Minnesota, You Betcha, Part 2

The second week of our trip was just the kids and I to my hometown. We were back and forth to the lake and town. It was fun, relaxing and a smidge on the hot side. The kids had a blast at the lake, even though the water was so high it was hard to swim. I always have fun just seeing the place I grew up; how it's changed and how the people have changed.

Starting off with some fun in the lake. Where Hayden is should be shore, but it's a good foot high.

Where the dock should be are just steps. So we sat on the lower steps waiting for boats to bring in some good waves.

That was a good one.

Thumbs up for a fun day!

Pool fun in town. They only used this once we were so busy. Still fun if only just once.

More lake time. The steps again playing with boats.

The kids and I at the lake.

We went to the Mall of America one day to the Sea Life Aquarium. It was really cool. The jellyfish were my favorite, Hayden's were the sharks and Maya wasn't sure, but she touched a starfish.

My flash has been acting up, but apparently Hayden wasn't in the mood for a picture anyway.

He was in the mood to check out the mini LegoLand. The kid was in his own little heaven.

Then Maya spotted Ni Hoa Kai Lan (I have no idea if I spelled any of that right) and made a beeline to her! She grabbed her hand, played with her hair, gave high fives and hugs. Hayden wanted nothing to do with her and would only be in the picture if I was. He couldn't get away fast enough and Maya pretty much felt her up again.

We went to the local little coffee shop and the kids got the Electric Blue Smoothie. She was still blue the next morning.

The golden eagle outside the bank.

One last day at the lake. Maya is dodging goose poop.

And Hayden finally got to ride in the kayak because it was calm enough. Not only did he go with Grandma, he got to do it all by himself too!

Such a fun time, such good memories of our two weeks up North. The pictures I posted do not do our vacation justice as I think my total was 368 taken. I am so thankful to have both of our families within driving distance of each other so we can spend time with both. It may be only one or two weeks a year, but we make it count. =)