We had the best Memorial Day Weekend! This year we headed to South Dakota. But, first things first, we made a quick stop to pick up Lucy's new glasses. She looks great! Leo saw her new look and exclaimed, 'Lucy! You look like a scientist!' Heehee!
We needed to head West to celebrate a special graduate.
Our dear nephew Paul graduated from high school this year. He is headed to NDSU in beautiful Fargo this fall. Can't wait for him to start this new chapter!
Here is Paul with his proud grandparents.
We arrived in South Dakota late on Friday night - We were greeted by Grandpa Glen, Grammy Sharon and Cousin Abby. We had snacks waiting for us of course. ;) Abby promptly braided Lucy's hair into a 5 part braid.
On Saturday morning the girlies headed with Kevin and Katie to watch Anna's softball tournament.
We traded our kiddos for Kevin and Katie's boys. Leo and Elijah love to play dress up.
On Saturday we took a drive down memory lane! We went to Colton and, along the way, we drove my old bus route from the '80's and '90's. My kiddos have heard many of my bus stories over the years - the good, bad, and the ugly! Hah! They know the cast of characters from my childhood, especially my bus driver Kathy. ;) They couldn't believe how far away I lived from my school. We did a drive by of Grandpa Glen's old school in Lyons - this building has lots of asbestos so it is all closed up with many No Trespassing signs. Looks like a set for a horror movie, right?!? Yikes.
The next drive by was my Grandma Hoekman's house in Colton. Awww! I have such fond memories of this place - I can tell you the exact layout in here even though I haven't set foot inside since 1994. It looks pretty much the same on the exterior except they did add a sliding door where there used to be just a standard door to the outside. Also - defying all laws of physics- the old garages are still standing at this place.
We drove by the spot where my elementary school once stood - now it is a historical marker. Ai yi yi!
It was Memorial Day weekend so of course we visited the cemetery.
We honored my grandparents - Anton and Henrietta. They would have been very proud of this little pack of great grandsons.
We put flowers on my aunt and uncle's graves too.
Grandpa Hoekman was in the service so his name is on the memorial at the park too.
Of course I took a picture by the local pool. I spent many happy childhood summers splashing here. Gone are the high dives and the wicked twisty slide that kiddos would fall off of but the memories remain! Hah! I remember grandma dropping us off for the afternoon - we had our admission money and a little bit of spending cash for treats. This pool was managed by the Cunninghams back in the day - she was the area Kindergarten teacher + he was my Algebra and Drivers Ed teacher. ;)
The Colton Park still had some relics from the past! I am sure that these are safety hazards now; we probably need tetanus shots after riding them! Haha!
Here is a 3 generation picture in front of an old tree at the park - this one is perfect for climbing. It is in the background of many Hoekman reunion photos from years ago.
So fun to visit these blasts from the past.
We went back to Grandpa and Grandma's house for lunch - we gave our May birthday boy his gift! Can't believe our Elijah is already 7!
These 2 played Legos for hours. Love all of the screen free time for our middle school guys!
We spent the evening at Austin and Mallory's place. As you can see - their garage was ready for a party! I mean, is it even a Midwest Graduation party without this set up?!?
Here are all of the boys! These little guys sure look up to their big cousin Paul.
Austin and Mallory rented a bouncy house for the event.
Speaking of blow up items - they had the cutest NDSU mascot at the party, courtesy of my Uncle Glen. ;)
I did not get many pictures of the actual grad party but we did snap a few important ones!
Like Paul with his Hoekman Grandparents and cousins.
Here is the entire crew.
And our little family with the big guy! It was a great day.
Roman's favorite part? They had an ice cream truck with scoopers taking custom orders. He gave it a 10 out of 10 recommendation.
We zipped back to Eau Claire on Sunday evening because we needed to get Lucy situated with her Middle School marching band for the Memorial Day Parade. Dan and I secured spots on the parade route, right on the Lake Street bridge.
Look who joined us in his patriotic Pokemon t-shirt? ;)
This parade has the best local marching bands - here is our favorite trombone player!
This year Roman had the honor of being one of the banner guys - do you see him on the far left?
We always see our friend Ken Anderson driving old timey cars at these sort of events.
Leo got a little American flag to wave.
He enjoyed watching the Shriners, listening to the music and collecting candy.
It was a beautiful day!
What a fun-filled weekend!
We love you Paul! Congratulations!
