For our reunion this year, the Elwood clan opted for a staycation in Logan (ahem, I mean Providence - Callie gets really upset when I say we're going to Logan these days (because, "where are we going to go in Logan? Grandma doesn't live in Logan!")). We gathered for Father's Day dinner at my parents' house on June 18th, packed our schedule full of fun and family and food, and parted ways on the 21st. And it was marvelous. Callie especially enjoyed the simple pleasures of exploring "close to home" and called it the "best staycation ever!" I would have to agree. Here's what we did:
Sunday, June 18th: steak and shrimp dinner to celebrate the dads and grandpas, individual fruit pizzas (decorate your own!) for dessert, playing in the new toy room in the basement, visiting, cousin time, jammies, and bed (everyone stayed over at the new casa except Nate's family who went home each night to their own beds - smarties!)
Monday, June 19th: morning walk to Macey's for a donut for Gregg and Sam (because the little guy woke up waaaay too early), German pancakes breakfast (made by Nate), Willow Park Zoo and playground, oreo taste test at lunch (this year's flavors: fireworks, red velvet, birthday cake, lemon, blueberry pie), backyard tree removal, kiddie pool, water balloons, splash pad, brisket dinner, birthday cake and homemade rocky road ice cream for my grandma's birthday, croquet, sunset, jammies, and bed (and none too early - I think we ended the evening with a meltdown of the four-year-old from too much fun)
 |
| Perhaps THE most unflattering photo of me EVER. But funny, too, so I'm posting it for you to laugh with me. |
 |
| I think he was a jack rabbit. |
 |
| Perhaps the best smiling pic I've ever seen of these two cousins. |
bonus video!
bonus video!
Tuesday, June 20th: repeat early morning wake-up for Sam = repeat early morning walk for Dad and Sam (this time to Von's Park where we had our wedding reception), three kinds of (homemade by Mugs!!) pastries plus smoothies for breakfast, Minnetonka Cave tour, lunch at "the Bear Lake beach", swimming in "Brrrr Lake", shakes at LaBeau's, make-your-own artisan pizzas for dinner, card games, jammies, and bed
 |
| Cave bacon. |
 |
| Baby stalactites look like little straws. |
 |
| The Bride and Groom. |
 |
| Stairway to Heaven (just 70 or so of the 444 steps we climbed - one way!) |
 |
| I love these guys. |
Wednesday, June 21st: one more early morning walk for Dad and Sam (to Ryan's Place Park with a side of construction trucks), eggs for breakfast, a walk for everyone (well, those of us who were left - some folks had to work Wednesday morning so they went "home" Tuesday night) to Ryan's Place Park, a popsicle on the front lawn, then home
Whew! We're pooped! (In the best possible way.) I love these people and the time I get to spend with them.
