4th of July

We celebrated the 4th of July in style! Our neighbors had a potluck picnic and parade which the girls rode their bikes in. The highlight was a water balloon and squirt gun fight after lunch! I am just glad we had the pick-up and were only two miles from home. They thought it was awesome when they were "forced" to ride in the back of the pick-up on the way home! We took a little rest and then went up to Grand Forks to purchase some fireworks. After a stop at Dairy Queen, we were ready to head home for our own fireworks celebration. A large storm passed through the area before we got home so we were free and clear to play outside. Although, I think the rain unleashed a million mosquitoes! I am still scrathing just thinking about it. The girls had a good time with their sparklers, snakes and watching their Dad light off

some pretty colorful fireworks

Ready to P-A-R-T-Y!

Check out my fancy moves!

Jordan with her sparkler

Don't worry Mom - I'm being careful!

I hope this lasts a long time!
Happy 4th of July!

Summer Project Part II - Living Room/Hallway

BEFORE After living so long with white walls in all of my apartments and 10 years in our old house, I decided it was time for a dramatic change. I painted the living room and hallway a couple of weeks ago. I went with a light, creamy yellowish color for the hallways and most of the living room (Todd likes white so I compromised.) A red accent wall made behind the couch made a BIG difference. Now I just have to hang the pictures/artwork!

AFTER

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!