Aunt Mary Ann's Visit

This weekend we had two very special visitors--my Aunt Mary Ann (my mom's sister) and her daughter, my cousin Julie. They came all the way from Sidney, NE, along with my mom and dad. My aunt has always wanted to come to ND to visit us, and this is how she chose to celebrate her 80th birthday! She is an incredible lady, full of life and with a wonderful attitude. She has had many, many experiences in her lifetime, and she told us her philosophy--"Life is what you make it!"


Jonathan is helping look through the gift my mom got for Mary Ann--things in quantities of 80, like Dixie cups, envelopes, dryer softener sheets, etc.


Our first evening together (Sat.) was spent catching up on so many memories, sharing pictures, scrapbooks, laughs and hugs.


Amy & Jonathan with Grandma Becky & Grandpa Kon


Mary Ann has been a teacher all her life (she still subs!) and she just naturally loves kids. She and Victor really hit it off!


Larry grills his famous BBQ chicken drumsticks for Sunday dinner


Dad lounges on the deck, overseeing the grilling


Mary Ann with my mom, who is still the "baby sister!"


Moms & daughters: Becky, Mary Ann, me and cousin Julie


Adding the kids


All of us (minus Julie, who was taking the picture)


Sunday was the actual birthday--we felt very honored that Mary Ann chose to spend this important occasion with us!


Singing Happy Birthday


Blowing out the candles


HOW many boyfriends??



Sunday afternoon, we all went to the lake to show them our lake house. Here we are putting the dock in the water.






Grandma Becky and Jonathan




"You'se cold!" (Jonathan refers to himself as you, since that's what WE call him!)


"Look!"


Why must dogs always shake ON someone?


Mary Ann and Julie





Victor teaching Amy how to shoot his new BB gun




Sharing a sister moment


Jonathan could spend hours throwing rocks in the lake--there is no better pasttime!






How does this look?


Please, please, please can I go?





Brr, the water's cold!










We went across the lake to pick up pizza for supper


Love this one!!


We did some action shots of Victor on his bike











On Monday, we had to fit in everything we hadn't done yet, like four wheeler rides and a trip to the Dairy Queen!




Mary Ann wanted to treat everyone to Dairy Queen


Jonathan picked out a Buster Bar for his treat, and then he wanted in on Mary Ann and Julie's brownie earthquake!














Trying on Mary Ann's glasses