August 2018

The girls continued their 3rd day of VBS. The Beissel girls came over to hang out with them in the afternoon. Adam and I made a quick Target run to return something and then to grab a few things we needed for dinner. Lilli has been complaining of a sore tailbone the last few days. We have no idea what it would be caused from. She said she fell down the stairs during spring break many months ago, but really nothing since. We waivered whether or not to take her to the ER but ultimately gave her an Aleeve and then googled what the possibilities were and had her lay down the rest of the night instead of sit. She said it was better when she went to bed. However, we'll keep a good eye on it and take her in if need be. We had a relaxing family night. I made BBQ chicken and bacon skewers for dinner with steamed veggies (another hit with the whole family) and then we watched our shows, America's Got Talent and World of Dance snuggled up on the couch downstairs.

Adam had an early meeting Thursday, so I got the girls up before I left for work to have them get ready for VBS. They were both still laying in bed when I left but got up, dressed and made themselves breakfast and were waiting out on the porch for Mike to pick them up 10 mins before he arrived. I just love those girls so much and how independant and responsible they have been together this summer. They had the Beissel girls and Ellie over in the afternoon after VBS and chores. After dinner (Italtian Dunkers) we had the Beissel's over - it's been forever since we've hung out with them since they've been so busy and out of town. We had a nice visit on the deck.

The last and final day of VBS for the summer. The girls had a great time. It's been fun listening to their stories and hearing what they've been doing and learning. I was not able to make it to their little show, but Jolene was there and snapped some pics and video for me. Lilli was adorable, of course! Jolene took them out for Little Cesar's pizza for lunch and they hung out at the Budde's all afternoon. We had the Beissel's over to grill burgers for dinner and then met everyone at the Sharp's to plan driving for the wedding. It started storming while we were at the Sharp's and on our way home we noticed flashing lights in our neighborhood. Just a half a block from us, a house was struck by lightning. Luckily the house didn't catch fire and everyone was ok, but they still have a lot of electrical issues to work out. Kaylee and Kenz spent the night at our house.

Adam got up Saturday morning for his bean bag tournament at Mystic Lake. The girls slept in and woke up in time for a quick lunch before Kaylee and Kenzie were picked up. I did a workout and got ready for the wedding. Our friend Jeff's daughter Gwen got married in St. Paul. Jolene picked the girls and I up at 1:45. All the kids hung out at the Budde's and we went up to the wedding. It was so beautiful! It was at the St. Paul College Club - an old historic house. The ceremony was beautiful, then we had apps and drinks outside. Adam lost his tournamanet so he was able to make it before the dinner. We had fun exploring the house, the food was amazing, they had Glam donuts instead of cake, the dance was fun - just a super fun night out with our friends. We were home by 11:30. Picked up the kiddos and called it a night.

We took it easy Sunday. We slept in until about 10:30. We wrote out our meal plan and grocery list. The girls helped us get the groceries at Target. We ran a few other errands and then home to play a couple games of Skip Bo. Then Lilli helped me make dinner - a new recipe - chicken, broccoli and mushroom stir-fry. Another WIN! Everyone loved it. In fact they said this was their favorite one out of the new recipes I've tried over the last week. I'm so proud of the girls for being open to trying these new things and then actually liking them, too! We watched a movie and had popcorn and Lilli and I made some breakfast popsicles - another new recipe.

Lilli got up before I left for work - I think she was extra excited to try the breakfast pops we made the night before. They were so so good. I think we nailed the recipe. Alexa agrees, sooo yummy! The Beissel girls came over for lunch after the girls were done with their chores. Today is the first day of the Dakota County Fair. We met the Sharps, Beissels and Budde's out there around 6pm. The kids went off on their own and got some treats and mostly played in the petting zoo with the baby goats. We grabbed a beer, toured the 9/11 traveling exhibit and walked thru the vendor booths. I am finally having a Norwex party, that I've wanted to have forever. It was a great time. We always try to get to one night of the fair, and that's enough for us.

The girls said it rained all day in Farmington so none of their friends could come over because they have to bike. So they did their chores and had a chill afternoon. Lilli helped me make zoodles and meatballs for dinner. Another new recipe. Another hit with the whole family. After dinner I made my kombucha and Michelle and the girls came over to make her first batch. I split "Scott" into "Richard". Then Jolene came and we made her double batch. I'll be babysitting "Bob" while they're on vacation. It was so fun to continue the process with these ladies. We get pretty into it. Mike brought the Culver's truck over and spoiled the kiddos with custard treats.

We received the teacher placement email this morning. Lilli got the teacher she wanted, Mrs. Wood. She's so excited. So far she knows her friends Estella and Ethan are in her class. Stacey brought the girls to Schwartz Lake to swim and paddleboard for the afternoon. They had a blast. Lilli's new dance group had a super fun get-together at Cherry Berry. They had the party room reserved and had Little Cesar's pizza and then got to have their fro-yo. It was fun to visit with our dance families again. The girls played some games and hung out and played outside together. Adam and Alexa were home and waiting for us to watch America's Got Talent when we got back.

The girls had the Sharp girls over to play today. They came late morning and had lunch together. I got home from work and was sooo tired (too many late nights this week) and ended up taking a short cat nap in the den. It felt so good. I was able to get up and do a workout and then get the girls dinner. Adam took Avery out for wings at Buffalo Wild Wings. He leaves for college this weekend and Adam wanted to take him out for a proper send off. We snuggled in when he got home and watched World of Dance and then called it an early night..finally!

The girls biked up to Emily's to swim for the afternoon, but the path and road to her house is closed due to construction. So, they went to the Budde's and fed their fish and then went back home (fish sitting while they're on vacation). I'm glad they made this decision - that road made me nervous to begin with. Adam and I met up with Jay and Susan Rinke at Bourbon Butcher for happy hour, dinner and then back to our house to hang out and play bags. This was a long over due get together and so happy it finally happened. The girls had Emily spend the night and Chuck and Tammy stayed a bit to visit when they dropped her stuff off.

Adam and I went to the Festival of Fathers event at North Commons Saturday and dropped the girls off at the McCabes to swim. We met up with them afterwards and had such a fun pool day. It was so hot out, so there was nothing we'd rather be doing. We ordered pizza for dinner and played a game with the kids. And watched the 1st Vikings pre-season game.

We got a few errands done around the house Sunday. The basics, laundry that I've been neglecting, vaccuming, etc. We got groceries and ended up scoring a deal on a 70" TV at Sams club. Adam was so excited to get it set up. I made tuna noodle hotdish for dinner and we ran to Target to pick up a few school suppplies for the girls and a stop for custard at Culver's.

The girls had the Sharp's and the Beissel girls over for the day to hang out. They were all gathered around the island when I got home eating pretzels dipped in chocolate. I made chicken alfredo with zoodles for dinner and then we had the Sharp's McCabe's and Beissel's over for mule Monday. Adam made a new mule with fireball, which gave a taste of FALL!! Crazy to think that on such a hot day, but it will be here before we know it. The guys played bags outside and the ladies sat around the bar and visited.

Kaylee and Kenzie came over to hang out in the afternoon. The girls have so much fun with their friends during the day. I love it. Adam came home, did a work out and I made lasagna for dinner. We had a little family time snuggled up in the basement watching America's Got Talent. Adam and I were up late brewing our new batch of Kombucha and also doing Jolene's double batch. Alexa had a tummy ache, but slept it off and is better now.

The girls had a chill day at home. Adam came home and mowed. I worked on my blog and did a workout. Adam grilled chicken wings for dinner and I made potato crips in the oven. We watched World of Dance w/ the girls in the basement.

Lilli had her first orthodontist appointment right away in the morning. She seemed a little nervous, but was a total beast and rocked all the pictures and x-rays they had to take of her teeth. Dr. Bonvino said she thinks everything is set to go and braces will go on on September 28th. I'm anxious for Lilli to get started and hoping she has as good of an experience as Alexa did. Adam packed up and left for Moorhead to my brothers house for fantasy football draft weekend with the guys. Matt picked him up and they rode together. Alexa had school pictures at the middle school. We went with Michelle and Mackenzie. She got her schedule and locker, too. I can't believe we are to this point already - back to school! The girls and I ran to Hyvee and target quick for some things and then home for dinner and to finish packing for the cabin. The girls slept with me and we watched the new show, Made It, before bed.

Lilli came to work with me in the morning for a bit and then Stacey and Ellie picked her up to go to the Apple Valley Waterpark. Alexa was picked up at 8:30 by Bridget to babysit Turner and Maddox for the day. She made $40 :) The girls showered when they got home and we finished packing our things up for our cabin vacation. We left the house around 5:30, stopped at Little Cesar's for a cheese pizza to eat on the way up and got there around 9:15. My parents were there waiting for us. My dad made popcorn and we played solitaire. It was so fun to teach the girls.

We had the best day at the cabin. We laid around in the pool floats, went swimming and played cards and more cards. The peace and quiet out there is so relaxing. We went to Battle Lake for DQ dinner.

I picked Adam up in Fergus Falls Sunday morning. Matt drove him to the Walmart, where we got groceries for the few days at the cabin. We got back in time for lunch. We played cards while it rained outside. My parents left later in the afternoon and the 4 of us and our pups enjoyed the calm of the rain and played cards all evening.

The next 3 days just run together as we have no concept of time or what day it even is out at the cabin. We fished so much - the girls were absolutely obsessed. They loved being in the boat and finding our sunny holes. The first time out we caught for keeper sunnies and brought them home to fillet. Alexa surprised me and actually touched the fish and helped me out. We spent lots of time on our floats in the lake, drinking coffee, playing cards and watching the puppies swim. It was absolute perfection. We took a trip into town on Monday and went to the candy shop - Granny's Pantry. We stopped at General Dollar and picked up some fairy garden supplies and then the liquor store for a local wine to bring to a ladies night later in the week. Overall, the very best time at the cabin. It was so very hard to leave, as it always is! We got home Wednesday night around 10:30pm.

Lilli had her 5th grade (and last) assessment with her new teacher Mrs. Wood. She said she really really liked her and Adam said she was very nice. She brought her school supplies and found her table group. Both girls did their chores at home and then went to the Beissel's. Adam mowed the lawn, got a haircut and brought my wedding ring to the jeweler. All four prongs were loose. All the ladies had a fun ladies night at Jolene's. We all brought a bottle of wine and something to share. I brought chocolate covered strawberries and a local wine from up near our cabin. Stacey brought chicken wings, Michelle brought ham and cheese pinwheels and Jolene had an amazing spread of cheese, crackers and fruit. We sipped on samples of wine and nibbled on fancy food while putting together our dance carpool schedule - a task that requires all the wine. We played games and watched old dance recital videos. It was a blast. All the guys were at our house playing poker in the garage.

We were all pretty beat after a couple busy night after coming back from vacation, so we chilled in the basement and ordered pizza for dinner Friday night. We caught up on all our shows, AGT and World of Dance.

The girls had their kids event Saturday. It was Alexa, Lilli, Kaylee, Kenz and Emily's event. They had everyone meet up at our house on their bikes at noon with a bag lunch, swimsuit and towel. Then they rode to the park where they had a picnic and played kickball. Adam and I later walked the dogs down to the park to deliver a fun little clue that led them back to our house for a scavenger hunt. With each clue there was a pool noodle with a letter written on it. The clues were at our house, then the Beissels and then to the McCabes where they unscrambled the letters in their pool. It spelled ICECREAM SUNDAE which was their grand prize. They had pizza for dinner and a fun sleepover! Adam and I (and the Sharps) volunteered at Elko Speedway for dance. We were in the consession stand from 4:30-9:30 - non stop running. It was such a busy night at the track. It turned out to be much more fun that I expected! We go back on Sept 29th. We went to Lakeville Brewery with Stacey and Bryson and Sarah and Drew afterwards for a drink and dinner.

We picked the girls up from the McCabe's and then went to Powderhorn park with the Beissel's for a little circus in the park. We packed a picnic lunch, walked the grounds and then watched the show. It was about an hour and featured 2 Defy Gravity! It was fun! We dropped the girls off at home and the Adam and I went to the liquor store for some wine for my Norwex party and some munchies at Target. We spent the rest of the evening cleaning the house, mowing the lawn, etc. We watched a movie with the girls before bed. Lilli came into our room around 3am having had a couple bad dreams and seeing lightning outside.

The girls were at the Beissel's in the afternoon and then ended up staying for dinner and over night. Lilli went to play with Ellie for a bit and then back to the Beissel's. I love that these families are our second families to our kids. I got home from work and immediately started working on getting food ready for my Norwex Party. I dipped strawberries in chocolate and had green grapes, cheese, meat and crackers, some chex mix munchies and pretzels (some dipped in chocolate). About an hour before the party a huge storm rolled thru. Heavy rain and bad lightning and thunder. A few people backed out because of it but I still had a wonderful turn out. 9 ladies were there and our host, Pam, was amazing and super knowledgable. We were filled with great info and laughed a ton. We sipped on wine and snacked..and everybody put their orders in. I can't wait to try some new Norwex products!!

The girls hung out at the Beissel's all day - I made them come home to shower and clean up before Alexa's Open House at the middle school. We had her Bobcat meeting at 5:30 and were introduced to her teachers. Then got to go to the classrooms and talk to them individually. I can't believe she's the big leader in the school this year - last year of middle school. She's going to have a great year. Her teachers seems really fun.

The girls spent all day helping our friend Mrs. McCabe in her 1st grade classroom getting it all set up for the year. They had so many 'jobs' and were excited to tell us all about them at dinner. Our friends Amy & Chad and their girls Sydney and Macy came over. It's been such a long time since we've hung out with them - it was nice to catch up and visit. Adam and Chad played bags and then Amy and I joined for a game. We moved to the bar in the basement because it was freezing out. We had a blast talking and laughing. We have missed them so much and were so happy to reconnect.

The girls had Taylor and Katelyn over for the day. Then I picked them up early afternoon for their well child checks with Dr. Dotson. They are both thriving and healthy. No concerns for either one. They even took the 'failure to thrive' diagnosis and 'underweight' off Alexa's chart. Yay! So much progress in the year and a half since they've been there. We made baked ziti for dinner and then Adam took off to the park down the street for our neighborhood bean bag tournament. He won, of course. And then played a second tournament, and won that one, too. He made $125. :) The girls and I made my next batch of kombucha and some fun peanut butter krispy treats.

Friday August 31st was the 1 year anniversary of buying our house. Adam and I feel so blessed to be able to have our dream home and location. It's been an amazing year and we look forward to many more together in our house on Embers. The girls had Ellie over for lunch and to hang out in the afternoon. We took the girls school shoe shopping at Famous Footwear. They both found some super cute shoes and are so happy with them. We made nachos for dinner and watched World of Dance.