Our wonderful LONG weekend

We left on Friday, June 29 for Vermilion, Ohio. We arrived that evening, welcomed by Grandma and Grandpa Bettcher and the Vandertill gang with just enough time to enjoy a perch dinner followed by a gorgeous sunset! Here is a photo of our wonderful accommodations:

As I took a few moments to unpack, Nick and Stella decided to relax on the dock. This is how I found them:

Stella's cousin, Tom was ready for some quality snuggling time!

Saturday, day 2 was a gorgeous day with plenty of time to play by the lake!

Mike and Stella

Jim, Ben, Mike & Tom

On Sunday, we celebrated Stella's baptism at The Linwood Tabernacle. She was very excited for her big day and was especially well behaved.

Stella's two grandmothers assisted in the baptism, standing in for the God-parents who couldn't be there with us in person. Uncle Jimmy is Stella's godfather and Amanda (my best friend) is her godmother. We are so blessed to have them as a part of our life and now such a very special part of Stella's life.

We were treated to an amazing picnic lunch after the baptism. Grandma Bettcher went above and beyond with individual baskets, decorated in different shades of pink flowers and fabrics, filled with a delicious lunch that even Martha Stewart would have envied. THANK YOU again!!

Then, we were back on the water!

Stella got to enjoy her first boat ride through the Vermilion Lagoons!

Cousin Ellen on look-out!

I even went tubing! Tubing on Lake Erie is a bit different than the "smooth as glass" lakes of Minnesota.
It was a bit rough! Very fun though!!!

See, Stella wasn't the only person we tortured with the red, white and blue wigs!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!!!

(this picture was taken by our 6 year old nephew, Mike!! very impressive!!)

We hit the road on the 4th after a wonderful parade through Linwood.
This was a very special trip for us. Being able to spend so much time with all of our parents and most of our siblings was such a treat! We loved having everyone together. Hopefully it's not too long until we're all together again.
As always, we are glad to be back home. After unpacking and settling in, Nick and I watched an impressive firework show held at Ault Park from the street right in front of our house. With each big bang, we held our breath and waited to see if Stella would wake up...reassured by the silence of the baby monitor, we knew that the sounds didn't phase her a bit. She is such a good baby!!