Shopping. Slip-n-Slide. Artichoke Dip. Sand.

A GREAT weekend was had by all at the Wynia's! We got on the road a bit late (because we were signing a PURCHASE AGREEMENT for our land!!! Whoo hooo ... now I get my hardwood floors!) and hit some traffic but finally made it to Steve and Charina's around 6:30 or so. Jason, Leah and Micah had just gotten there as well. We were greeted with great big hugs and by the most adorable little girl. Little Grace has grown so much in just 4 months. I love that Grace is almost exactly a year older than Paige because I always have a sneak peak into what Paige will be like this time next year.

Saturday morning we caught the end of a parade, ate some fair food and the kids rode a few carnie rides in Big Lake. The girls went shopping in the afternoon while the boys stayed home with the kiddos. Steve and Charina had given Riley a slip and slide to Riley for his birthday so that had been set up out in the backyard and the kids were in their suits. Sam, Kristin and Madeline, another Rochester couple who were in the area visiting family, came over for dinner. At this point the boys headed out for 9 holes of golf ... and somehow it turned into 9 holes of golf, plus beer, a shot or two and some dancing (Sam with an 8 year old) and artichoke dip from a wedding dance that they crashed. If it sounds comical, you should see the pictures ... they are even better.

Sunday we got up (poor Jason and Leah ... Micah was the only one up at 6 both mornings ... Grace, Riley and Paige all slept into until 7:30 or later) and headed to Big Lake for a little swimming and a picnic lunch. Thankfully Riley grew to like sand last year so we were able to enjoy the beach. Paige really liked the water too. She first got her toes in and then dad took her in to her mid-belly and she was just smiling and splashing the water with her hands. After the beach, we decided to head home so that we could travel during Paige's nap time and made it home by about 4.

The kids had a blast all weekend long. Riley, Micah and Grace (and Madeline!) played really well together ... and they were all very gentle with Paige. Now if we could just convince Charina to get pregnant, we could all have two kiddos by this time next year. :)