Summer Project Part 1

After moving into the "new" house, there are several projects I would like to complete this summer. Staining the deck was first on the list! There wasn't any stain on the deck before so it looks like a brand new deck to me. The girls were a big help painting the fences underneath (with a little touch-up help from Mom.) It is a little hard to see what it looks like from the pictures. I guess you will have to come up for a visit and see it in person! My next project is to get the living room and kitchen painted. Stay tuned for more finished projects...

Valleyfair

Last Monday, we embarked on our annual trip to Valleyfair with our church's youth group. 5 members of the group went on the trip with us this year. We left RLF at 5:45 AM (which is really early for teenagers!) With one stop for breakfast at McDonald's, we made it safely to Shakopee by 11:15. The weather was perfect! The kids enjoyed the rides and the waterpark. Rachel even tried out a couple of rollar coasters this year and Sarah was tall enough to go on some of the "big kid" rides. We stayed overnight in Rogers, MN and traveled back home the next day.

A good time was had by all! Jordan sitting on Ronald's lap in Alexandria.

Here's a big hug for you Ronald!

~Ok - now we are getting a little crazy ~

Jordan riding the Moon Buggy

Rachel and Jordan ready to ride the swing. I think Rach is ready for a bigger ride - this is no fun!

Sarah is all ready to swing high in the air.

All tuckered out after a day of fun in the sun!

Henry's Birthday

Happy Birthday to my father-in-law who turned 80 on June 24. We had a big celebration yesterday complete with family, friends, food and fun at the farm (are you sensing a theme here?) The weather was perfect and a good time was had by all. We hope to celebrate many more years with him. Happy Birthday Hank!

Pa-pa opening his present from the family. We got him tickets for a Twins Game and a 1-night stay at the DoubleTree Inn in Minneapolis.

Hank and his Birthday Cake - no we did NOT put candles on it!

Joust!

These damsels are NOT in distress!

Joust! Cast

"Lady Bird" after the show

Sporting the "Damsel" attitude!

Once again, I directed the Red Lake Falls Children's Theater in a Summer Drama production. 30 students ages 8 through 13 participated in this year's production of "JOUST!" It centers around the story of King Arthur and his knights of the round table. The composer put a comical twist to the story - instead of Arthur pulling out a sword from the rock, he pulls out a boomwacker (a musical instrument that is a long, colorful tube tuned to a certain pitch.) Arthur declares there will be no more use of swords or weapons in his kingdom and the women of the kingdom agree with him. They will not do ANYTHING for the men unless they put down their swords and use the boomwackers. Of course, the knights think they will be overun by the French and perish. The French arrive armed playing only recorders -they have their own problems I guess! The show finishes with a grand number with singing and instrument playing. Rachel played the role of Lady Bird, one of the damsels. The kids did a fantastic job - especially considering they only had 24 hours of rehearsal time!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my dad, John, who was and is a wonderful father to me and to my husband, Todd, who is an awesome dad to our girls!

Girl Scout Awards

Rachel participated in the annual Girl Scout Court of Awards where she was recognized for her efforts throughout the year. She earned several badges and did many activities with her troop. She will be helping out with our town's local blood drive this week in order to earn a badge. Sarah graduated from being a Daisy to a Brownie! She was not able to make it to the ceremony because she was up at Lake of the Woods with a friend but will continue to participate in Girl Scouts.

Lace 'Em Up

Rachel and Sarah participated in a weeklong basketball camp in Red Lake Falls. They practiced from noon until 3:30 everyday for a week with an awards ceremony to end the camp on Friday. They worked on thier skills through various drills and games. Rachel won an award for the 2 on 2 competition and Sarah one awards in the Speed Dribble and 1 on 1 competition. There were 163 students that participated in the afternoon portion of the camp this year. Both girls worked up a sweat each day!

Newest Farm Helpers

Rachel and Jaden spent all afternoon out in the cow yard "helping" Todd as he cleaned it out. I caught pictures at what must be break time for them. I did witness them actually do some work and they were rewarded with bannana-chocolate chip muffins warm out of the oven.

Sometimes it pays to help!

One More

One more pic from the spring program. I love this one - Sarah is having so much fun!