4th of July 2016

Fourth of July has always been a big deal in our family. Not only do we recognize our freedom in this country, but since I was born the Dinndorf family has always ALWAYS gotten together. It is a time we all look forward to. Gathering together at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Sadly, some years it's the only time we get to see some of each other. I think that is why it's so special to all of us. It gets to be a houseful, but it's wonderful. One thing I'll never forget is my Gram saying that one of her favorite parts of the 4th of July is that when everyone was gone, she'd wait awhile to wash the windows because she loved seeing all the different hand prints all over the windows of the doors. Something that you'd think would drive her crazy, she actually cherished more than we knew. 

Anyways, my mom's sister Kathleen flew in and was able to spend the whole week before the 4th in Baudette. It was such a treat to have her around and Ellis LOVED "Aunt Caffeine". 

This boy loves the water these days and having a pool for him at GG's was a great idea! 

More special time with Aunt Caffeine in Grams reading nook. 

A favorite site. The whole family surrounding GG's island. 

Every year our Dinndorf family has a golf tournament. Each year a new commissioner is assigned for the next year. This year Kathleen and my cousin Ema took on the challenge and they went all out. They had a few days worth of "Olympic" games for us to play. We were broken up into teams. Team Freedom (pictured below) AKA the Older Men. The Hot Momma's (The four Aunts/Moms of the group) The Six Chicks (The girl cousins) and The Dude Overs (The boy cousins and Ellis) We played a handful of competitions and it was super fun. Bean bag toss, Egg races, minute to win it challenges, card tournaments, the annual Dinndorf Classic Golf Tournament., and finally the Kazoo song competition. (We all got Kazoo's, my Aunt Kathleen always carries one with her ;))  ** Team Freedom won the Olympics...wise guys... ;) 

We also did some boating and knee boarding over the weekend. Brent and Brayden both tried knee boarding but there wasn't enough power from the pontoon, so they didn't have much of a challenge, more of a joy ride really. Ellis missed naps every day, so eventually he would just crash, like the picture below with cousin Emily. 

Our family had THREE graduates this spring. Laura graduated from BSU with her teaching degree, Maddie graduated from Boston University with a Marketing degree and Alex graduated from Minnetonka High School. 

Golf tournament day... and the first 15 minutes POURED. I was over it. Wet and ready to quit, but the rain cleared up and we made it through all 9 holes and by the end we were finally dry! ;) 

On the fourth of July, we helped Brent by being in the parade with him for the Bank float. We road the ranger, Ellis loved it. 

After the parade we went to Grandma Jan's and Grandpa Steve's house for the annual picnic. LOTS of yummy food, lots of family to catch up with. We were also able to get a picture of Grandma Marge and 33 of her 52(?) GREAT GRAND KIDS!!! Picture to come.