Quick trip to Crookston

  I got the afternoon off to go to my cousin Nicole’s bridal shower this afternoon in Crookston, MN.  Grandpa was babysitting the kids (Eric is in DL for his dude weekend football draft thing, you’ll recall) and he was somewhat confident in his abilities to “handle it.”  I left out all the appropriate things they may need in my absence, wrote out a schedule and left strict instructions that at no point should the bathroom door be left open.  Avery has been known to “test the waters” in there if you know what I mean.  And often, those waters are tainted – also, if you know what I mean.  Men and boys.   So we wished him luck and we were off!  Freeeeeeeeedom!  The shower was held at my cousin Ben’s house by his wife Lacy.  She had quite the spread of food and some delicious slushes!  Oh how I love slushes! Here is my Aunt Nancy and my mom enjoying said slushes. 

The pickle thingys are a typical Crookston type appetizer.  Might LOOK weird, but I assure you – its goooooooood. 

Fancy spread, right?

Mint chocolate brownies!

And here is the bride to be with her flower girl, Greta.  

Here is the rigged game of BRIDE bingo.  I should have won with that very first column there.  I believe the winner of the game was shoving gifts at Nicole in the order that she needed so that she would BRIDE first.  No fair!  Those dish towels should have been MINE!  

Party guests.  I see a Bobbi Pin!

And you know its not a trip to Crookston without a stop at Happy Joes!  That’s right, Grandpa Danny, Lulu, Kelli and Jamie – I HAD HJ’S THIS WEEKEND TOO!  SO THERE!

I also hit up a store in Crookston and got a couple of books for the kids.  They need more books like they need holes in their heads, but oh well.  They both are thoroughly enjoying them!

MMmmmmm Happy Joes.

Avery’s teeth are bugging her again so she wasn’t interested in the pizza.  So Grandpa shared his yogurt with her.  She was quite pleased.

He looks as though he is up to something, doesn’t he?

So does she.

Grandpa read this book a few times in a row and then once Grandpa had had enough, he took it over to Grandma and made her read it.  Apparently it’s a hit!

Grandma is wanting a new Facebook profile pic, so we had to do an Avery and Grandma photoshoot.  Hopefully at least one of these pics will meet with her approval! 

Well, about time for me to sleep!  Tomorrow is my glorious rest day which means I get to sleep in.  Though, truth be told – I slept in the past 2 days!  Doesn’t mean I didn’t work on my fitness, but means I had babysitters!   Monday morning might be rough!  Later!

Savoring Summer

  The days of summer are numbered, I’m afraid (I hate to tell you this – but there are some trees across the bay that are either very confused or I’m in denial cuz there are yellow, orange and red leaves visible).  So we made the most of it today at Loon Lodge.  Dylan really has come a long way with his swimming since the beginning of summer.  He used to have his arms wrapped around our necks so tightly and would shriek if we tried to get him to swim on his own.  Now look at him!  Practically a professional!

We learned today that White Earth Lake (the lake that Loon Lodge is on) is tied with Bad Medicine Lake for being the clearest lakes in Minnesota.  I can attest to this! Its pretty clear! (my toes are included for you, Lulu!) I like to capture his eyelashes.  On film.  Digital film. 

For some reason, Grandpa has this super awesome press on tattoo that he got at work the other day (he works at the dollar store, now, you know. ).  Dylan has requested that he bring more back next weekend.  Both he and Avery were quite enamored with the shark tattoo.  I think its kinda scary myself, but what do I know?

She’s looking down to see where her tattoo is.  You didn’t get one Avery.  Grandpa’s salary at the dollar store is low and he can’t afford one for everyone.

I couldn’t believe how high Eric was able to toss him!  They had been doing this earlier in the day (my camera battery was charging then, as usual) so Dylan just had to do it again so I could get his picture.  I think they turned out awesome!  I love his little ripped arms -Mr. Wikoff’s arms look pretty awesome too!

  And finally, a little photo shoot with me.  This rarely happens, so savor it.

Here she is, Miss America.

That is it for now from Loon Lodge!  We’ll have more from here tomorrow.  Try not to get too excited!