Unswimming Summer

It wasn't exactly an ideal summer for swimming. We only went a handful of times with the mild summer temps dominating the season. It was fun to run into friends when we were there. 

Kids Trinona

It was a very proud parenting moment to see Kyle and Cameron do their first triathlon. Way to go sons! The wait was very loooooooong to get in the pool especially for Cam. I would have asked for a donut and went back home to bed. 

Gramsy was volunteering at the running transition so she got to help both of the boys get off their bikes. Very cool! My mom and I got a little teary-eyed when Cam came rolling in. It is really cool to see your child do something that you know scares them to pieces. Way to be brave boys!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Kyle, the self-proclaimed future hall-of-famer, gets his little brother ready for his first game. The picture quality is horrible but I had to post Cam exhausted after his game. Who knew baseball was such hard work!

Cool cloud!

I don't know, I just think it's cool.

"It's not your fault" Good Will Hunting

Rest in Peace Robin Williams

One More Post...

It's late but I am enjoying my newfound ability to post pictures to my blog via my iPad. I am embarrassed to admit I didn't realize this convenience earlier or it's possible I simply forgot, which happens a lot. 

So here goes, my last post in the wee hours. Since it was the last day of school (back in June) I had to get the obligatory end of the year picture. Here is Cam at the end of 1st grade with his favorite cowboy (and teacher). Thanks for looking out for my boy Mr. G. 

P.S. I hope it's okay if I post your picture online. You shouldn't be concerned. 3 people read this blog and one of them is your wife. 

Aria's Baby Shower

We had so much fun celebrating the anticipated birth of baby Everett. The shower was in May. Update: The boy arrived on July 5th and is doing great. Super cute!

Baking with Gramsie

Cam and Gramsie bake. Of course Cam is always all about the outfit.

Fixing the Hoop

My parent's basketball backboard was in serious need of repair. Kyle offered his assistance. Yes, my dad still walks around the yard with no shirt on.

Field Trip

The Friday of Memorial Day weekend I had the pleasure of hanging out with a gang of sixth graders at Fort Snelling and the Capitol. I learned so much! Coop and I had to ditch the group at the end to meet Corey and sons at Flandrau State Park. As usual, we had a super fun time camping.

Just trying to help...

I left the house recently, quite disgusted with the behavior of my three sons. When I returned they exclaimed joyfully, "We did the laundry for you!" Seriously, how can a mom not smile at that effort and enthusiasm. It is, after all, the thought that counts.

Spring Football

Cam (in gray) and Kyle (in orange) decided to try football for the first time. Cam never moved from his starting spot and volunteered to sit out. Kyle scored several touchdowns because he is fast and afraid of getting hit. He did, however, make some tackles. I'm thinking Cam's football career is over although he really likes wearing the uniform.

Holy Crap it Worked!

Easter was super fun with Brydon at his house. After decorating eggs and riding around the yard behind the lawn mower we moved on to Wells to hang out at Karen and Brad's house with lots of cousins. 

We also celebrated Easter with friends at our house. We loved spending the day with Cathy and company. Cady is getting mobbed by the Easter bunny.

Special Guests

This is a test to see if I can send this from my email. Our friends Kay and Alice surprised us with a visit today. We had a blast.

Picts

We got professional pictures taken last week. These are my favorites of my three sons. 

Yikes, they are growing up fast. Thank you, Steph!

What's Goin' On...

If only I could update this blog from my iPad. I can. Just not with pictures. Darn it.

Family

My mom's sister, Betty, her husband Leon and their son Mike and his wife Teresa road-tripped from Arizona a few weeks ago. It was a great excuse for family in the area to reunite and catch up.

My niece and nephew are in the middle of the picture next to the boys. My cousin Julie's daughter Carly is in orange. And my cousin Jen's kids are in the red, one holding their new brother.

And now for a picture of the old, old cousins. The two girls that are not me are daughters of my Aunt Donna. Mike is my cousin from Arizona. I haven't seen my Arizona family for probably 10 years.

The sisters in a rare picture together. 

My mom is in the middle with her natural hair color :-). She is the baby at 65. Donna is on the left and my aunt Betty from Arizona is on the right.

I can't put into words what a joy it was to get to know Mike's wife Teresa. We had a blast being silly and teasing each other. It was difficult to say goodbye. I hope we can reconnect soon. Real soon.

Last Campout

Our last campout of the season was at Big Island State Park in Albert Lea, MN. We enjoyed cookouts, campfires and conversation. We celebrated 3 birthdays over the weekend - a 2yr old, 3yr old and 4yr old. Our camping days have changed significantly. When we camp it is always with Corey's family. It used to be us in our popup and Don and Joyce in their big fifth wheel. This weekend we had Amy and her pregnant self with her two sons in their motorhome. Mel and her pregnant self with her husband and daughter (and Chunk) along with Chad's sister Christine and their mom, Cindy. Karen and Brad housing Ashley and her husband Christian along with Wrigley and Sammy in their camper. Jodi and Jake with their son and Roscoe in their popup which started as our popup and then was Karen and Brad's popup. Still Don and Joyce and still us for a grand total of 26 (including pets).

The brothers created an apparatus for carrying heavy blocks.

Cam enjoys a peaceful and relaxing lunch.

Coop entertains two of the little ones with a bus stop wagon game.

Blowing and chasing bubbles.

It was an exhausting weekend.

Camping on the lake makes for splendid sunsets.

Walk to School

Walking to school - not really. We park down the street and walk from there. It's an annual event that is organized for grade schoolers. It is great fun to walk with your friends, family and teachers on a sunny, brisk, fall morning. I enjoyed overhearing the many conversations that transpired from the uninhibited brains around me. Cam gave me a tearful goodbye but it's getting easier every year. 

For him.

The principal looks scary. I'm just sayin'.

Out of the Darkness

The first annual Out of the Darkness Walk was held in Winona this month. It is a walk to raise funds for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I joined the cause by joining Team WSHS. I was fortunate enough to have two little walkers with me. Although they didn't quite get what the walking was all about, they did enjoy the snacks and beautiful weather.

I ran into an amazing lady who was on another team with me 6 years ago. Super great to be here to join MH and others in this great cause.

Small, but mighty, Team WSHS. Thanks for all you do to save lives Josh and Kate.