The Days Leading Up to the 4th of July & Black Family Reunion Time

My Summer Vacation Stateside this past July was AMAZING!! Yes, that word deserved to be in all CAPS!! It was that GREAT!! (yes CAPS again) 
I boarded my plane from Puerto Vallarta on June 30th. Adios PV and the Hot & Humid weather.

Loved this book!! Could NOT put it down the entire flight.

Hello CHICAGO!!!

The view outside Chicago O'Hare on the Shuttle bus to Madison, WI! (I was dying to see my family and my precious niece McKenzie)

See told you it was an awesome book!!  Ticket and book in tow! 

The next day I got to hang out with Melissa and McKenzie until it was time to head up North.  We took a quick trip to Target.  

Ok..seriously...she HAS to be the happiest cutest baby ever.

Aunt Shelly was in charge of keeping her entertained on the ride up North to Mom & Dad's.  Let's just say...even Aunt Shelly was running out of things to do.  We all sure enjoyed the Nutter Butter's though. 

Next day was lake and the Black Family Reunion.  I don't have much commentary for this blog, so for this I will let the pictures tell the story and take the lead.

One area of the landing ready for the weekend!!  Does anyone notice all the coolers lined up on the left????

There was breakfast making.  Family tradition is to make buttermilk donuts over the campfire.  Mike was the fryer and I was happy to take on the sugaring duties.  This is one of my favorite memories with Grandma and Grandma Jung and the many Summer's we spent camping together. 

Dad with his coffee in tow.  Yes, The Black's do it up the RIGHT WAY!! heehee

There was a TON of McKenzie bonding time.  I felt so blessed and happy that my family allowed me to be a baby hog for the weekend.  She was soo much fun!

There was tubing and skiing breaks!

Mike went skiing.

This was supposed to be the photo of him dropping the ski.  

Then Dad was out to fetch it. 

There was boating on the pontoon.

And some more McKenzie bonding....

The water sport boat coming back for a break. 

Jeez....really????

Then it was Family Reunion Time and family photos!

Here's Aunt Janet & Uncle Tom's Clan.

These boys are getting sooo big.  YIKES!!!

Then it was Aunt Wendy & Uncle Butch's clan. 

 

These boys are super cute and we have an amazing 3rd generation starting.

Next up was Aunt Jan Jan & Uncle David's Group. (minus Jessie, Mike and the girls)

All the cousins...Does anyone else notice a trend here.....The Black gene pool...Boys...Boys...and more Boys....I felt so bad for Aimee.  The only girl in all of those boys.

Grandpa sure does LOVE his grand-daughter.  A LOT!

 
The brothers discussing who knows what.

Cutest couple. (Aunt Janet & Uncle Tom)

Ryan taking part of the McKenzie fever. :)

Chad was loving a little McKenzie one on one.

Even little Colin LOVED little McKenzie.

Noah & Colin together.  I have a feeling these cousins will be the best of buds forever!

A little father/son catch action.

A little grandson/grandpa bonding time.

And now for some videos...
First we have Colin and McKenzie:

Then a brief reenactment with Uncle David & Dad as Crazy Guggenheim.  (I apologize for the sound quality, but it was the best I could do)

Then after we got home, Dad was telling more stories and the family background of Crazy Guggenheim.  We all had a long day and a few cocktails.  We were all feeling pretty darn good. :)

Stay tuned for more posts coming up from my AMAZING Summer Vacation Stateside.  Hope you enjoyed the first of many posts.