September

 September came, and then went in a flash, it was a good month, but Oh so busy!

Mini golfing with our youngest, Gavin

We never tire of this view, many of our neighbors are headed home for the winter, 

the boats and lifts are being tucked away

‘tis the season for craft fairs. 

My friend Ruth along with sister-in-law’s Julie and Susan accompanied me to a fall festival in Nevis

The colors are beginning. A little late this year

My best guy!

Into the lake he goes to retrieve the swimming dock

A sign of fall

Thankful that his brother Brad could come over and help do the heavy lifting with Rick

Last weekend we were able to head up to the cities to watch one of our grands play soccer

Way to go Scar!

Our youngest was getting a good tickle from grandpa,

We had an impromptu bonfire with our oldest grandson and his mama

Our oldest grandgirl had homecoming this last weekend ❤️

I remember taking her shopping in the fancy dress department at the mall when she was just a toddler.

She would touch every dress and ohhh & ahhh about the sparkles and how pretty they were… 

Time just gets away from us

Tomorrow is already October. I love seeing that word because fall is my favorite! The colors are beginning to change and sweater weather will be here soon although today was in the 80s and so will it be tomorrow I will patiently wait for the cool crisp mornings of fall.

More Family visit "Hemmers Haven" our cabin at the lake.

 Mid August, 

Following my sister's visit... came more family.

 We love hosting (there's a story behind that)

Some of our favorite people in the whole wide world.

Uncle Wayne and Aunt Jo Anne

They have ALOT of history at this lake and the resort that used to include our cabin!

They honeymooned at "Hawkeye Haven" which we now lovingly refer to as "Hemmer's Haven". 

The cabin they stayed in has been removed but they point to the place it used to be 

as we reminisce on the deck! 

They also vacationed here years ago with their young family and Wayne's parents, 

(ricks grandparents)

They have made the trip to our cabin several times over the last 10 years, from AZ and TX

Boat ride!

We saw the loons and some eagles flying into their nest.

Uncle Wayne is probably telling Rick where to catch the biggest fish :)

We had a nice brunch to celebrate Aunt Jo Anne's birthday. 

Some GOOD friends/family were able to join us

(Judy O. and her SIL Janice) 

Melinda S. (left) was up at her cabin on the lake, 

I was so glad the timing worked out that she could make it.

Love all these people so much

Friends that go Wayyyyyy back  (Judy & Jo Anne)

These 3 are so fun!

The best!

 Cabin visits with Wayne and Jo Anne always feels like such a blessing as they never commit to the next year! The same goes for Judy, we hope she will be here next year as well, and with Judy, comes Janice....It's all good :)

Annual Sister & family visit at the cabin.

 August 7th-9th - a little late with the blog posts....

Two days after a week with our kids and grandkids at the cabin, we were joined by

 my sister Jodi, her hubby Darin and their clan. 

(Nephew Sam, his girlfriend Brooke, Niece Jensen and her friend Tessa)

Rock painting at the cabin is a favorite  pastime

everyone painted!

but the favorite thing...

we had a boat full

Lots of tubing

My cute sister

Morning vibes

As always a fun time with my sis and her family+

They are fun and easy to have around!

 

4 generations...

Our 2nd annual Erickson family picnic on my dad's side. 

This year my Brother Rick hosted!

Sadly the camera clicker was out of range so the photo below is a practice photo before I ran to be in the picture. A few people are looking at the camera, most aren't, and I'm missing, oh well.

34 of the "Erickson" tribe made it!

The youngest & oldest siblings of my dad, 

Bob and marilyn are the only ones left in the 1st generation. Dad would have loved this.

The 2nd Generation (My generation) 1st cousins. Three weren't able to make it

1st and 2nd cousins, several were missing, I lost count

It was so fun to gather, share a meal and reminisce

3 generations, My big brother, his son and grandson

My little brother sharing old photos that he brought to life with AI 

When I was 15 my sweet baby cousin Holly was born!

Our dads were twins and she was my flower girl in our wedding.

Olders, middles and youngers

Just chillin'

The Matriarch (How is she 90?)

The littles, running around playing games

When I was a little kid, family reunions were a big thing. It was a time when the "old people" talked and the youngers played with 1st  & 2nd cousins they barely knew. 

As I get older I appreciate these gatherings, our plan is to continue every year in August.

How about you... do you have family reunions, how often do you gather?

Its a wrap! Beware, Photo dump Family week

 These people.... we are blessed

Starting to arrive

Lots of swimming, jumping off the dock and snorkeling

Oh, and tubing

Did I mention fishing?

Tossing of children

Coloring

Gaming and snacking

Rough housing

Chillin'

Lounging

Uncle Gavin and his peeps

Sand play

King of the raft

Kayaking

Boating

Tubing

For some of us, learning a new game

Building with K'nex

Making pie

Lake time

<3

Auntie Brie is queen of braiding

Pure goof!

Our Joy!

Good bye is hard