40th Anniversary Celebration in Wisconsin

Happy Anniversary!

We wasted no time hitting the road- my last day of work was on Wednesday, and we took off on Thursday to head up to Waupaca, Wisconsin. My whole family- parents, siblings plus significant others, and all 9 grandchildren- got together to celebrate a very special occasion: my parents' 40th wedding anniversary!

We ended up in Waupaca quite randomly- months ago we were looking for places in Michigan or Wisconsin that were big enough to accomodate a party of 18 and Molly stumbled on an old barn in the country that had been renovated into a large house. It was perfect for our group. Lots of space for kids to run around and play, a HUGE kitchen to prep meals in, and a great outdoor deck for evening moon watching and kite flying.

We didn't have a big agenda for the weekend, but we did have a great time! There was lots of eating, lots of drinking (bourbon slush was on then menu all four days), impromptu dance parties on the deck, s'mores, a backyard fire, full-moon gazing, kite-flying on a windy evening,  haircuts for the entire party of 5 thanks to Molly, a round of Cards Against Humanity for the adults, beach time, paddle boarding, a picnic at the local state park, a boat cruise on an old-fashioned paddle boat, and lots of cousin play time. I'm so glad we were all able to get together to cheers my parents- they have built quite a legacy in the past 40 years and they deserved a break from their busy lives to celebrate and relax!

Amazing barn!

9 Grandkids under age 10

HUGE kitchen island, perfect for all 9 grandbabies

Delicious dinners

Papa and the baby of the family- Gabby

Picnic at the park

Picnic at the park

Naps with Uncle Shaughn

Papa, Nana, and 9 grandbabies!

S'mores

We watched a full moon rise over the horizon

Dad's first time playing Cards Against Humanity

It was a hit!

Some rainy days, but followed by amazing sunsets!

Molly and kids

Shaughn and Andrea- how cute are they?!

California Crew- Andy, Sandy, and girls

Mason, party of 5 (all with fresh haircuts!)

This is what happens when you have 5 girl cousins

Decorating a banner for Papa and Grandma

Plenty of book reading

Beach!

Molly, Ella, Andy, and I went paddleboarding/kayaking one morning

Paddle boat

H-O-T boat cruise

Will's first haircut!