lake time

there is always a lot going on. we are in that part of our lives. but lately, it's been exceptionally busy. the big neighborhood party that i've been helping to plan has been fast approaching, and i have been interviewing for a new job (and then, subsequently, disentangling myself from my current job), and transitioning the kids to their summer schedules, and all the usual every day everything. so it was particularly nice to drive a mere 90 minutes northwest but feel completely removed and remote from it all. last weekend, we stayed on the shore of lake pentenwell with my sister and her family, attended the berg family reunion, and celebrated my dad's birthday and father's day. it was a big deal. it was a good time.

we had a pretty sweet lake spot



which made for good jumping in, climbing out, and repeat, all. day. long.


 
 

there was also breakfast al fresco,


sister time,


little boys on slack lines and hammocks,


and tired cousins.

we celebrated my dad's 63rd birthday. happy birthday dad!

lake petenwell was also the location for the big family reunion. i love these big get togethers. i really do. my mom and her 4 siblings and their children and their children's children all came together for a day of eating and laughing and playing games, and that is exactly what happened. it was perfect. we also all got new blue shirts.

first the staples and the beckers canoed over like the explorers we are.

then we did the big photos, because that is really the reason for a reunion. right? (notice the weird-o faces of those who couldn't join us in person. this family is nothing if not inclusive.)


the siblings.


and if you would prefer to have a picture of the siblings looking annoyed at the less-than-welcome photobomber, here ya go.
 

two cousins, three legged race ready.

the reunion happened to be on father's day, and it was a treat to spend it with both my dad and david. big weekend for the birthday boy and father and genealogical record keeper. 

 having david around is pretty great, too. i mean, this guy. he's the one that makes the world go around for this little tribe of four. we love you, david. you are the best of the best, on father's day and every day.

 and when we finally got home, we had a little father's day party right there in the driveway. we couldn't wait a minute longer. happy father's day.