Shecklet #1 is in his element tonight. Grandma Lois called and asked if he would hang her Christmas lights again this year. He said yes, of course! Jake drove him down to her house tonight in an effort to beat the cold temps that are coming our way tomorrow. I’m excited to see how they turn out!
September is a busy month this year, so the annual dock removal and Nissedalen cleanup took place today. We had beautiful weather and had a lot of fun while working together.
We attended 8:30 mass this morning to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The church was full – it was great to see! Shecklet #1 ran the cameras for the livestream and we sat in the pew directly in front of him (at the back of the church.)
After coming home, the kids got changed and hunted for their Easter baskets. Shecklet #4 found hers before mass. We then headed to Grandma Lois’ house to join a few other family members for Easter lunch/dinner. The kids had fun playing with one of their littlest cousins – hunting for eggs, going to the park, and just making her giggle.
The egg hunt this year was full of laughs. Some of the plastic eggs that were hidden in the backyard were found by squirrels who managed to gnaw their way through the plastic and eat the chocolate candy inside!
We even got to see one of Jake’s younger cousins (who was our flower girl almost 20 years ago.) Yes, 2022 is the year of our 20th anniversary! It doesn’t seem possible.)
The girls and I (and a friend of theirs) took a mid-week trip to Nissedalen for a couple of nights. Tuesday was a little cool but Wednesday was perfect.
The girls packed a lot into a short time!
Swimming, kayaking, hide & seek, and a walk.
Turtle races and a visit to the Chocolate Ox.
And diner at Rafferty’s – Grandma Lois’ treat!
Checkers, chess, spoons, swinging in hammocks, throwing rocks into the lake, and lots of laughs. It was so good to see these three play freely.
The moon was full and bright on Wednesday night. I took a similar picture last year when we were at the cabin. It’s so peaceful here and time seems to slow down. I love it.
The time away made the week fly by. Tomorrow the boys come back from Extreme Faith Camp at Trout Lake Camp. I cannot wait to hear all about their week!
Work and play day at the lake. Super hot temps meant the water felt extra refreshing today. Aunt Kristin took the kids tubing, I brought Grandma Lois to pick out flowers and then helped plant them, there was a group effort to blow up the water trampoline, and Jake and the boys helped install a new antenna.
Shecklet #4 asked me to take a few photos of just the two of us.
Blowing up the trampoline.
The Shecklets love their great grandma!
Jake grilled pork chops for us and tenderloin for Grandma Lois & Uncle Steve. His grilling post to FB was pretty funny: “In Nissedalen I like to be even though there is no charcoal. Made a little porkpourri.”
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.
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!
My Grandpa Bill, my dad’s dad, has been gone from us for 34 years. My aunt sent out a few photos of him from his time in the service and afterwards. I’ve edited her captions to say “Grandpa” instead of “Dad.”
Growing up in Iowa, which was a 9 hour drive to where he and my grandma lived in northern MN, we didn’t get the opportunity to make many memories with him. I’m grateful that my aunt has taken the time over the years to scan and document items of our family’s history. Photos like these are treasures. It is fun to be able to share with my kids a little about who their great grandpa was.
Knowing what our family has enjoyed this winter, it’s no surprise that this is our favorite photo from the set sent out today.
Finally, here are my Grandma Fran and Grandpa Bill at my Aunt Ann and Uncle Gene’s wedding in 1979.
I can see my grandpa in two of my cousins and my dad. Family genes are strong.
I took the roses I dried from Papa Dale’s and Astrid’s funerals and put them together in a shadow box. Not only will they no longer collect dust, but I don’t have to worry about them crumbling every time they get bumped.
There is a group of three mini roses in the corner that makes me think of my three girls 🌹🌹🌹
We went to visit Great Grandma Lois and have pizza (her request.) She us had visits from family throughout the month and we were the last ones on the list.
Shecklets #1 & #3 spent the night at their aunt’s house and rung in the new year with cookies, movies, and confetti poppers!
Shecklet #4 went to Grandma and Grandpa’s for the night and sledded on New Year’s Day.
Shecklet #2 stayed with Jake and me and hung out with our friends for the evening. We had a delicious smoked chicken dinner with salad, cheesy potatoes, and dessert. So good! The adults played a game while the boys all watched a movie. We ended the festivities around 10:30, but the three of us ended up making it ‘til midnight once we got home.
