On the Road Again...

Growing up I had two brothers, and one sister.  I know it's not how the saying goes, but a sister from another mother and father.  My cousin Cassie is my only cousin from the Andersen side of the family.  We did everything together.  We played together. There were many Barbie get-togethers, swimming, going to parks, sleepovers, and random days up North where we were pushing the chairs on the three season porch together, sitting on our "bunks" all day and talking.  We did girls scouts, birthday parties, Church camp, summer camping, and Sunday school.  I know I am missing things that I will think of later and kick myself for, but you get the point.  We were inseparable.

You grow up...things change and people change. But, in the end you hope your relationships with other people can last through easy and difficult times.  Without taking our relationship for granted in any way, I know I will have Cassie in my life forever.  

She is my sister.  She is a friend to my husband.  Andy can joke and laugh with her and feels comfortable around her.  She is an auntie to my kids, although not officially.  But, what does that really mean?  She is there for the birthdays, the trips to the zoo, the casual meals out and the random days here and there.  She is a Godmom to my Little Man.  I know she will be an excellent role model and guide for him.  

And by the way, they both love her unconditionally and feel comfortable around her.

We headed up North on a rainy Saturday morning to celebrate Cassie's first 30 years of life.  It was almost black out because of the rain and Aiden slept the entire way.  Although Alex didn't sleep, he was a good little guy. The rain was very scary for me and Andy and the other vehicle traveling (my parents and Luke) will laugh at me for it.  There was a point when we could barely see the road.  I drove on the way back, phew. I am a horrible backseat driver, especially with poor Andy.  We pulled out the activity bin from the weekend to Milwaukee and Alex was set for the trip up North.

When we got up there, Aiden was ready to play.  They gave Cassie their homemade shirt.  I was very impressed with their handprints.  We used fabric paints for the shirt, which might not have been the best idea since it dries so quickly and impossible to get off their tiny little hands.  But, it worked great!

My dad built Cassie a bed to either grow a garden or flowers.  Luke gave her the flowers.

Before the official party started, Alex got to enjoy some time outside.  Andy was working on finishing up some electrical work for my Uncle Jeff's mancave.  I went out to the garden and Alex was busy digging and finding rocks.  Which I think was okay?  He sure loves his Uncle Jeff though.  He was hoping to go fishing, but we will have to reserve that for another time as we ran out of time on this trip.  When he was digging he found quite a bit of Army Worms that he has been talking about nonstop since.  Supposedly, they are taking over up there and that is not a good thing.  Aiden was finding money in the mancave for Great Grandpa.  I think Great Grandpa was getting a kick out of Aiden giving all the money to him.  Innocent fun.

Like I said, Aiden loves his Godmom.

Cassie took the boys on a ride in the ATV.  Aiden loved to drive.  She took Alex to Lake Five and he got to throw rocks in the lake.  Ever since, we always have to throw rocks into the pond by our house.

 The newly built mancave.

Aiden spent some time eating with Uncle Luke and Alex spent some time coloring with Grandpa Johnson.  The both enjoyed finding people on the other side of the window.

The women of the Andersen family.

Happy birthday, Cassie!

The Andersen Family

Before we knew it, we were on our way home.  Both the boys were exhausted and slept the entire 2 1/2 hours.  The woke up when were pulling into town at 8:30 pm and quickly fell asleep when were home.  I am thankful for a nice trip home.