A Sweet Ride

Dave turned 40 on August 24. For months previous to this, he has been jokingly saying that he was going to buy a motorcycle for his mid-life crisis. The kids all agreed that it would be a great idea. Imagine his surprise when I surprised him with one (for the weekend) for his birthday. The picture at the top of the page is taken just as the garage door was opened to reveal the present.

Originally I was planning on renting one from the local Harley dealership but a family friend volunteered his instead (THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!). Here Dave is getting instructions from him.

Dave has operated a motorcycle in the past and still has the endorsement on his drivers' license. But I don't think he was quite prepared for the power this machine has. I was standing at the end of the driveway when he rolled it into the street and hit the accelerator for the first time. He was very surprised. haha!

He rode the Harley all weekend until it's owner came and took it home. There may have even been a tiny tear in his eye when he handed over the keys. Now I just have to get the idea of one of his own out of his head!!

Lordy, Lordy look who's 40.....

Happy 40th Birthday Dave!

Carver County Fair!!

County Fair 2009

August 4-9th was the Carver County Fair in Waconia. We have been looking forward to it all summer long. The kids worked so hard on their projects and with their animals to prepare for it. For 5 days we spent hours each day at the fair. By our own choice! (yes, we are fair junkies). We looked at exhibits, ate fair food, cared for animals, worked in the 4-H Foodstand, went to the demo derby and so much more. All 5 of us entered in different competitions and all 5 of us earned ribbons....even Dave! It really was a wonderful week. We can't wait for next year. Hope you enjoy our slideshow of the fun we had.

Miss Me?

Ok, Ok....I know, I know. It's been a while since I've blogged. Too long. Summer and it's activities have kept us busy. It's hard to blog when you are outside all the time. I completed many posts today. Be sure to look back on this blog to see what we've been up to. Hope you enjoy and I promise I won't disappear for so long next time.

Getting ready for the fair

County fair is quickly approaching. Lauren & Benjamin have been working hard on their projects. They have both decided to show a llama and a chicken this year along with an assortment of other projects. It will be exciting to see them in action at the Carver County Fair. The fun begins August 4th.

Lauren playing the piano at Performing Arts judging


Cutting out the pattern for her skirt she is making

Benjamin getting ready to make bread in a bag

Benjamin's Llama

Summer vacation

Last week we spent a few days on vacation. We started off the trip with a stop at Itasca State Park where the kids got to walk across the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. Next we went to a friends' cabin on Lake Lizzie near Pelican Rapids.

Twins Game

On Sunday, we all went to the Twins game. After the game they let all the kids run the bases. A few pictures from that experience.

In centerfield


Batter up!

Running the bases

On the Twins logo behind home plate