Friends since…

The later 2000’s. The adults met at SJB when there were only 4 kids between the 6 of us. Now we have 10!

It was a lovely day for a walk at Bunker Regional Park followed by dinner out for just the adults. Lots of laughs, which were welcomed by everyone.

HBD #11 to Shecklet #3 πŸŽ‚

Shecklet #3 turned 11 today! She celebrate with friends last night. We thought 2-3 would be able to come over, but we ended up hosting 13 girls! They watched a movie outside, ate pizza and dessert, and played nighttime games in the yard. It was SO good to see them do normal kid activities again. πŸ’•

Today there were gifts, Chinese take out for dinner, and pumpkin cheesecake for dessert.

Airsoft afternoon

Friends from church invited the guys to play airsoft this afternoon. They came home sweaty and tired and excited to play again.

Visit from the Schmidtshow

My cousin and his family came to visit over the weekend. 8 kids, 4 adults, lots of laughs, and new memories made. The kids connected like they were old friends, which was awesome to see. The adults enjoyed sitting around the kitchen table and catching up over Crown Royal peach with sweet tea. We took in a Twins game (unfortunately, they did not win,) but it didn’t matter. It was just great to get to spend time with family.

This is what family looks like.

First CC race πŸƒ

Shecklet #2 is giving cross country a try as a way to get in shape for the ski season. I’m super proud of him for trying something new.

Apple orchard visit 🍎 🍏 🍎

Shecklets #1 and 3 spent the day with Aunt Larissa while Shecklets #2 and 4 went with Jake and me to the lake to help take out and wash down the dock. Larissa took them to the orchard where Grandma Patti works each fall.

Here are some of the latest β€œhow tall” stats for 2021.

Pine Cones 🌲

These enormous pine cones arrived from NV. Shecklet #3 and his Aunt Bri and Uncle Jason found them on a hike, Aunt Kari baked them when she was visiting Jason, and Jason sent them. They are amazing!

Family wedding πŸ₯‚

Weddings are often the only time we get a β€œfancy” family photo. Today we attended the vow renewal and reception for one of Jake’s cousins. It was a beautiful day and a fun reason to celebrate with family.

No, Jake isn’t shorter than Shecklet #1…yet. He’s leaning forward a bit in the above photo, so it looks like Shecklet #1 has passed him up.