The Pledgers are here! The Pledgers are here!

What a big week we just had! Grandma and Grandpa Pledger came to visit and a whole week at the cabin and the 4th of July. All in the same week! Tony didn't know what to do with himself. So much excitement!

Anthony, Tony and I picked up Grandma and Grandpa Pledger from the Fargo airport. We stopped for a quick bite at Rhombus Guys pizza, which was shockingly good! Then cruised to Concordia for a quick picture with Uncle Joe and Cousin Fred.

Uncle Joe looking on

Grandma!

Cousin Fred's plaque

Concordia class of 2033?

Then we were off to the cabin! First stop was to the Mississippi Headwaters. In true Minnesota form, everyone crossed the river and took a picture at the totem. Tony the Younger even dipped his toesies in the Mighty Mississip.

It was SO SO hot up north, and what do you do when it's this hot? Well, go swimming of course! Baby Tony took his first dip in the pool. He wasn't so sure at first. Maybe a little chilly for his taste, but eventually he got used to it.

We also did a lot of jetskiing...or, *ahem* personal watercrafting. This is a family sport now. Grandpa Mark was a natural. He saw more of the lake than I ever have! Tony also took to it. I foresee many conversations about appropriate speeds and boating safety in our future.

That was fun! I want to do it again!

First time in the lake!

On Sunday night I saw something incredible. Something I about which I have only heard legends and mythical tales told. I can now confirm these tales, as I was there to actually see it in person. A frenzy started on Sunday night. It continued as the sun was rising on Monday morning. First, I smelled it - smoke. Everywhere. When I left the bedroom, there it was: a real, live KANSAS CITY BBQ! (Or at least as close as we can get in Minny). In Minnesota, we only hear about such things, and it was happening. Ribs, chicken, sausage, and salmon. The whole cabin smelled like barbeque all day. It was glorious. For me, it was so much fun to see Anthony in his element. We had everyone over for dinner that night. In a word - amazing. People are still talking about it over a week later.

Making the rub

Grandma and Grandpa Dunsworth arrived on Monday afternoon, with Gunn! Of course, Tony was flirty as ever and found another girlfriend.

Carol and Rich had everyone for dinner on Tuesday night. More wonderful food! What I remember from my childhood and what I love the most about Carol's cabin are the sunsets. It's not called Sunset Bay for nothing!

Wednesday. The 4th of July. The day started with the Lake Belle Taine Boat Parade. As you can see from the pictures, this is a bit of a free-form parade. Clearly, some are more entusiastic than others. This year our party theme was Caribbean. About 40 people came over and Dynamite Dan (Grandpa Dan to Tony) was on his game. This year he went with bigger, rather than more fireworks. Unfortunately, I missed all of them because it was bedtime for Tony. Grandpa Mark gave Tony his new nickname: Tony Twofingers (because he is always sucking on two of his fingers), but I am going to have to re-name him Tony the Unflappable. The kid didn't even blink with all the noise. As Anthony said, "This is what it must feel like to live in Syria."

 Thursday night TP2 went to his first movie! Spiderman 3D. We got the VIP booth (read: soundproof booth) at the Park Rapids Theater. Suprisingly, no one really seemed to be phased by the fact there was a baby going to the movies. Maybe that's normal in PR? Though I thought the movie was pretty good, Tony must not have. He slept through the whole thing. Who needs a soundproof booth anyways?!

Grandma and Grandpa Pledger left on Friday morning, just when the weather cooled and it started raining. We were so happy that they came to visit!