40th Anniversary Celebrated in Rhinelander

Happy summer to everybody! The big event which was celebrated last Sunday, June 15, was my parent's 40th wedding anniversary. After mulling through various ideas of what to do for this special event, my siblings and I thought mom and dad would probably enjoy a whole-family activity rather than a fancy gift or getaway. Miraculously, we were able to coordinate such an endeavor and on the actual day of the anniversary! Don and Hope and the kids came up from Arkansas, Bill from St. Cloud, Minnesota, Lisa and her family from Colfax, Bob, John, Jim, Mark and I from the Madison area and Bob's girlfriend, Lisa, from Kewaunee.

Baby exchange!

Jojo pushes mini-Jojo

Bragg activities when gathering are predictable. We always go for walks (even if the mosquitos are treachorous), we always play a yard game of some sort, we always eat and drink a few beers, and we always laugh and tease--or get teased.

Stephen's toothy grin


Lil' Leila

The yard game we played this time was a new one that Mark and I had brought called "Blongoball" or something like that. This was a game that Mark had ordered and we had just got in the mail a few days before...I sort of gave him a hard time about it, because I thought it looked silly...but I actually have admit that the game was really fun and suited our needs very well. Four people at a time could play a game and the game itself didn't take too long to finish. I think we all enjoyed playing, but we also really liked to watch the game being played from the comforts of our lawn chairs. Also, we could adjust the difficulty of the game for the kids who all wanted to participate.

Jon Hurlburt is watched closely

Jojo and Lulu

The highlight of the festivities was our Wisconsin River Sunset Dinner Cruise. Thankfully, we all managed to go on top of the boat for a few minutes before it started to spinkle. We dined on prime rib, baked potatoes and veggies while enjoying conversation with each other and admiring the northwoods beauty. The kids all had a chance to steer the boat (our captain did a wonderful job being hospitable and kind).

Mom and Dad aboard the boat

Madman Michael

And for all of you who know me, you can imagine my excitement as our cruise was ending and the sun began to shine and a stunning rainbow emerged! What an awesome photo opportunity! Yup, I totally exploited it to get as many cheesy photos as possible! Go corniness!

Smooching under the rainbow!

Emma and Beth (mini Lisa and mini Lulu??!!)

Mark and I spent a second night in Rhinelander and really had a fun time with Kenny, Beth and Stephen (you too Don and Hope...heeheehee). On Monday, we went to watch the kids have their swim lessons at the YMCA--which is a super nice facility. We also spent quality couch time together.

Kenny turns into Aquaman!

Although a little leary of Oscar, mom and dad's pup, Kenny and Beth sure enjoyed Mingo and Lily. Mingo and Lily, in turn, savored whatever attention they could get.

Beth and Hounds