Tahoe trip 2021

Shecklet #2 had the trip of the summer thanks to his grandparents, uncle & aunt. This kid got to experience everything from flying high (literally) to getting down and dirty. His aunt wrote an amazing recap of his week with them on her blog. I’m so grateful she took the time to document the things that they did. She provided us with WAY more detail than our 13 year old! Bri included numerous photos of their adventures on her post, but here are a few of them as well.

Before he left for his trip, he needed a pair of shoes that would grip, not slip. These fit the bill.

The travelers had an early morning flight. I dropped them off before 4am.

The kitties made sure to warm up the bed for Shecklet #2. First day they hit the bike trails.

Day 2. The first 4 miles of this bike ride were up hill. But they made it!

Always the jokester!

They had clear skies to start the trip, but the fires eventually impacted the views.

Ride stats:

Parasailing with his aunt and grandma. Shecklet #2 got to go twice!

Camping with Uncle Jason and Grandpa.

Hiking with Jason and Bri. The views are amazing!

This terrain area was inspiration for making a track back home at Grandma and Grandpa’s house. The picture of Shecklet #2 launching off the jump is one of my favorites from the week.

Check out the size of those pine cones!

Heading out for another ride. It’s awesome to have an uncle that can tire a teenager out!

Per the stats: Lunch Walk

Off road drive with Jason and Grandma.

Like I said, Shecklet #2 had an amazing summer adventure! He’s already talking about going back during the winter to experience the ski runs with snow. We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of family for giving this kid a vacation to remember!

Father’s Day 2021

Celebrating this guy today.

And gathering with family to also celebrate Dave’s birthday. (Missing Aunt Bri – Uncle Jason made a solo ling weekend trip this time.)

First “real” ride of 2021 🚴‍♂️

Jake took the kids on their first mountain bike ride today. His parents met him at Carver Lake trails. Afterwards, they went to his parents’ house for a bit. I stayed home due to a lingering migraine 😖. I didn’t think the sun and bouncing would be good for my head today. Instead, I finished up the second process of the tie dyed shirts, cleaned the garage, touched up the mailbox paint, and pulled weeds. We ended the evening swimming with friends (well the kids swam, the adults supervised.) It was a great end to a full weekend.

Weekend work at Nissedalen

Three of the four Shecklets went north with Jake and his parents to help with various projects at Nissedalen. Grandma Patti sent me this photo of Shecklet #4.

First Communion – Shecklet #4

Today was a day that Shecklet #4 has been counting down to for several weeks! Her godparents came to town to witness her First Communion with us. We were also joined by Grandma Patti, Grandpa Dave, Great Grandma Lois, Aunt Kari, Aunt Larissa, and several friends. Our little girl is definitely loved!

In his homily, Fr. Jim asked the kids if any of them had thought about what they wanted to be when they grew up. (He was relating his question to the call the apostles had once Jesus ascended to Heaven.) Shecklet #4 volunteered her answer last. She said she wants to be a saint! This sweet girl has always had an extra special dose of compassion for others and deep feeling of God’s presence in her life. I look forward to continuing to watch her grow in her faith.

One of my friends was able to capture some beautiful pictures of Shecklet #4 receiving the Eucharist. And Jake recorded a video. After mass, we had an opportunity to take a photo with our pastor, Fr. Jim.

We continued our celebration with a reception at our house. Huge thanks to M&M for helping set out/prep the food for everyone after mass. And special thanks to Shecklet #1 for sharing his ice cream cake for dessert – it was a popular choice with our friends and family!

Congratulations, Shecklet #4! We are so happy for you! What a beautiful day!

May Day

It was a gorgeous day today – full of activities, family, and friends.

Shecklet #1 went north last night and has been working at Nissedalen – doing with manual labor. Grandma Patti has kept us in the loop by sending photos of their progress.

The girls had track meets this morning and did a great job! The weather was a million times better today than last week. It was so much fun seeing the encouragement the girls had for each other as well as the fans in the stands cheering for the kids as they ran towards the finish line.

After track, Shecklet #4 went to her Aunt Larissa’s for her birthday overnight. (The kids look forward to this opportunity every year!) One of their projects was a fairy garden 🧚‍♂️

Shecklets #3 and 2 hung out at home while Jake and I attended the First Communion mass of our goddaughter. It was so good to see her and her family! It had been about a year and a half since we last saw them in person.

On our way home, we picked up take-out from a local Mexican place. Delish! And so nice to not have to cook or clean up any dishes!

I had a nice call with one of my aunts this evening – we got caught up in life and tried to solve a few of the world’s problems in the process 😊

Today has been a great start to May!

Easter 2021

It was wonderful to be back in our church to celebrate Easter Sunday this year.

My MIL had her second knee replaced a week and a half ago, but she and my FIL were willing to let us bring food and gather at her house on Easter Sunday. Two of Jake’s sisters, a BIL, and the kids’ cousin, as well as our family friends, all joined us for the afternoon. The weather was amazing!

The kids hunted for eggs. Aunt Kari made things challenging for the older kids!

Chainsaw

For some reason, this kid finds chainsaws extremely interesting. (The way she says the word itself is hilarious.) Grandpa Dave let her rev his up today. I wonder if she has a future in tree care or firewood sales.

Cricket pie

There are some things I just don’t have the heart to correct when my kids say them. When we celebrate my MIL’s birthday each year, we have grasshopper pie for dessert. (Growing up, there were numerous March birthdays in her family, so they got caked-out by the middle of the month, which is when her birthday is.) Shecklet #4 calls is “cricket pie,” which I think is really cute – even at 8 years old.

Seeing pink

Our nephew is gaining a co-pilot later in the year and we are SO excited!

The news was shared with us at my MIL’s birthday party dinner tonight. First we saw our nephew’s shirt and then later, he gave Grandma Patti a flower with a little balloon that says “Baby Girl” along with an ultrasound photo on pink paper.