Monday, July 20, 2009

Duluth or Bust

Last weekend was the big biking weekend for Jer and three of his buddies. They started out from our house with the goal of biking to Duluth.
On Thursday night, we had the guys and their families over for a planning evening. The ladies and kids were to be the support vehicles and meet the guys in Hinkley after the first day.
While the guys were getting things finalized, we got a few pics of the kids. Here is the 'big kids' table.
Lucille, Ryan, Molly, Natalie, Lucy & Bella
The little girls area. It really wouldn't be appropriate to have pictures of these ones eating. hehehe
We remembered to take a few shots of the guys getting their gear ready. Here are Jer and Ted.
Pete, taking the best parts from several bikes to make the McWilliams super bike.
Natalie, helping her Daddy, Jordan, get ready.
Although I heard the guys take off the next morning, it was through my bedroom window as I was still in bed when they left.
Here is one of them the next morning. They were just about to leave from the campground in Hinkley.
I love this picture. I couldn't think of a caption that would be as funny as the picture itself, so here it is.And, they're off.
While the guys were riding, the girls and the kids packed up camp and headed to Duluth. Here are the kids waiting for a treat outside of the chocolate shop.
Kimber and her girls.
Here are the kids on the pier in Duluth. Lucille has spotted something past the wall in the harbor.
Molly, Natalie and Lucy will find a way to see it!
Here they all are skipping rocks as they wait for the daddies to finish.
There really should be more pictures after this, like one of the guys when they were done, or one of the whole group. However, after the guys were done riding and the girls were done caring for 8 children for 2 days on the road and camping, I think we were all too tired to remember the camera.
It was a fun trip and we are so proud of you guys for the many many miles that you rode.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

A few things that make my girls happy

One of Ellen's new favorite places to sit: The Bumbo.



One of Lucy's new favorite places to sit: Ellen's car seat.

Eating applesauce with her fingers.
The aquarium bouncy seat.

Ice Cream!


Something that made Mommy happy: Seeing both of my girls smile.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Happy Independence Day


After a few quick pictures at home, we headed out to pick some strawberries. With Ellen happily asleep in the carrier, we got a few pictures as we became sticky, red messes. The picking was sort of a pain in the back, but it smelled wonderful in the fields of strawberries. We have the hope that our kitchen will smell as good as we are making jam.




Auntie Sandy's Visit

Last night was the last night of Auntie Sandy's visit. We lit some fireworks together to end the visit with a bang and to get our Independence Day celebration started.
Here are Mandi, Ellen, Sandy and Lucy cheering for the fireworks.



Sandy brought a huge puzzle for Lucy when she came. It was a favorite activity during the week.
While we were at the Mall of America, Lucy and Mandi got new Douglas doggies. Here they are showing them off for Molly, who also has a matching Douglas.
Lucy got to go on a few rides at the Mall.
The Diego bus with Auntie Sandy was a favorite. Lucy shouted 'Vamos Diego' while they were going around.
We also got to meet some of the Veggie Tales guys at the MOA. Here are Lucy and Sandy waiting in the long line.
Here we are with Bob and Larry!
As an added surprise, Kai Lan was at the MOA too! Here is Lucy running up, so excited!
Giving Kai Lan a hug.


It was a great week. Sadly, Auntie Sandy had to go back home to Viroqua today. We will miss her until her next visit!