The Big Swim across Lake Minnebelle!

Claire and Jeff had made a bet and there was no way Claire was going to let Jeff win. Claire bet $50 that she could swim across Lake Minnebelle, a 0.76 mile swim. She was allowed up to 5 one minute water breaks on the boat (she only took 4). Here Claire is getting her watch ready before she dives in!

Water break #1...still a long way to go as you can see behind us in the photo!

The captain who made sure to stay alongside Claire for the entire swim.

She is the champion! She made it and wasn't even tired when she finished! She didn't push herself to go fast, but there is no way I could have done it in even half a day! We are super proud of her reaching her goal!

Dana and Casen came along for the ride! It was so good to see them again!

 

Claire learns to water ski!

With Owen's help, Claire was able to get up on her first try! She had so much fun and couldn't wait to go again the next day! I am so thankful I was able to be there to watch her water ski!

 

Family Reunion in Minnesota at the Exsted farm!

We started the family reunion a day early with our cousins from Frisco, TX. We all had a great time getting sun burn and chatting!

The family reunion was held at the farm site where Grandma Rachel grew up and many of us cousins spent a lot of time as kids. It was so fun to be back here and relive the "good ole days"! Grandma Rachel gave us all a tour of the milking barns and around the farm to allow the kids to see what a day on the farm might have been like. Then we had a corn hole tournament and ate way too much food! Can't have an Exsted get together without having loads of food and everyone taking cool whip containers of food home!

The Exsted family! We had 48 people show up and got to take a family photo in front of the milking barn.

Uncle Bruce, Grandma Rachel, Aunt Roxi, and Aunt Charlotte...the four amazing people who made this wonderful day happen!

Because one day wasn't enough for some of us, we extended the reunion one more day. Our cousins Stacy, Darrin, and Ryan came out to the lake to hang out with us.

 This was such an amazing weekend and it was such a blessing to get to catch up with so many family members. Hopefully we don't go so long between reunions going forward.

Family time in Minnesota!

We got to start our long weekend trip with a visit to Grandma and Grandpa Naustdal. It is always nice to catch up with them and Claire loves to spoil Sadie!

Bruce took out his motorcycles and we all went on a ride through town. Claire thought it was pretty awesome! They are a little fancier than the one Jeff has!

Then we headed to the cabin where we met up with my side of the family. Claire was super excited to spend time with her cousins!

Almost as tall as Auntie Annie....

It isn't a trip to MN without playing cards!

So very blessed to have such an amazing family!

 

Lake Fun in Minnesota!

Thanks to some abnormally warmer weather this summer in MN, we were able to enjoy a pretty warm lake this year! This amazing float got lots of use!

The jet ski got put to use a lot as well!

However, it is important for the kids to understand it isn't all fun and games at the lake. Grandma put them to work raking up weeds to take and dump at the shed!

Now, back to the fun!

It is safe to say, there were many, many smiles this visit!