Minnesota Prairie Roots

I LOVE MY EXTENDED family and our annual tradition of gathering around the Fourth of July.

How many men does it take to grill burgers and brats? These three plus two more.

There’s plenty of food and drink, laughter, smart talk, and displays of patriotism. We end the evening with most of us bunking out on the basement floor or in spare bedrooms, arising the next morning for egg bake and accompanying breakfast foods, and coffee, before heading back to our homes.

A view of Lamberton, Minnesota, just to the south of my brother’s rural acreage.

This year all of my adult children joined my husband and me for the trek to Lamberton in southwestern Minnesota. That, in itself, is cause enough to celebrate as seldom are my three all together. With one daughter five hours away in northeastern Wisconsin and the son soon moving to Boston, I treasure these family times.

My mom, Arlene, made this flag cake. Impressive, huh?

I expect my 82-year-old mom felt the same—happy that five of her six kids and their families could attend.

The youngest attendee, my great nephew Hank, who recently turned one.

Nothing compares to the embracing love of family with whom you share a common bond of memories.

I love this photo of my 19-year-old son, Caleb, picking mullberries with Ari, my great niece.

When the sun disappears from the prairie sky, the sparklers come out, part of the tradition.

© Copyright 2013 Audrey Kletscher Helbling