Boys of Summer

Yesterday was our final day of baseball for the season and we couldn't be more proud! The Purple Patriots did a GREAT job in the playoffs but ended up losing a tough one in the semi-playoffs. Lots of sad faces but our coaches were outstanding and did a super job of "positive coaching" and encouraging our 2nd grade boys. The improvement the boys made over the season was SO fun to watch and they really came together as a team in the last few months. The season may be over but Dylan is already asking if he can learn how to pitch. Next year, it's "kid pitch" which could be interesting :) 

49 and Holding!

I survived my birthday weekend! 3 days straight of celebrations:  toasting to my last year in my 40's with friends on our annual summer boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka, season-end baseball tournament and a 2-day outdoor music festival. Whoo! I must be getting old because I am tired today and thoroughly enjoying the comforts of relaxing in A/C. I really appreciate the birthday wishes from family and friends, being treated by Dave and the kiddos to a tasty sushi lunch and sharing time with some wonderful friends. I am very blessed and couldn't be more grateful. Here are some of my favorite photos from the boat cruise and the music festival. Feel free to check out more photos on the Shutterfly Link on this blog. Cheers!

July Visit to North Dakota

Every July, we make it back to our hometown, Bismarck, to help celebrate my mom's birthday (aka Grandma Good). She is a Yankee Doodle Dandy born on the 4th of July which makes it a BIG celebration! We had a really nice time taking in lots of activities including fireworks in Fargo at Cousin Carl's, Art in the Park, Miller's Annual 3rd of July Party, grandma's birthday dinner at Kobe Japanese Grill, fireworks at Cousin Mike's on the 4th, Raging Rivers Waterpark, Elks Pool, Sertoma Amusement Park, Brad's Annual Beach Blast on the river, morning walks with grandma and Tootsie, brunch at Aunt Helen's, playing with cousins, sharing time with Grandma Good, Papa & Grandma Kemmet, Papa & Grandma Clark, and enjoying a BBQ and slumber party at Uncle Ken's/cousins. All in all, we had a great time but unfortunately our trip was cut short due to baseball and birthdays back in Mpls. The entire family LOVES our trips to ND and miss our family and friends already. Feel free to check out lots more photos by clicking on the Shutterfly Link on the right side of this blog page. 

Cub Scout Camp - June

Better late than never, right? Dave and Dylan once again got to partake in the annual Cub Scout camping trip to the Kiwanis camp site north of Stillwater. They had an awesome time as usual with great friends!  I am told it is BEAUTIFUL country and they all got to camp in some neat log cabins for two nights. Some of the activities included canoeing, pontooning, archery, obstacle course, games, workshops, swimming, BB guns (gun control freaks would be appalled), nature walks, whittling and campfires. They always come home with big smiles and lots of stories which the girls and I love to hear. There's just something about one-on-one quality time between a parent and their child(ren). Thanks, Dave, for making this one of Dylan's favorite memories :)

Summer Sun Feels So Good!

The rain has finally stopped and the sun has come out to play! Let the fun times begin! Between biking, Dylan's new wheels (go-cart), getting out on the boat and tubing, swimming, playing in the sand, barbecues, bonfires......we are off to a really good start. We are all looking forward to spending a week in ND over the 4th with family and friends. We just bought a set of water skis for the kids so when we return, LTD will be ready to get back on the lake and do some skiing. We just LOVE summertime!