22nd Annual Minocqua Vacation

Big props to Quinlan, who managed to have fun despite a broken collarbone. His adorable brother Vincent behind him - who turns 1 later this month.

This is what happens when kiddies throw crackers into the water. Shudder.

This water patrol officer pulled us over - only to hand out coloring books and badges to the kids.

The kids don their respective floatation devices, dancing to Lady Gaga.

Teaching Esme the "thriller" dance.

A night of dancing at Belle Isle - almost all Cronin cousins on the dance floor.

It looks like they were dancing to a folksy-feel-good song, but I think it was "I'm on a boat" - one of the more popular songs of the trip - when there were no kids around, that is.

Minocqua's version of beer pong.

Hearing that Dan had allergy issues, Auntie Barb sent Mo with some relief.

Liv felt she would do a better job driving the boat.

The ladies and Vincent, on the flower raft.

After serving a fish cupcake-cake, Auntie Barb set up a hand washing station to offset the icing mess. But due to the cake's tastiness, there wasn't much mess to clean up.

Finnian Thomas, future heart breaker.

And here's Madison - we like to call her a little flower petal. So soft and sweet.

The Goetz's were thoughtful enough to bring Hailey's jumpy for the kids - it was their favorite evening activity.

Ahh...what northwoods beauty.

We had a botched attempt to go to Beer Can Island due to high winds and a lot of boats. Liv was disappointed.

Bean bag tournament, down to 1 set of boards with Chris and Marc winning it all.

T-shirts courtesy of Mrs. Geary, each had the kids names on them, with the front saying "3 G Minocqua" - meaning 3rd generation, meaning - we're getting old!

Getting the kids to all sit still was...impossible. How cute is it that Ceci is comforting Gus.

Most of the kids, with a few missing. We've got Vincent (11 months) Cecilia (4) Finn (2) behind Finn is Will (2) Hailey (3) Madison (9 months) Olivia (3) Esme (23 months) and Quinlan, 2. Not pictured are Gus (9 months) and Emmett (3 months).

Will with the ladies.

Liv and Ceci with the bubbles.

Water-skiing on a pontoon boat isn't the easiest. Regardless, Dan impressed us with his slalom skills.

It's Minnesota Cronin's turn for dinner - a delicious fish fry.

Brian caught all of the walleye for the dinner (over the past few months) and dipped it in Guiness and egg, with a shore lunch/breadcumb breading.

More jumpy fun.

Yay for mermaid barbies! Hailey was sweet enough to give these to the girlies.

The walk starts out inocently enough...

We've made it to town, and the ladies are done. Liv won't turn around, Hailey's had it with the sun, and Esme is just tuckered out.

This year 48 Cronins, Gearys and O'Learys made the trek to Minocqua for our annual vacation. Everyone was able to make it, and we had a total of 11 kids, with Emmett being the youngest at 3 months and Ceci being the oldest at 4. We had a fantastic time. The kids loved the beach, and most loved the boat rides and swimming in the icy lake, with Liv really impressing us with her fearlessness. There was a lot of golf, fishing, boat rides, and even a Miller Lite sponsored flippy cup tournament one night in town. A good balance of family and adult fun. I think we all left wishing we lived closer to one another. Maybe we need a half-way to Minocqua get-together, which would be in February or March. Something to get us through to the next year.