Reitz Family Bonding

Last Sunday, we headed up to R. B. Winter State Park for a picnic lunch. And when I say "we," I mean LL's whole family, plus my family, since they were still here visiting.  LL's family has been going for a picnic lunch there for years, (you can click HERE to see Collette's first trip to the park last year) and LL decided it would be fun to go when my parents were visiting, too.  Amazingly, almost all of his family was available (we missed cousin Autumn), so we had quite the picnic.  I actually inadvertently left my camera in the car, since we were carrying approximately 900 pounds of gear to our picnic site. :) Luckily, mom had her camera, so we still got a few pictures.

Collette was soooooo excited when we started walking to the picnic site and she saw the water and her cousins.  She ran almost the whole way! Luckily, she was wearing her otter backpack, so we didn't need to worry about her running into the water, a distinct possibility otherwise! :)

Grandpa took control of the otter :)

Collette and all of the cousins were super excited about the playground directly across from our picnic tables.  I didn't get any pictures of them playing on it, but let's just say getting them to leave it and eat lunch was challenging.

After lunch (we always get KFC and then bring our own sides, desserts, and drinks), the kiddos headed to the water.  Usually, by August the water is nice and warm, but this time, notsomuch. It. Was. FREEZING! I mean like putting my toes in the water was a serious shock to the system.  Somehow, our little water bugs didn't even seem to notice. My SILs and I wisely volunteered our husbands to be on water duty while we stayed on the shore.

Collette wanted to be next to Tabby at all times. She just adores her!

 Playing with Uncle Andy:

 Uncle Nick with Karen and Teddy:

 Even when LL got in the water with Collette, we still had to be right next to Tabby, holding hands if possible. :)

Playing with Karen in the shallow water:

 Teddy loved the water too!

Collette did take a brief break from the water to play in the sand.  Please note the beloved Minne Mouse bathing suit! :)

 The "big boys" Oliver and Isaac had a great time running in the water and splashing everyone.

Some of the family even got in a little volleyball;

although the game-playing was made significantly more difficult by small people playing in the sand in the middle of the court. :)

Our fun afternoon ended a little early due to rain, but we still had a great time! What a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon!