FYI: The following post was written 2 days ago with the intention of being posted 2 days ago. You will see that I thought my internet troubles were solved. But clearly, they were not. Please pretend that you are reading this on Wednesday, not Friday. Thank you.
It occurred to me last night while lying in bed trying to go to sleep that I could just plug the internet cord into MY computer! Problem solved and I’m back in business! Apparently the loony-ness of this place has rubbed off on my computer smarts! Or maybe it’s my mom’s computer savvy-ness (or lack thereof) that has rubbed off? As a result though, I have a lot to catch you up on. And as usual, its done through photos.
Lets see, where were we?! When we last “spoke” (not counting yesterday’s post) we were at home still and it was hot as you know what outside. So what do you do when its that hot out? Swelter in a lawn chair outside? Don’t be silly. Do you even know me at all? Hot Trishy = crabby Trishy. So we did what any crazy mom would do – we built a fort. Why does this make me crazy? Cuz when we build a fort – it stays up FOREVER. Taking it down is asking for trouble and I don’t like asking for trouble. So here they are having tea time in their fort. 
While they were in their fort, Anne and I tried a new recipe. I must take advantage of people who appreciate fun, healthy meals and I did just that. She was my guinea pig for all these lovely things (not all are pictured. They had to go immediately into our bellies and there was no time for photos). These are the sweet potato-black bean-quinoa burgers. They were just okay. I have yet to find a homemade veggie burger recipe that knocks my socks off. They always seem to be too mushy for me. Perhaps my food processor is just too strong! If anyone has a recipe for me to try – let me know! I will not give up this quest!
The tiny supervisor toddled in to see what I was workin’ on. She looks skeptical. 
That was, until I told her there was sweet potato in them and she was back on board!
Mr Persuasion talked me into this cake while we were at the best store in Baxter – Christmas Pointe. He didn’t have to do much convincing though. He just helped make the decision for me. There were many lovely choices! 
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm
So then on Tuesday morning we ventured off to Loon Lodge (my parents lake place on White Earth Lake, MN). Grandma was excited to see them and they were excited to see her. Apparently Avery was sick of me because she pretty much leapt out of my arms and into Grandma’s when we met at the grocery store. Grandma then got her workout in from carrying Avery around the store. I tried to take her, but she wasn’t having it. And you know Brutus – sitting in the shopping cart is just NOT an option. 
However, her preference for Grandma didn’t last very long. Grandma dropped her off her lap and Avos bit her upper lip. After her scream fit was over, this is what her lip was reduced (?) to. Poor Avery! It was quite the fat lip! 
Here is a montage of photos from around the cabin. Had to showcase the various things. This is the wooden topography map of the lake. Fannnncy!
Grandma has the best toys! 
Not sure what Rocco is doing here. Avery must have had a piece of bacon in her hands. ; ) 
Rocky Roccoco and Tedward. 
Baby lip injections! Look how full her lips look! 
S
he LOVES this little table and chairs. Perfect size for her. She likes to back her little behind up to chairs all the time but the difference here is that she actually is able to sit down in these like a big person can. Normally when she backs up to sit down in a chair, its too high up for her little butt to reach, so she ends up sitting down on the ground in front of the chair. So she’s quite pleased with these chairs! 
Corn on the cob time! Dylan talks about corn on the cob quite often since we live near many corn fields. He’s always pointing out how tall the stocks are in the various fields. Funny thing is – I think he’s had corn on the cob maybe once before this? Doesn’t that sound about right, Poppy? He really enjoyed it this time and had 2 pieces! 
The lake! (taken from inside the cabin – horrible view from up here, wouldn’t you say?)
The boy on display! Gotta have a pic of the boy! 
What’s this? A loon at Loon Lodge? 
Another loon at Loon Lodge? What? (this picture is for you, Eric)
Swimming time! She was doing quite well until I got out the sunscreen. She then turned into a crabcake and swim time was over for her. I just love getting my hands all sunscreeny and then she wants out. Grrrr. 
Dylan was actually swimming all by himself! With a lifejacket on, of course. This is major though because before he always had to have someone with him and they were NOT to let go of him for any reason. He went right into the water on his own and wasn’t at all scared. Progress! Before we came to Loon Lodge, he told me he was going to go swimming in the “clean water at Grandmas!” And that he did! 
This is setting the scene for the highlight of my day yesterday! Dylan and Grandma were cleaning up the beach toys off of Fun Island (the blue floaty thing you see there).
She put all the toys in the bucket and he carried them over to the fancy new steps and got out of the water. Then he yelled over to Grandma to go down the slide before she gets out. I knew this was gonna be good.
She reluctantly agreed to go down the slide. Her first attempt ending with her falling backwards, legs up in the air into the middle part of the raft. Then she was able to crawl back up and rested here for a moment before trying again. 
I was using my dad’s waterproof point and shoot and wasn’t able to catch the sequence of events the way I would have liked to (I’m sure she’s happy about this though). Here she has fallen off the edge into the water and went under. She came up and he yelled at her to get back up and TRY AGAIN! She didn’t humor him. Or me. How rude! We are guests here and we demand entertainment!
And here is our pontoon ride from last night. My stupid camera battery died 5 minutes into the trip. Which is a shame because there was a sunglass fashion show showcasing some of the best of my mother’s sunglass collection from over the years. Think big, ugly and fabulous. Dylan was the model. He pretty much rocked every pair. Its a shame that its raining now and we can’t go out and recreate the photo ops.
Well, thats it for now. Grandpa is on the phone with the internet company now trying to diagnose the wireless problem. Sounds like the router is to blame. Well, better pick one up before Labor Day weekend or the people will revolt!
I will have pics of the fabulous food we are having while we are here later on this evening if I get around to it. Laters!
The tiny pepperoni one was for the kids. Also had shhhhaushig on it. That's Dylan speak for “sausage.” He loves shhhhhaushig. 
Avos – always the satisfied customer. Never turns down a slice of pizza. Then again, who would?!
Dbert is also a pizza connoisseur. He knows a good pizza when he sees one. Or eats one. 
What the heck am I wearing???
Can I please take this off?
Always a bridesmaid, never a bride! Wait a minute here…
Uh oh – Avos was having an Avos moment! Grandma got to experience it first hand! She was very lucky!
S
Another loon at Loon Lodge? What? (this picture is for you, Eric)
She put all the toys in the bucket and he carried them over to the fancy new steps and got out of the water. Then he yelled over to Grandma to go down the slide before she gets out. I knew this was gonna be good.
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