We checked into our rented cabin on Spirit Lake in Iowa on Saturday afternoon. We had rendezvoused with Will’s Mom and she followed us in her car to Sand Bar Beach. We moved clothes and food and necessary items out of the RV and settled into the cabin for the next week. Will’s brother, Jay from Tacoma just happened (what a great coincidence) to be on his way back to Washington from attending a meeting in Michigan and was able to make a small detour and spend Saturday evening through Sunday morning with us. Will’s sister, Helene arrived Sunday morning and we were able to have a mini DeBoer family reunion (unfortunately minus Verna—we missed you) until Jay had to leave at noon. Helene and Gram stayed another day and we enjoyed a relaxing time together.

Then it was the Jons family’s turn. My big brother, Larry and Jean—who had this wonderful idea of meeting “at the lake,” arrived with fishing boat in tow. Typical of changing Iowa weather the wind picked up and it was too choppy on the lake to dare put the boat in the water but late in the evening we had fun catching some monster bullheads from shore. Jean was having a ball--she caught the biggest AND the most. She is deadly with a fishing pole and a nightcrawler!!

We were up early Tuesday morning to fish the big lake for walleye and bass. Apparently we were TOO early as we didn't have any luck. Guess the fish were sleeping in. Golf was next on the agenda and the local course provided a great afternoon. Two of Larry and Jean's grandchildren joined us for the next couple of days--Ryan, 10 and Gracie, 6 years. A lake place and kids just go together.

Internet connection here is hard to come by so Will and I sneaked away to a coffee shop in town for a cappuccino and free wifi.