While the men go off fishing....

My dad and older brother

For many years, every memorial weekend my dad 

and many of the males on my side have gone on a fishing trip.

They stay in a cabin on Shamineau Lake near Motley MN, a lake I frequented as a child.

All girls stay back and do their own thing.  

Typically my sister & niece comes down to Rochester to hang out with my mom.

 

We usually hook up on Saturday and visit the Cemetery in which my grandparents and 

Great grandparent on mom's side were laid to rest.  

Both set of Great grandparents are here along with many great aunts and uncles etc.

I love the Concord Cemetery, the two lane gavel path and the quiet of a country setting.

The "Thomas" plots, Mom's parents (foreground) and her 

grandparents set behind near the large tombstone.

I forgot to photograph the Madsen side just to the right of the Thomas's

After we paid our respects we headed cross country to the County Seat cafe in Mantorville,

 I highly recommend this little eatery, lots to choose from and they serve breakfast all day.

then....

a pedicure to follow!

Saturday night Rick and I watched the Rochester littles so their mom & dad 

could have a much deserved break date!

 Just hanging out on the driveway, it was a beautiful evening.

 perfect for a campfire and S'mores

even Uncle Gavin came over to hang out with us.

Do you have any traditions over the Memorial weekend?

SaveSave

Barns, playgrounds and memories...oh my

I love the country and small town America.

Last Saturday I traveled with my mom, sister and our girls (granddaughter) cross country to 

Old Concord, MN. 

Mom grew up on a farm in West concord

The corn "is up".... barely

This old barn is about to see it's last days... 

I wouldn't want to be near that silo or inside that barn on a windy day.

Mom (right) telling us about the area that she grew up, 

where her dad and grandfathers farmed the land.

Remember the old playgrounds...

I remember playing in this very park and on this same equipment when I was a little girl. 

The "Thomas" reunions were held here in the lot next to the Methodist Church.

My daughter Brie, and niece Jensen

The care-worn pony merry-go-round

My granddaughter Audrey and my niece Jensen.

Do you remember the last time you played on a teeter-totter.

There used to be three, side by side.

swing disk

My favorite ride as a kid, 

there were always a lot of kids on this one at the reunion!

My sister Jodi (left) with her daughter Jensen, and my grand Audrey.

4 generations

Remember these flat metal slides?

Ended the day getting pedicures.

Love making memories with my daughter, it's so fun to have my Granddaughter hang out with her great-grandma, to hear the stories and to experience the places of yesteryear.