Family Reunion

Bear Lake 2012

 We had our Callan family reunion in Bear Lake this year.  Thanks to Grandpa and Grandma for arranging the whole thing and reserving the most fabulous place ever!  The Inn is usually a bed and breakfast, but we had the whole place to ourselves.  There was a pool, a huge lawn and play set, a movie room, and a big bunk room for the kids.  Each family got their own room and bathroom to themselves.  It was perfect!  We arrived the night of the Olympic closing ceremonies.  So, the next day we had our own Olympics.  In the above picture the kids are all lighting the Olympic 'flame.'  My Dad was in charge of all the events, there were races, gymnastics, swimming, soccer, etc.  It was a lot of fun.  We even had a medal ceremony at the end, but I didn't get any pictures of that.

 Since we were in the area we had to see the Minnetonka Cave.  I had been there a few times before, but my boys had never seen anything like it.  My Mom was awesome and offered to watch Puppy for us so we wouldn't have to worry about him, it was great!

 The boys thought it was really cool, literally and figuratively!

 The second day was beach day and that was the boys' favorite part; the beach, not so much the water.

 We were lucky to find a little spot in the shade with a little picnic table and a bench to park all our stuff.  It was really cozy:

The water was a little cold for Puppy, but the sand tasted nice:

 These 4 could have played in the sand all day.  Good thing we now have a sandbox at home so they can get their sand fix!

My Mom planned a cute craft for the kids, they got to decorate their own little box to take home.  It was a huge hit with the kids (and the moms!).

 The boys were thrilled with the huge paper airplanes my Mom brought.  These things were being thrown at all times and if you ask my boys what their favorite part of the whole trip was they will say it was the airplanes! 

 Grandpa showing us how to make a good paper airplane:

 Puppy would only make this face for Grandma Mimi.  She would say 'cheese' and he'd smile, but not for anyone else!!

 Here's the P Callan clan.  I think this is the first time we've had everyone together for a picture in a few years.  There had been 4 or 5 babies born since the last one.  But, alas, this one is only current until October when Todd and Kara have their baby girl.  What a cute family!!

 We rented a big family bike and rode along the trail that runs through town.  It really looks like a lot of fun.  In reality it was a lot of work, but still fun. 

 I still think about all the great times we had in Bear Lake, especially the fantastic raspberry shakes!  But, really, the best part was being able to be under the same roof with my whole family and get to spend time together reconnecting and enjoying each other!  Thanks Grandpa and Grandma for the wonderful memories we made in Bear Lake!!