Is this heaven?
No, it's Iowa.
This is where we spent 4 days last weekend and I have to say, it was pretty heavenly! Our 4th annual summer "Ridunion" took place in Panora, IA on Lake Panorama. In addition to the Ridnours, this year's festivities included the wonderful Jensen clan too (Aunt Cindy, Uncle RJ, and cousins Pat/Sarah and Chris/Kristin and their kiddos Campbell and Reid).
Katelyn warmed right up to Aunt Cindy and Sarah. Fast friends, ya think?!
Grandma Kathy's birthday was on Saturday. She got to wake up to birthday snuggles from her two favorite littles. A happy birthday indeed. Katelyn's birthday observations for Gramma were:
- You're 30 years old.
- You're very tall.
- You might have white hair soon.
Mmm-kay :)
Wasn't long before Michael and Katelyn took their first dip in the pool (Kate kept laughing at that expression: "What's a dip? What do you mean by dip?" :)
Another little friend took a dip too. It's safe to say she liked loved it.
It was so nice to just spend time together in a new, fun, serene place.
The weather was perfect so we spent a lot of time playing games outside. Ladder golf, bubbles, "bally-ball" (for volleyball, as Katelyn said), playing with rocks, fishing at the lake, and of course swimming!
Katelyn and Campbell did great with ladder golf and had fun perfecting the toss.
Here's Reid showing his Gramma Cindy how it's done...
See these two seesters? They made the weekend happen. Thanks, Mom and Cindy!!!
It's a bird, it's a plane... it's Katelyn!!
I love the imagery of Daddy's hands always there to catch his girls. And don't you love Katelyn's jazz hands? You can almost see it by her hands just how much she's loving this!
The pool was a hit with this one...
and this one too! Not surprisingly, Kendall kicked and splashed the whole time. Our little water baby for sure!
Funny story about my hat below. I was looking for something to cover my head (tick fear!) during all our outdoor time this summer. I was feeling pretty cool, hip, trendy after I bought this fedora so I tried it on for Katelyn. "You look like a farmer!" Well then. 'Preciate the honesty. No better place to wear a farmer hat than Iowa, right?!
Bubbles never get old. Katelyn could blow bubbles all day long. And she loves trying to catch them on the wand.
More ladder golf with Gramma.
Campbell and Katelyn are good little friends. When they first reunited, they grasped hands immediately and ran off to play. So sweet!
Sunday morning we went over to Cindy and RJ's place on the lake for lunch.
Unfortunately the lake was off limits for boats due to heavy rains and dangerous debris (giant logs and tree trunks!) floating in the water. We couldn't ride in the boat, but we still had fun!
The girls loved seeing their Ridnour uncles again. Kendall and Ryan are good buddies :)
Katelyn got to borrow Aunt Cindy's charm bracelet for a bit. Oo-la-la!
Sunday was also Father's Day. We had fun celebrating all the dads and honoring them for their most important work and title: Dad! I made this for my dad and it was fun to present it to him :)
Later, I moseyed on down to the lake and came upon this...
A daddy and a daughter fishing together. Enjoying the beautiful scenery. Talking about bait and worms. Casting the line and reeling it in. Propped up on the rocks. Bare feet and flip-flopped feet. On Father's Day.
♥♥♥
After her fishing practice, Katelyn thought she'd share some tips with Papa :)
Meanwhile, Kendall was having fun with Daddy inside. She was laughing and laughing about Michael tickling her with this ball. Contagious giggles!
Chillin with Uncle Mitch...
And then fell asleep with Gramma Kathy. Is this peaceful or what?
After the lake, we went back to our B&B for some family pictures by a photographer friend of mine, followed by more pool time and a longstanding Iowa staple: Casey's pizza. Taco, pep, and veggie. Mmm-mmm-good for the body and soul!
Once the girls went to bed, we played games, ate cake for Father's Day and birthdays, and laughed, laughed, and laughed. So fun!
Monday morning came way too quick and we all parted ways to our respective home states :( But not before Ryan and Kendall had some quality time...
It was an awesome weekend full of good times, fun memories, and wonderful family time. We're already looking forward to next year!
