Family Picnic

 Everyone lends a hand setting up.

  Decisions, decisions; which beer to drink?

 Beautiful cousins, Ann and Dawn.

 Chef Matt - ribs with homemade bbq sauce, THE BEST!

My fabulous nephew, Guillermo. Just started his last year of high school, speaks several languages, smart, and he's just so much fun! Un abrazo, sobrino!

Blueberry Season is ON!

 I missed the strawberry pickin' season earlier in the summer so I didn't want to miss the blueberries.

 The bushes were just full of them.

 It was a gorgeous day!  But it's not just about pickin' the berries.....

 .... you also have to do some quality control. Get those antioxidants.

About ninety minutes of picking = 3 ice cream pails or about 18 pounds. Ooooh the possibilities...... blueberry pancakes, blueberry bread, blueberry muffins and other yummies.

Family Fun - Day 5

Taking family photos is..... fun, chaotic and a good photo needs everyone's cooperation.  The strategy is to take lots because the more you take, the likelier you are of getting one that is worthy of putting up on the wall or sending out in a holiday greeting.  These are not those kinds of pictures, here are the "out takes." Matt, Jessica, Josie, Gretchen, Flynn, and Mort.

The other Wellnitz pack trying to get organized, not getting a lot of cooperation from the fur babies. I guess Pancho thinks this is his best side.

 Sometimes you have to take a break from photos and just be silly.

So much cuteness in this pic (I'm of course referring to my nieces and the pups).

Family Fun - Day 3

 

I realize I published yesterday's post out of order. Oh well.... when you're on vacation, who keeps track of the days anyway?

Misty is swimmin' in the lake - better than doggy day care any day.

 Tufts of moss.

 Another beautiful shroom.

 Brats and beans are better outside.

 Then you take the left over bread and have fun.......

........ feeding a family of ducks.

Family Fun - Day 4

 Misty loves Grandpa.

 You may be in the wilderness but some individuals still need certain necessities, like technology and a stuffed animal (oh, I must not forget, we did have ample amounts of alcohol, of course).

The sign of a really good day - zonked out!

Family Fun - Day 2.3

 

It may have been the middle of the day, but a campfire can be good anytime. Especially when it helps to keep the insects away.

The boat driver and the "back seat driver"

 Mom and Dad enjoying the ride.

 Back at the cabin and Misty "the hunter" was after a squirrel.

Family Fun - Day 2.2

It was a gorgeous day! 

Matt trying his luck at fishing; Pancho looking on. 

Todd relaxing and fishing. 

A cool looking fungus. 

 Didn't think it could happen but after running around, non-stop for over an hour, Pancho finally took a rest.

Misty knows the beach towel wasn't for Josie and Gretchen, it was put out for her to sun bathe.

Family Fun - Day 2.1

 Lunch time.

 Sandwiches just taste better outside, on a rock, near the lake with family.

 Our family is so lucky, we have great cooks. Here's one of them, Matt.

 Ann and Gretchen (Misty in the background).

It's always fun playing with Aunty Ann.

Family Fun - Day 2

We rented a pontoon boat for half a day and decided to have a picnic on a very small island. 

 Dad checking out the driver's seat and mom looking on.

 Pancho's first boat ride.

 Ann looking oh-so-cool in her shades and ready to take some photos.

It's a lot of effort getting on the boat so as soon as we embarked, Gretchen and Josie needed a snack.  Matt, of course, was prepared.

Family Fun - Day 1

 We had our summer gathering of the Wellnitz clan. We rented two cabins on Big Lake in northern MN, not far from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). I look forward to this annual event because it's the only time I get to see my wonderful nephew who lives abroad. Guillermo will be a senior in high school.

Tried to fish, but didn't catch anything. No surprise there because we went out in the middle of the day. Regardless, I think someone had fun steering the boat.

 Tried our luck in the evening. This is looking back at one of the cabins; the picture doesn't do it justice but it reminded us of a classic Thomas Kincaid picture.

Sunset, we learned rather quickly this meant the skeeters would soon come out in force. Those dang insects bit me through my thick, wool socks.