Heaven is By the Waters in Minnesota

Our Memorial Dayweekend was VERY memorable for us. We got to stay the weekend at Shaun's family's cabin. He went there as a kid, and so did his own mom when she was young actually. So this place means so very much to my husband and his whole family. Each year for Memorial Day weekend, they all get together, but this is the first in a long time for us. This is why Minnesota always was, and always will be, home. What a beautiful weekend!!! The sun, the cool breeze, family, fun, staying up past bedtime, a campfire, playing cards late into the night, dirt, toads, worms and fish. The BEST vacation I have had in ages!! Shaun showed us all the great things he did and told many stories of his youth. He was definitely in his glory there. I didn't know how much this place had his heart. And he loved sharing it with his kids!

It was an adventure for all of us. I learned to canoe and I took the kayak out around the lake. That was probably a bit too adventurous. I went around the lake and came back after an hour and a half to find out it was about 5 miles. I guess I am glad I didn't ask how far it was first, I might not be writing this right now. On the way back I saw the most beautiful sight EVER!! The sun was just slightly touching the water creating this glittering sparkle. It was like non-stop fireworks! If that is what it's like to "follow the light", I can see why people do it. Heaven IS a little closer when you are out by the water. My whole family enjoyed every bit of it.

This is my little Nature Girl (in training - see "trainer" below). Our cousin Kyle taught her how to be the "motor" of the canoe. She was so thrilled with her accomplishment!!! She wanted to just go and go and go. This is when I got to take them all out. The only time Anthony got in, but he seemed to enjoy it! Just once was enough I guess.

Here's our little fisherman. He went from throwing in his plastic fish that came with his rod in, and catching it over and over to catching this. After mom got it baited, he cast and caught this one ALL on his own. Go Anthony! The best part was that for the first time, when he caught it, he didn't chuck his pole into the lake with his enthusiasm.

Here is cousin Kyle and Theresa's little girl Amery and Emma. Amery, at three, led both our little girls down the very cool path of living with courage. She taught them to catch toads (and make them a house and give them a bath), appreciate the coolness and size of a huge nightcrawler, and pet every fish ever caught. (She was the "trainer".)They all had such a great time.

Now I know why this place is so special to Shaun, his mom, brother, and their whole family. This is where little boys catch big fish, little girls get dirty, moms and dads relax, and families, and individuals grow. This is where the stories and the laughs get bigger and bigger. This is where everyone gets in touch with the child inside. No wonder it is so near and dear. It's so FUN! I can't wait to go back. What an awesome experience to have, and give, to another generation.