Last morning hike

With all the kids in good morning spirits, it was good opportunity for a couple family photos

Great-grandpa Irv and the boys

The original grandchildren crew

The morning adventure was to the Decorah Fish Hatchery

There were indeed tons of fish, eager to eat the pellets tossed their way

Waterfall at nearby Siewers Spring state park

When leaning over a stream, always hold grandma’s hand

After naps, another trip to the pool

Drying off and snuggling with mom

Back at grandpa’s for dinner, the boys read Des’ dinosaur book with great-aunt Molly

The cousins discover the piano

Coloring ensues while the grownups are at the table looking at old photos

With everyone sleeping in the same hotel, mom is kind enough to take the earliest wakers out for a morning hike

It took a while to finally fall asleep the night before, so Des slept in with dad

After American Hot Breakfast at the hotel, everyone makes their way over to grandpa’s house

Des is just happy since Cal brought even more cars and ninja turtles to play with

Grandma reads an opera “adopted for children”

…which puts Eleanor to sleep, so it’s time for naps back at the hotel

After a good rest, everyone is ready for the pool!

Despite the apparent face of apprehension, Ella was all too happy go splashing

Back at grandpa’s house, the boys rediscover the pool table (a prominent fixture in aunt Kellie and dad’s childhood memories of Decorah)

Gathering around the end table for hors d’oeuvre, like the generations before

Des patiently observing as Cal plays with his new car trailer

Eleanor not sure of what to make with dad plinking on the piano and signing

Time for PJs

and some standing with grandma

Des and great-aunt Molly reading Dragon’s Fat Cat

Cousins being silly