Halloween Weekend Fun!

This past weekend was perfect with nothing planned except sharing quality time together, relaxing, snuggling and enjoying the festivities of the Halloween season. The kids enjoyed carving their pumpkins in preparation of the big night this week. LTD are SO proud of their creations (with a little help from mom and dad) and the jack-o-lanterns  are now glowing brightly out on our front step. The neighbor kiddos and a few classmates pitched in over the weekend to help Dave collect firewood and finish the firepit area in the backwoods behind our home. They all did a fantastic job and last night we hosted a bonfire and invited some neighbors over to enjoy a lovely evening outside under a sky lit up with bright stars and gorgeous full moon. Even Milie the cat joined us :)

Taylor's Cat Pumpkin

Lindsey's Owl Pumpkin

Dylan proud of his Ghost Pumpkin

Showing off their creations

Glowing brightly at Camp Clark

Football Season 2012

Prior Lake Flag Football season 2012 is now finished. If you ask Dylan, his team (the Gophers) "won". In fact every week, they "won" in his and his teammates eyes :) It was a super fun season for both Dad and Dylan. Dylan had a blast practicing and playing one of his favorite games with his buddies. He was awesome at defense and getting lots of flags but he was also a really good running back (ok, so I am biased). Dave thoroughly enjoyed co-coaching and creating and calling the plays. Although, he couldn't quite understand why 2nd grade boys didn't always follow the play book to the "T". Hmmm... "now why did they go left whey I said go right"? Mom and the girls enjoyed cheerleading on the sidelines and in fact, I believe my loud cheering may have startled a few people around me. A grandpa standing next to me one Saturday commented that I had a "solid set of lungs on me". Yes, I do :) I get that from my mom and brother and all the years we cheered on the BHS Demons, the Vikings and the Twins! GO DYLAN!!!!

In Memory of Papa Egg

One year ago today, our family had to say goodbye to an amazing man, our Papa Egg. We love you and miss you SO much, Papa! Although you are not with us here on earth, we have faith and take comfort knowing you are in Heaven watching over all of us, especially mom (aka Grandma Good). Instead of being sad, we want to remember all the cherished moments we were privileged to share with Papa. 

We remember with great fondness your smile, your infectious laugh, your crazy jokes & humor, your matter-of-fact attitude, your tasty meals and baked goods, your knowledge of trivia, your love of farming and the countryside, your love of reading, your impressive dancing skills, your amazing memory, your knowledge of politics and point-blank honesty about those "less informed and oblivious to reality" (aka Obama, liberals), your patience and respect for door-to-door salespeople :), and most importantly, your boundless love of your family and of God.

You were a father who really cared and took interest in our lives and showed us all the true meaning of hard work, honesty, integrity and the importance of developing and maintaining solid values and principles to guide our life.

We look forward to the day we are all reunited in Heaven; no health problems, no worries, no sadness - only overwhelming joy and peace. Until then, rest in peace and save a place for us. Lindsey, Taylor and Dylan are convinced you and Shaq are together waiting anxiously for our arrival :) The Best is yet to come, indeed!

Apple Orchard

We are absolutely spoiled with this amazing fall weather! This past weekend was so gorgeous and we spent a great deal of time outdoors soaking it in. Sunday we treated the kids to an afternoon at the Minnesota Harvest Apple Orchard in Jordan. They have such a quaint orchard with lots of activities including apple picking, wagon rides, live music, apple slingshots, a corn maze, pony rides and a petting zoo. Or should we say "biting zoo". The donkey decided Lindsey's fingers looked like a tasty snack (in addition to the other 4 children she nibbled on). A little drama since she pierced the skin on L's fingers but it's all good. The donkey was happy Taylor sacrificed the cob of corn she had grabbed from the corn maze. After she saw how hungry the donkey was, she gladly shared it. 

It was a perfect day and we now have a BIG bag of fresh apples to make caramel apples and apple pie and some pumpkins to carve & add to our Halloween decor outside.

Here are a few photos from our day but as always, feel free to check out our Shutterfly link for lots more. 

Happy Fall to all!