Summer Reflections II

At the end of July, Shantel & I went to visit a friend I taught with when I lived down there. Chris & her niece Jennifer had visited us last year. This year it was our turn to journey their way. Of course we picked the hottest weekend of the summer, but we spent a day in the pool at 'Fish & Fun' where Chris' parents have a cabin and a day at the Water Park in Rockford, Illinois. We also found a shopping center with great air conditioning, so we also got a little shopping in. The picture's of Shantel & Jennifer on a scuplture at Starved Rock Park.


When I returned from Illinois, I had two extra passengers. While in Illinois, I met Mark's daughter and husband, Shannon & Jeff near Chicago for lunch and to pick up Mark's grandchildren, Michael & Grace. It was so wonderful to have them spend time with us. I do have to say though, that I forgot how tired one can get having kids around. They were great kids, but you forget how much work it is, cooking, cleaning, laundry and all. Made me appreciate what my daughter & daughter-in-law go through every week. The picture is from when Michael & Grace went miniature golfing with Braiden & Emma.



We were glad to have a family together before Shannon & family headed back to Michigan. We had a family picnic at our house and it was a beautiful day. Mark and Shaun got the fence done in the backyard, so we had privacy for our picnic. It was fun to have everyone here for the day. We are already plainning for a picnic next summer when Shannon & family come for another visit. We hope to get even more family and friends gathered for that one. My reflections have centered around family and friends, how appropriate.

Summer Reflections Part I

Well, it is now September and that means summer is coming to an end. With September we will see the kiddies heading back to school, the days getting shorter, cooler weather, and leaves turning. It also means that our gardening in Minnesota is drawing to a close. Above is a picture of one of my favorite flowers I grew this year, the Gerber Daisy. They are so vibrant in color! It will soon be time for bon fires and roasting hotdogs and marshmallows over the fire. With all that, I feel I have to reflect on this summer and all that transpired.




The summer began with a wedding of two dear friends from the St. Cloud Singles Club. Barb and Jerry were married over Memorial Day Weekend. Barb had allowed Mark and I to be married in her backyard last September. She and Jerry have a beautiful yard and both weddings were very special. I may have to get her a sign 'Barb & Jerry's Wedding Chapel'. It was a lovely day and great to see the two of them find happiness in their love for each other. Here's a picture of the happy couple.



The summer also allowed me time to spend with my daughter and grandchildren. Shantel, my step-daughter, babysat for Mark's niece at the beginning of the summer. I would drop her off at Kari's home in Becker at 9:00 in the morning, and then head to Jennifer's in Big Lake to spend time with her and the grand kids. It was fun to sit in Jennifer's backyard and watch Braiden & Emma play in the pool and on the slip and slide. It's hard to believe that they are seven and four years old! They grow so fast, it's best we hold on to every memory we can.