Summer at the Beach
Posted by Carolyn K under A Smile and a Story® on
Summertime! Here in Minnesota that means days at the lake — volleyball, picnics, fishing, boating, splashing at the beach. Most folks go up Nort’ don’t you know. We headed south and west to Okoboji Iowa. Iowa? Okoboji? The Iowa Great Lakes region in Northwest Iowa is absolutely beautiful – and a little warmer than northern Minnesota. I’ll bet you didn’t know there were lakes in Iowa, did you?
I’ve been vacationing at Lake Okoboji since I was a small girl – my mother’s family farmed in the region. We recently spent a week there – visiting the family farm, my aunts’ and uncles’ cabins and the lakes. It was a great vacation surrounded by family and memories, and making new memories. My mother, aunt and I took the kids to the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory and artist David Rogers Big Bugs display – giant insects made out of wood. Kinda cool and creepy at the same time. I didn’t even know there was a lakeside laboratory…neither did my mom or my aunt. It’s been there since 1909! I know, not a beach story, but it does segue nicely to our trip to one of the local DQ® restaurants for a cool treat to beat the summer heat. Sullen children who are tired of art, parks and photos perk up nicely when given a DQ treat.
I hope my kids came away from this trip with good memories of the beach and Arnold’s Park, boat rides around the lake, and a fondness for an area of the world I have always loved. I know my youngest’s favorite evening was Saturday night – all the family was together at my aunt and uncle’s cabin, there were fireworks across the lake, we had a bonfire and s’mores….We finished the evening by enjoying a fabulous view of the Milky Way, which is nearly impossible to see near any city.
Here are some fun photo’s from my vacation:
Comments
Some of my best childhood memories are eating DQ Dilly Bars during summer vacation at the lakes in Wisconsin! Thanks for bringing back those memories and thanks to DQ for making them so sweet!
My memories continue with trips to the Lake of the Woods in Canada — and we stop at the DQ in Duluth every time! Buster bars. OREO Blizzards. Yeah!
One of my favorite memories has to be the potential reward of something sweet after a hard fought little league game! But the best incentive was when the the reward was going to DQ for a sundae or chocolate shake! Growing up in a small farming community in Central Illinois meant it was a 10 mile drive to claim that reward….what a fun time!
How many times have I stood in line at DQ after a soccer game played and won in the sweltering sun? Too many to count! But the memory makes me crave a dipped cone… YUM!
You are welcome! Thanks for sharing your stories — and memories with us. I sure have enjoyed reading your memories too.