May 31, 2011

Day 151 of 365

I finally got around to getting my flowers and vegetables. I am so far behind in planting this spring, partly due to bad weather and partly due to a crazy busy schedule and traveling husband. Now, I just have to find time to get them in the ground and various containers.

May 30, 2011

Day 150 of 365

First s'mores of summer! Don't tell the kids, but I had two. Happy Memorial Day!

Day 149 of 365

While the adults unpacked and organized the cabin, the cousins played and played. McKenna was put in charge of the younger two and did pretty well keeping them amused. Maybe next time the adults can play.

Day 148 of 365

We moved my father-in-law from Fargo to our new cabin in Wisconsin this weekend. This 26' truck was full to the top with stuff, and we still had to leave some things behind. I am ready to purge my own house after this move.

May 28, 2011

See You Monday

It's moving weekend! We're moving into the cabin this weekend, so I'll be back with this weekend's photos on Monday. Happy Memorial Day!

May 27, 2011

Day 147 of 365

Lillian declared herself to be a "mother" once she put my purse over her shoulder. After the crazy week we've had around here, she is welcome to take over that position for a few days!

May 26, 2011

Day 146 of 365

McKenna's Brownie troop sang "Make New Friends" at the year-end picnic tonight, which is about the only song I remember from my own Brownie days. At least some things have stayed the same over the past 30 years.

May 25, 2011

Day 145 of 365

McKenna's first cub ball game of the season was tonight, and I missed it. I had just enough time to drop her off at the field before heading back to work for a student banquet. Nana, Papa and Great Aunt Barb were able to watch the game, and she got on base twice. Go Tigers!

May 24, 2011

Day 144 of 365

Lillian amused herself at McKenna's cub ball practice by picking scores of dandelions. We came home with a huge "bouquet" of them, which I told her would be perfect for my desk at work!

May 23, 2011

Day 143 of 365

I could never hula hoop very well, but McKenna has it mastered. Today she was showing me her newest "trick," which involved keeping her palms flat against her side as she hula hoops. She tries to teach me, but I'm not a very good student.

May 22, 2011

Day 142 of 365

Once again, Lillian put a battery operated spinning toy in her hair. Once again, we resorted to scissors to remove the object. She did this about two months ago with a Zhu Zhu pet and today it was a bubble fan. Let's hope the lesson has been learned this time.

Day 141 of 365

This was my view as I waited to start my first 10K on Saturday. Thunderstorms were in the forecast, but with the exception of some sprinkles about mile 4, it was dry. Considering I have never actually ran this far, I was pretty happy with my results. Some of my sorority sisters from college ran the half marathon later that morning, and I have to admit I am seriously considering doing that race next year.

Day 140 of 365

We were in Fargo all weekend for the marathon. Travis ran the 5K on Friday night, which was crazy with people. Despite the on and off rain showers, it turned out to be a pretty good night.

May 19, 2011

Day 139 of 365

McKenna graduated to her blue belt tonight, her fifth belt since she started karate last August. It's been fun to watch her progression. In a few years, she'll be able to take her dad down if he messes with her.

May 18, 2011

Day 138 of 365

Libby will be 11 this June, which apparently is 88 human years according to the online dog years calculator for labradors. She's got some issues, including occasional incontinence and a tendency to startle at any noise or sudden movement, but all in all she's holding her own for a senior dog. I can only hope that I'm doing that well in 50 years.

May 17, 2011

Day 137 of 365

Lillian has recently learned to pump her legs while swinging. All she needs now is a push to get started and she's set. Part of me celebrates and part of me wants to turn back the clock to her days in the baby swing. I cannot believe she will be four this summer.

May 16, 2011

Day 136 of 365

Oh, happy day! The crabapple tree is in full bloom. It's such a short-lived spectacle, but one I thoroughly enjoy.

May 15, 2011

Day 135 of 365

So I didn't take this photo, but it's still my choice for today. We had a great time at Target Field with the grandparents, despite yet another Twins' loss. It's hard to be a Twins fan these days.

May 14, 2011

Day 134 of 365

Papa Dennis came to town today. He had his usual nap on the couch, but this time Lillian joined him. They slept that way for nearly an hour and a half. This is why I take photos.

May 13, 2011

Day 133 of 365

The amount of paper that makes its way home from the girls' schools is astounding. Most of it gets recycled (after they go to sleep), but I do save a few every month. This is a keeper - it's the first realistic animal I've seen her draw. Well, except for the third eye.

Day 132 of 365

Blogger was down last night, hence the late post. It rained nearly all day, but I was able to get out and use that new macro lens for a few minutes after dinner. There were water droplets all over the shrubs and trees, but this one on the spirea is my favorite; it almost looks like the center of a flower.

May 11, 2011

Day 131 of 365

Pepperoni and pineapple, a favorite combination for Lillian and me. A little bit spicy, a little bit sweet. Delicioso!

May 10, 2011

Day 130 of 365

It was HOT today - 88 degrees! Lillian left her leotard on after gymnastics, or her "gymnastics suit" as she calls it. I love this steamy heat; summer is coming!

May 9, 2011

Day 129 of 365

I don't often see this expression on Lillian. She is typically grinning madly or pouting. This rather thoughtful look reminds me more of her big sister. Maybe they have more in common than I thought.

May 8, 2011

Day 128 of 365

Soon, the crabapple tree will be in full bloom. For now, I am content finally seeing some green foliage on the branches.

May 7, 2011

Day 127 of 365


The girls and I took Nana to lunch and the play Pinkalicious today. Everyone was decked out - in pink, of course - for the outing. It was Nana's first encounter with Pinkalicious Pinkerton and Lillian's first play. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday. Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

May 6, 2011

Day 126 of 365

Our neighbors host an annual Cinco de Mayo party, although I don't actually think it's ever been held on May 5. It was all fun until the first kid started to vomit, then the second, then another one left with a tummy ache, and you get the idea. The K Family may never invite us over again!

Day 125 of 365

I don't really shop garage sales, but I love to hold my own. I get into it all - pricing, sorting, setting up and making the sales. It's fascinating to see which items sell and how much some people will barter. We've sold most of the big items, but if you're in need of a full-size box spring, just let me know.

May 5, 2011

Sickness

We have an uninvited bug circulating around the house. Will post tomorrow...

May 4, 2011

Day 124 of 365

Lillian's preschool teacher asked for a photo of the two of us together, and I realized the last one I could find was taken in 2009. I really hate photos of myself, but will make an effort to include myself in more. Thanks to neighbor D for taking this one today!

May 3, 2011

Day 123 of 365

Cub Ball season has begun. McKenna will be a Tiger this summer, and she is anxious to get started. I'm looking forward to warm summer nights at the ballfield.

May 2, 2011

Day 122 of 365

My new macro lens was finally delivered today! I didn't have much time to go out and play, and it was only in the 30s today, but so far I'm in love! This miserable cold weather needs to change so I have some real flowers to photograph. At least the maple tree knows spring is coming.

May 1, 2011

Day 121 of 365

I had so much fun photographing Baby S today! He let me shape, mold and wrap him in all sorts of positions. I now have a serious case of baby fever.