Summer Weekend Warriors 6/23 – Movies, Ponies, and a New Deck

Saturday we were invited to go see the movie "Brave" with some family members and friends. We went to a late morning showing (oh how different it is when you have kids) and really enjoyed this movie about a feisty red-haired girl! Lucy did well and traveled down the row trying out different laps. I think she spent the most time with Grandpa Lee, which I'm sure he didn't mind! We followed the show with lunch, after which Lucy fell asleep on the ride home. But the day was not done, oh no...

Not even a bright red balloon could keep this kid awake...

Later that afternoon we headed over to Minnetonka's Summer Fest. There were a bunch of kids activities, police cars, corn dogs, music, the usual local festival stuff. Of course the main attraction for us was the petting zoo, and Lucy got her first pony ride!

Lucy had no hesitation and was chatting up the helper during her ride!

 Afterwards we went to Snuffy's Malt Shop and took a little drive around Lake Minnetonka. It was a beautiful evening to be out and about.

This was actually Husband's malt, but somebody else had trouble letting it go!

Sunday was all about pool time, and later we tried out our new grill, located on our newly stained deck! Our deck was in bad need of a facelift, so this is exciting! A friend was able to help us out with it and we are very happy to have it done.

The only thing missing is the hammock, we need to get a new one.

Best buds!

What will next weekend bring? Excited to find out!

Summer Weekend Warriors 6/16 - Celebrating Dad

This weekend was another full one. Friday night we were able to take Husband and my father-in-law out for dinner to a new Chinese buffet that we have come to like. Brandon was also able to come, so it was some really great family time.

Lucy is thrilled anytime her big brother is around!

Couldn't resist the opportunity to snap this 3-generation pic.

Saturday we headed south of the metro for a graduation party for the daughter of some friends. They recently built a house on an acreage, so it was fun to see how everything turned out. Lucy was enthralled by their two cats and of course, wanted to follow the dog around everywhere. It was a nice afternoon with great people, and it felt good to step out of the city for a bit.

Sunday of course, was Father's Day. Lucy and I took Husband out to lunch, and later in the afternoon we went wading in Minnehaha Creek and then had Dairy Queen. We sat on a bench to eat our ice cream, but then had to run to the car because it starting pouring! It was a little adventure. Lucy loved walking in the creek with Daddy.

Might have to find a frame for this one!

Lucy always finds time to give love to her Daddy.

Lucy and I made supper for Husband and gave him some gifts, including this special piece of art Lucy made.

"Daddy...these are the hands you held when I was 3 years old."

Parties, creek wading, ice cream, thunderstorms. Summer, summer, summer!

My birthday

I’m 36 today, yeesh. I can’t lie, I’m having a little trouble with that number. Closer to 40 than 30 now. Just doesn’t seem right!

I was able to take my birthday and the following day off, and was looking forward to relaxing and getting a few things done around the house. The day started with an early wake-up call, I think it was around 5:30AM? Husband was able to head Lucy off for awhile, but around 6:00 she came back and set a little box on my shoulder and her bright, smiling voice said, “Mommy, it’s your birthday!” How could I be mad about that? Husband joined us as I pulled her into bed and she helped me open my present. The stone is a “pink fire” (pink sapphire) and she picked out the necklace all by herself (Husband said they went into the jewelry store and she headed straight for it. He couldn’t resist).

As we’re laying there, Lucy whispers not-so-quietly to Husband, “where’s her earrings?” No secrets kept here! So instead of surprising me later Husband gave me another gift, a sweet little pair of white gold hoop earrings. How special did I feel?! So a grand start to the day, I must say.

After dropping Lucy off at daycare, I stopped back at home and then headed out to do some shopping. I purposely wanted to be out of the house so I didn’t feel compelled to CLEAN (that was reserved for Friday) – I wanted to force myself to relax. After shopping I met a couple of girlfriends for lunch, then had a lovely massage. I went back home and watched a couple of TV episodes on the DVR before picking Lucy up. When Husband got home we all went out to dinner and got to have dessert, too…although I think Lucy ate more of the chocolate cake than I did! It was great birthday and made turning 36 a little more palatable. Here’s to another great year!

Summer Weekend Warriors 6/9 - Heart Surgery and Dinosaurs

Saturday Lucy and I headed down to Rochester, MN to visit my grandma, who recently had heart surgery. My mom had been there all week and everyone else had headed home, so it was just us girls. Grandma had a rough morning but chatted with us a bit and enjoyed Lucy’s company in the afternoon. We were able to take Mom out for lunch and had some good time to catch up.

Lucy had fun marching in front of the big windows in the family waiting area.

Sunday we spontaneously decided to take a trip to the Minnesota Zoo. We hadn’t been in about a year, and weren’t making very good use of our membership! We went early in the morning to beat the heat, and spent a couple of hours enjoying the animals. It’s a little bit easier now because Lucy can walk around on her own more, although we still push a stroller for her to ride once in awhile. She had a good time and we even got her to wear a new hat.

How did this girl get to be so big?

This reminds me of how my Grandpa Lyle used to wear his farm hats!

The highlight was the new dinosaur exhibit, which features prehistoric animatronics. We were excited to see it, but as we approached quickly realized this may not have been the greatest idea. The dinosaurs were super cool, but kind of scary for little ones! As we entered Lucy got a glimpse of the T-Rex and started shaking and clinging to me. We got past it by looking the other way and then focusing on the “longneck” (brontosaurus) which was a little less scary. Thank goodness for the children’s dinosaur movie “Land Before Time.” By referring to Littlefoot and all of his friends, we were able to get through the exhibit. There didn’t seem to be any lasting effects of the “scary” experience, so that was good!

This was pretty much how we went through the exhibit.

You can see how a guy like this, moving and making noise, could be a tad scary!

She made friends by the end. This one sat still. :)

Summer Weekend Warriors 6/2 – Celebrations Galore

This weekend we traveled to Dubuque, IA for my cousin Kristi’s wedding. We got in late Friday night so we could enjoy a full day Saturday in one of Iowa’s fine river cities. In the morning we headed to the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium with my brother Jason and his family, my parents, my aunt and uncle, and my grandma. The kids had a lot of fun.

The world is her aquarium?

That's one big 'ol stinky catfish.

Lucy and her cousin E (and Daddy).

Saturday afternoon we headed to nearby Pitosi, WI to a farm belonging to the Chad's (the groom's) family. It was a beautiful setting, a beautiful wedding, and a great time with family. The kids enjoyed all of the different farm animals and the adults enjoyed a few beverages on a nice summer evening. It was also a great way to celebrate my grandma’s 83rd birthday!

The bride and groom.

Yummy cupcakes!

Four generations!

So happy to share this day with my dear cousin and friend!

We headed back on Sunday, which was consequently Husband and I’s 6th wedding anniversary. We didn’t do anything special, too tired from the trip I guess. Hard to believe it’s been 6 years already!

A weekend of celebrations - not a bad way to kick off the summer!