Summer in the States - 2011

(posted by John)

I took the summer off from our blog, now it’s time to catch up!

On June 23^rd Jen and the kids traveled back to Eden Prairie for the summer.  Many parties, sleepovers, and other get togethers with friends and family ensued. 

Eden Prairie Friends

Eden Prairie neighborhood friends

I followed arriving on July 1^st, just in time to host "cousins camp" at our cabin in Alexandria, MN...

Cousins Camp

...and celebrate Independence day in St. James, MN, with the Jen’s side of the family.

Jen's side of the family celebrating Independence Day

...and spend time at the beach with cousin Andie

At the beach with cousin Andie (John's side of family)

I spent the next week and a half working while Jen and the kids continued to connect with family and friends and Allie and Ryan each spent a week at church camp with friends.

I took vacation time for the last two weeks of July, much of which was spent at our Cabin.  Boating, fishing, tubing, go-karting and mini-golfing were only some of the activities we enjoyed as a family.  Ryan got up on waterskiis for the first time, Allie skied as well, and Matthew showed his expertise on the Jimmy Jam.

Ryan on the "Jimmy Jam"

Allie waterskiing

Nice catch Matthew!

Three Hot Dogs

Of course we enjoyed plenty of sunsets and campfires as well!

We love campfires!

At the end of July we participated in the St. James Relay for Life, a fundraising event for cancer research.  The event includes many activities, most designed to raise money.  One of those events was the “Mr. Relay” contest where men were encouraged to dress up as women  and compete to raise the most money within a one hour period.  The contest was similar to a beauty pageant with events such as dancing on stage and making a speech to the audience.  Well…I couldn’t be more proud to report that Ryan was crowned Mr. Relay 2011!!!  He raised over $500!!!

Mr. Relay

I traveled back to Holland on August 2^nd, two weeks ahead of Jen and the kids who did not arrive back in Holland until August 16^th.  This was much too long of a time away from each other...

We had a great summer connecting with family and friends.  Thank you to everyone for making our summer in Minnesota so enjoyable and for keeping in touch when we’re back in Holland. 

We look forward to seeing everyone again when we return for the Christmas Holidays.  Hopefully, we will also have many of visitors in Holland this year.  Our door is always open!

Best Wishes,

The Ferianceks