with them, even for a bit yesterday.  And the movie...another great one from Disney!

Tonight we have a couple of girls overnight.  I promised Gabi her sleepover and she is getting it  They are up in her room at this moment...doing makeovers.  This is exactly what I imagined so many years ago when I learned I had a new baby girl....bows, nail polish, dresses, lots of shopping, girl sleepovers and cute makeovers!! 

I am just over the heat and I am sure, pretty much the whole city is at this point.  The grass has turned to hay and it is just not even pleasant to go outside unless it is to get in a pool.  100 degree weather is just NOT fun.  I love summer, but I love to be outside to enjoy the summer and with the heat and humidity like it is, you just can't do it.  Ready for the 80's again.  Too much to ask for???