Mel's Cabin

I was lucky enough to have last weekend off from work so Jon, Arie, Mila, Jon's sister, Kristina, his parents, Jon's cousin,Melissa, her husband, Chris, and I went up to Melissa and Chris' cabin near Cayuna.

It was a much needed weekend after a very busy few weeks at work, and a busy time at home.  We were so lucky to have some time away.  It was a playground for us all.  We canoed, went on the paddle boat, and the paddle board...we went swimming, we played in the sand, Jon caught some frogs and minnows for the girls, and we saw loons, golden finches, and woodpeckers...and incredible sunsets.  

I was reminded this weekend of what life was really about.  Life is about love, family, friends, memories,  and laughter.  Life isn't about the things you own, the money you make, the job you have, or the car you drive.  It's really easy to forget that sometimes.  

I feel so blessed to have a job I love- one in which I make a real difference in the world--even if it's a very small difference.  I feel blessed to have my family and friends and our memories.  

Life is good.

I'm very excited to close out the summer--this summer was another busy one!  I will be starting class next week and it sounds funny but our life actually slows down with the start of a school year, and I'm very much looking forward to it.  

I'm also very excited for fall....the colors, the baking, the getting ready for the holidays, the football...togetherness.

Below are a few photos from this past weekend.  

We really had a blast! 

Minnehaha Falls

Miss Arie and I had a full day...so the writing on this post will be short. 

We went to Minnehaha Falls today without a stroller.. so Arie walked everywhere with me.  She loved walking in the pools, throwing rocks, and naming everything she saw... bicycles, puppies, houses, doors, flowers...

We had a great time, and I was living in the present the whole time!!  I probably should have done a few things that "needed" to get done...but we had a great time...and things will get done (eventually).  

looking at what other kids were up to

seriously- will you get that thing outta my face?

Flower Farm Playdate

Arie's daycare is off this week so I had today off with her.  Luckily, Kristina and Mila were available to join us on our adventure to a local flower farm.  It was about 10 miles north of Stillwater, and just gorgeous!

I've been wanting to visit a flower farm for months--ever since I saw pics of my friends in the Pacific Northwest and their adventure to tulip farms.  I'm so glad Arie and I had a chance to visit Renee and her farm.  The girls had a blast walking through the pretty flowers, feeling the "brain" flowers, catching toads, and getting lost in them.  I even got to see two humming birds!

Here are a few photos from today's adventure...

Dollhouse Fun

Arie and I had a fun-filled weekend.  Jon was gone most of the weekend and so Arie and I went to some rummage sales.  We found this awesome dollhouse for $5....and Arie is in love with it!  When I was a little girl, I'd always wanted one.  It's been fun watching her play with it.

She undressed all of her dolls...dressed the baby..then undressed the baby.... The piano plays music so she danced...she brought the baby to the potty and let it sit on the toilet...and after a few seconds she asked the baby if it was done.."you done?  all done??"  She often asks her dolls the same questions I ask her...

She's such a funny girl.

Not my best photography, but had to share these little moments...