Courtney's wedding festivites and vacation

Last week we packed up and headed north to my parents' house and also to Okoboji for my niece Courtney's wedding. We had time to make it into a vacation since I had a weekend off and the 4 of us never really get a chance to do much as a family.

The kids love exploring at their grandparents' house. They were following the cat into the trees. They love animals and are so excited to see and play with them.

Ethan making friends with Phineas. This cat started out at TJ and Erin's house but he's more of an outside kind of guy.

 

Isabelle was SO EXCITED that the baby kitties were big enough to be held now! She carried this poor little guy around everywhere!

 

Driving the gator.

 

I love this picture because Ethan looks so small next to the crib.

 

Running through the grass.

We stayed at the coolest condo. I just love the view. I couldn't get enough of it. TJand Erin and their kids stayed with us. Our plan was for all of us kids to stay there but it didn't quite work out that way: Nick and Angie were parents of the bride (BUSY!!) , Ryan and Ashley are expecting a baby in about a month, and Adam and Lora were busy making the rounds to visit everyone in their short trip home. Mom and Dad were busy too....Mom had to work her regular schedule MWF but they were able to come up and spend some time with us and have some fun too.
The kids had a great time just hanging out with their cousins at the condo and playing outside. We went to the indoor waterpark and they had a blast. We were also going to do Arnolds Park but it rained that day.

Me and 3 of my brothers.

 

Ethan enjoying being outside.

 

Taking a break and posing with Daddy at the indoor waterpark. They must have been tired from swimming...

 

Ethan loves the water. He has almost no fear.

 

Isabelle had fun playing in the fountains while her cousins went down all the slides.  

Hiding under the water. Its just so fascinating!

Grandpa and all the grandkids (except the bride!)

We 'hired' great grandma and her hubby to watch the kids while we had some adult fun at the rehearsal dinner. It was fun to have some sibling time and adult conversation without being interrupted by all of our lovely children.

Daniel and I at the rehearsal

 

The boys

The wedding was BEAUTIFUL and Courtney looked BEAUTIFUL! We all had a good time. (Ethan was super clingy but I still had a good time.) They had a photo booth that the kids had a blast with. Too bad I don't really know how to scan pics in or I would post some of the silly ones.

Courtney and her Grandpa Roland

 

Isabelle and cousin Avery

Ethan - the one time he didn't need to be on my hip.

Dancing fun.

"Can we go now?" It had been a long week and a long day!

 

Before we left to come home, the kids went on their first boat ride! Finally! We left from the Inn and it was so rough, I thought they were going to hate it. We got to calmer waters and they actually did enjoy it,. Lulled Ethan right to sleep.

Iz and her boat hair. It was so rough and windy that day. 

 

They started to enjoy it once we got to a smoother part of the lake.

Almost asleep...