Groupies

I think Kenny thought his 30th Birthday might get missed with all the wedding hoopla. Not in this family. We celebrated at Osaka. There seems to be a hibachi theme to this years Birthday celebrations. For those of you who don't know Ken, he is kind of an introvert.
I also experienced the Steele County Free Fair for the first time. We made the trip for a Smokescreen show and to hang out with our favorite groupies but managed to sneak in a fried on a stick dinner. I think that is actually considered healthy during fair time. Just in case you were wondering who my favorite groupies are here is a pic from that night.
There are lots of studies about the health benefits of pets. I'm sure there is one that talks about how pets help heal from surgery faster, with less pain or something. I'm not going to look it up or site any of those studies because I think this picture speaks for itself. Abby and I got lots of extra cuddle time last week! How could this face not make you feel better?

Lefse, Lingenberries, and Love

The Aunts threw Maren an amazing Norwegian themed wedding shower. When it was over Maren said I can't believe the shower I've been waiting for my whole life is over and it was perfect!Grandma Dody surprised her with a bowl that belonged to Great-Great-Grandma, Maren. Grandpa Reuben had bought it at an estate sale especially for Maren and saved it until this day.

Remember exchange student Oystein? He lived with us when Maren was 9 and sent her a letter with some of his memories of her like watching Dirty Dancing every day. Every picture we get of Oystein he seems to be wearing these clothes. Cute family!
Grandma Dody awed us with her lefse making skills.

Four Years Ago

Brian and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary yesterday. I know many of you are thinking four years, big deal. But after a 22 month deployment, infertility treatments, and a pretty rocky adoption story thus far (not to mention unemployment, surgery, a tornado, and 3 moves) I'm kind of proud of us! I'm so thankful for my always optimistic husband and his ability to make me laugh through tears!

I was especially reminded of how much I need him this past week as I recovered from surgery. Nothing serious, don't worry but it bought me a night in the hospital (I talked the doctor down from 2) and took away my independence. Suddenly I needed Brian to make me food, do all the cleaning and drive me around. He did all this willingly and has even refrained from making fun of my cough, so far.

A side note - if nothing else comes from this surgery it is interesting as a nurse to become a patient. I found myself saying things my patients always say like "it doesn't hurt if I don't move" and getting the answer "well we want you to move." And seriously the cough part of turn, cough, and deep breathe is pure torture.

So to thank Brian for his support during the last week and the last four years I let him pick how to spend our anniversary.

He picked Dave and Busters.

I love you Brian! Here's hoping year 5 is when we turn into a boring old married couple!

Wild River State Park

Brian and I had a rare unplanned summer weekend and decided to go camping at Wild River State Park. Matt, Alex, and Olivia joined us for a night. We love having people camp with us. Yes, there are bugs and you will get dirty but it is a very fun night for $20. Want to come?

Cabin Highlights

Here are some of my favorite moments from our summer vacation at White Eagle Resort on Lake Vermillion.

Quality family time on the boat.

Zach's 6th Birthday.

Fishing twice a day rain or shine.

Island exploring.

Dance party.

Waldorf Family

Dave and Brenda hosted their annual pool party with a twist, a surprise wedding shower for Maren and Ken. I love spending time with these lifetime friends that feel more like family.

Play Dates and Perkins

I only get to see Kristin and Raphaela a couple times a year (if I'm lucky) since they moved far away but every time we get together if feels like they never left except.....

Trips to Europe have turned into backyard play dates.

And "going out" means dinner at Perkins.

The big girls did sneak in a couple nights out with Raphaela.

No matter what we do we always seem to have fun and I miss these girls after they leave. I can't believe how beautiful and fun their kids are. I already can't wait for next time!