The Season is Over

This past weekend we hosted the end of the year softabll party. The guys had a great season. They finished 37 and 9, with a fifth place finish at the North American National tournament. Andy played better than I've ever seen him play!

Myles and Natalie playing with Gracie.
I can't begin to explain how funny this was...Andy asked the kids to get the empty beer cases to help start the fire. I was on the deck and happened to notice four children marching across the yard, each carrying a beer case above their head. It was the most akward and hilarious site. I'm sure we'll be getting a call from family social services in the near future.
Andy, still with that damn headband, teaching the young ones how to become pyros.

Riverboat Days

Last weekend, we went to Yankton for Riverboat Days. For those of you who don't know, it's a pretty big deal ;) We spent an extra day visiting so we could baby-sit my nephew. Andy suggested taking Kaden to the aquarium, which was a blast. Kaden absolutely loved it!

Kaden pointing out the huge snapping turtle.

He loved all of the little turtles too! It was SO cute!
Andy helping Kaden feed the fish outside of the aquarium. Dad in training.
Feeding the ducks at West Side Park. The dump truck (his staple toy) was recently replaced with a doll, which had to go everywhere with us. Here is he...Mr. Riverboat Days...my dad! Johnny boy is on the steering committee. We practically had to wrestle him to get the headset off his head! He was in charge of the air show, which was fantastic. The FAA in Minneapolis was, and I him quote "a pain in my ass", so that was dramatic ;) He did a great job though and the weekend was a huge success! PS - thanks for the beer tokens, dad! Yep, dancing tractors...square dancing to be specific. Only in Yankton!

The future Captain and Belle?

We had a mini reunion over the weekend. Here's Sarah, Trish, Kari, Charity and I at the Waterfront. Flowers compliments of Trisha. I'm sure the petty theft warrant is already in the mail, Trish!

Sarah's Shower

On Sunday we toasted Ms. Sarah Doyscher...soon to be Goring! Jill hosted a Wines Around the World shower. Could there be anything better?!

The stunning bride-to-be. That's what I call great gifts :) Me, Sarah and Jill. Not pregnant, just holding in the tummy after too much of Jill's great food!

Thanks for hosting J-go!

Troy & Marcia's Wedding

Troy, who studied with Andy in Japan, got married over the weekend. He and Marcia had a beautiful ceremony at the Peace Gardens (Lake Harriott).

Here comes the (beautiful!) bride...
Troy saying his vows.

Check out that minister!T and A...

Showin' of some moves at the reception!

Friday Night in Hamel

We went out for sushi with Chad and Emily at Mt. Fuji Friday night. Can you hear Andy saying...Hi, I'm Fuji? Of course you can...b/c he doesn't stop using that stupid line! I can't wait until we go to Yankton next weekend...inevitably when we drive past Mt. Marty, the same thing will happen.


After dinner, we went to Hamel (sp?!) to celebrate Chad's sister, Heidi's, birthday. Quite the bar..."Inn Kahoots"...! No joke. We had so much fun! I literally laughed so hard my stomach hurt all night!

Andy and Dog the Bounty Hunter

Emily and I...Emily is starting a new trend. She intends to take the glasses wherever she goes and get some great pics. Too bad Dog wasn't wearing them ;)

Emily thinks Chad has a new man crush...

And, the birthday girl!

Cook for Kids

After months of not being able to attend, last night was my first time at Cook for Kids. Cook for Kids is a program offered through the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery. The Crisis Nursery works with parents in crisis "to strengthen families and prevent child abuse and neglect". Becky spearheaded the volunteering opportunity and our college friends have been serving up meals to the little ones on a monthly basis. I thought the experience was amazing...the children are adorable and it's very humbling to realize how fortunate we are. And, over cocktails afterwards, a few choice quotes from Mrs. Knutson:

"I need to practice my Irish accent. What do they say? Good day, mate!"

...On prepping for her trip to Ireland...

"That's like that guy that sang Rico Suave. Girardia." or Gerardo.
...On Jen's borther going to South Korea and getting Giardia.

Lake Carlos

This past weekend, Andy and I went on our second annual camping trip to Lake Carlos. Despite the mosquitos, we had a fantastic trip! We enjoyed our time on the beach and on the boat - the weather was great! It was a fantastic opportunity to catch up with our Villard friends and enjoy all of the little ones. But, I'm already searching for a new tent. I reached my breaking point!

There were some priceless moments...

- How do you fit an air matress, a dog and two adults into a one person tent?

- What happens when Andy makes a drink of half Rangpur and half Sprite?

- Lynn calling "Gracie" to come into their tent in the middle of the night (it was, in fact, a pack of eight racoons)!

- Aiden posing the very interesting question..."what if Dog's ate fire"...and then going on his merry way!

- And many, many more...

Here are some pics from the weekend...

Andy's attempt at bringing back the sweatband.


Although you can't see it, I'm pointing to a quarter sized mosquito bite. MN in the summer!


Hanging out by the campfire.

Breakfast with the kids.


DJ working the grill.

Amelia, Owen, Aiden and Mason enjoying lunch.
A happy bunch of kids! Owen and Aiden displaying the "yogurt smile".

Another weekend, another softball tournament

Good news! We found a way for Andy to stay awake a little longer...bean bags!

Andy and Matt tossing a few (bags and beers)...
Myles, Lee and David at the Freeport tourney...

Myles running the bases after another win :)

Myles and Uncle Andy...

Three in a row! For the third straight weekend, the fellas are champions!