Mennel Family Camping Trip

Last weekend we traveled to Ouabache State Park for our first annual Mennel family camping trip. It was wonderful!!! From my Grandparents, to my Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Cousin-in-laws and my cousin's children, we were among nearly 80 members of our immediate Mennel family. (My mom is one of 12, and this was for her siblings and their families.)

We celebrated Father's Day with a big pitch-in and had a great time relaxing and visiting. With such a big family, it doesn't seem to happen very often, but it sure is nice when it does.

We were also delighted with a surprise visit from Kate and Brett! They drove back from the West Coast to be with us for the weekend. Their biggest fan, Miss Marilyn, was ecstatic! It had been two months since we had seen them, and she was really missing them!

This picture shows her extreme level of excitement!

Marilyn lounging with her favorite person, Aunt Kate.

All Smiles!

These are Marilyn's buddies, Keegan & Jameson. My cousin Ryan & Colleen's twins. They are just a few weeks older than Marilyn. Their names are a bit hard for Marilyn, so she calls them her buddies. Too cute!

The family corn-hole tournament. Thanks Brett for the photos!

Makes me Laugh!

This made me chuckle! I walked outside after a rain to notice Marilyn "drinking" the water that had collected on her picnic table. Normally she loves to splash in the water, but on this day she was getting creative. As any good mom would do, I just stood back and smiled.

Here is a link to a very funny video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiHjrdYANpQ

Last weekend while on our Mennel family camping trip, Hunter, Aunt Kate, Uncle Brett, Marilyn and I went into town for some breakfast. While in the truck I captured this very funny moment of a Christmas sing-a-long. Of course, I have no idea who could possible enjoy Christmas music this time of year (ME)! Marilyn and I like to sing and dance in the car to my favorite Christmas compilation. I figure she has to start early if she wants to have her dance moves down for Christmas. hehe

Our Yard!

Hunter has been working really hard the past few weeks on our yard, so I thought I would brag and show off a bit of his work.

Marilyn loves her new playhouse!

Thank you Hunter for all your hard work!

It looks great!!!

Trip to the Zoo

I can't believe it has been so long since my last post... sorry. A few weeks ago, Marilyn, Grandma and I took a trip to the Zoo. The weather was perfect, and we enjoyed a nice stroll around "the Plains".

Here are a few from our day.

Pointing out the Zebras

In awe at the the Baboons

Looking for the Baby Elephant

Sporting her Nalgene and Yankees hat

from Aunt Kate and Uncle Brett

As soon as we got to the parking lot, Marilyn pulled off her sunglasses, placed her Yankees hat over her face, her hands behind her head and promptly went to sleep. She was asleep before we were out of the parking lot...

too cute!

What a Great Time!

Daddy and Marilyn having a blast at the Seaside shops. We had such a wonderful vacation with Grandpa and Grandma. It was nice to arrive home just in time for a terrific Mother's Day!

Hunter and Marilyn people watching at Seaside park.

Casually lounging by the pool.

Reading with Grandma

On our way back to Indy, we stopped in Nashville for a visit with Hunter's Grandmother, Day-Day. It was so nice to see her and take a break from the drive.

Back to the Beach!

Today we had beautiful blue skies and a nice breeze off the water. It was a perfect day for the beach. Marilyn had a ball building in the sand with Grandpa and Grandma.

Sandcastles galore!

Such a great day! How lucky to be able to spend it with family. Hoping for more perfect weather tomorrow.

Where's Your Belly?

Marilyn is quite excited to show you where her belly is located. Here she uses her shovel to demonstrate.

What a hoot!

Jumping in the waves with Daddy!

More fun to come tomorrow!

At the Beach!

Today we enjoyed a relaxing day on the beach! Marilyn had a blast running around with Grandpa and Daddy, building sandcastles and playing in the waves. Notice the sand on her face!

Grandpa and Marilyn... the chase continues

Daddy & Grandma

Grandpa Don is a skilled Architect and knows the ins and outs of the construction industry. However, Marilyn is more skilled in demolition. She had a great time knocking down Grandpa's sandcastles and then playing in the sand.

Smiling proudly!