Summertime with family

Jaelyn with Grandma Glo and Bumpa Bill

One day we're getting up early, eating a quick breakfast, and running out the door to school. Two days later and we're in Michigan, enjoying a cabin vacation with the entire Rudd crew for Bill and Gloria's 40th Anniversary. While there, we all enjoyed the late sunsets, warm weather, beautiful woods, and the heated pool. The typical Rudd-gathering activities occurred also... the sister-in-law wall sit competition, multiple conversations happening at the same time, various dance, cheerleading, and singing performances by the original Rudds, and some theological debating. If chaos feels honoring to Bill and Gloria, the entire long weekend was a great success."Does anyone have Isaac? Where's Will?"

Isaac has a conversation with Aunt Lynn, his favorite aunt.

The big boy cousins enjoy the pool.


Jaelyn enjoys the first smore of the season.

The first, of many attempts, to capture the perfect Christmas card picture for 2007.

Addison's summertime obsession- roasted marshmellows and smores.

"Yes Will, it's always this crazy with the entire Rudd family together."

A quiet moment for deep thoughts.

Maya refuses to participate in yet another picture.

While Bill and Gloria took the four oldest grandkids to the family cabin in the UP, Andy and I were able to hide out in Charlevoix for two days to celebrate our 15th anniversary. It was amazing to have so much time to finish our sentences and actually have lengthy conversations as the topics came to our minds. We have agreed to stay marrried for at least five more years. It seems to work well for us both so far.

The channel to Lake Michigan.

After these two days, we joined Jaelyn and Addison in the UP. That same day, Jan and Adam randomly drove all the way from Minneapolis to spend that cabin time with us. We introduced them to all our favorite activities: canoeing in the bay, swimming at the Lake Huron beach, roasting marshmellows, making hobo dinners, hiking in the woods, and searching for various wildlife. There were some unique activities for this year. Thanks to bacteria from the water, Jaelyn contracted Foliculitis and had to be taken to the Soo Emergency Room. Jan and I chased a family of sandcranes through the creek. The Rudds took their first trip to Drummond Island to explore Grandma Linda's childhood home. And, Andy found a new favorite table game, introduced by Jan and Adam.



The attack of the Seagulls.

Jan and Adam help in the cabin kitchen where Grandma Linda's spirit resides.

On the Drummond Island ferry ride.



Andy takes the seat of honor to celebrate Father's Day. Addison Rudd, stealth photographer.



It was a valuable and enjoyable time. We are thankful for jobs that allow such intense time with family members who we don't see on a regular daily basis. So many sunny, summer memories....