Two Funny Birthday Cards

From Shari:

From Brad:

Patriot Marching Band

We attended the parade today, and it was a beautiful morning for a parade. I only managed to take two pictures, both of my alma mater Century Patriot Marching Band. I look back fondly on my days in marching band, and I was so proud to be part of the Patriot Marching Band.

I'm not usually one to be critical, but most of the bands looked pretty shabby. Even St. Mary's, which is often the sharpest band in a parade, was out of step and sloppy. Maybe they are heavy on the lower classmen.

A couple of bright spots: New Salem looked and sounded pretty good, and BHS has added fun choreography to their cadence.

Candy is the big draw for the boys, and they came home with enough to rot their teeth for a few months.

Garage Makeover

Our garage makeover is nearly complete.

One neighbor commented that we should move our TV out there and turn it into our new living room. Another neighbor commented that he liked all the new outlets we added. Can't have too many outlets!

Now Brad won't have to fold in the mirrors on his Suburban to pull into the garage.

PaPa's Pumpkin Patch

We went to PaPa's pumpkin patch today, which, unbeknownst to us, was opening day. Here are some snaps from the day.

Spongebob Lynched!

Connor had his first "friend" birthday party this year, including a Spongebob pinata. We had never done a pinata before, and it was awesome! It worked just like it was supposed to, and the kids loved it.

In keeping with the Spongebob theme, Dylan drew this on the driveway.

The kids played Twister and had chocolate cake.

Happy Birthday, Connor

On this day in 2001, a beautiful boy was born. And now, he's six!



Here's looking at you, kid! (Note awesome Fly-O-Vision gift card from his Uncle Curt & Aunt Alicia)

Baby Leah's Christening

We zipped up to Devils Lake this weekend for Leah's christening. I hadn't been there before, and I have to say, there's a whole lot of nothing between here and there. Not that it wasn't a nice drive, but the towns sure are few and far between up that-a-way.


Here's Susan's father with part of his toy tractor collection. He built a little house in his yard so he could store and display them. Chase seems to have inherited this gene from him.


He also has a golf cart to scoot around the neighborhood in. Dylan did quite well driving it.

Oh, Shari

Shutterbug!


Thanks for visiting!

Back to School

Another school year begins for our third grader:


And a new era begins for our kindergartner:


I only brushed away a few tears when we dropped him off after lunch today.

Up Up Up

The National Weather Service hosted an open house today, during which they released a weather balloon. Before the release, they explained a bit about the process of collecting weather data with the balloons. Our local weather station releases two balloons every day, at a cost of about $500 a pop.

Here's a shot of the little box that contains the equipment. It looks suspiciously like a Chinese takeout box.


There was even a guy on a real red phone, which I think was some kind of direct line to the airport tower, so they could get last-minute clearance to launch.


Here's the set up...


...and the take off.

I can still see it!

Saturday Brunch

French Toast!

Rocket Man

Sunday was Cub Scout Rocket Day. Dylan had a BLAST.

Building the rocket.


Packing the rocket.


Ready on the launch pad.


After retreiving his rocket.

Reunited

This weekend was the CHS Class of 1987 20th reunion. I was hesitant to go, but it went really well. It turns out people DO grow up. It also helped that my first drink was a stiff one.



Rift played the dance, which was the main reason I went. They were a big hit.


And my outfit was so good that it was well worth the weeks of shopping it took to find it.


I was proud of myself because I worked the room and talked to a lot of people. It was actually good to talk to my classmates and catch up. It was also a nice reminder of how well my own life has turned out (so far).

Dave & I had lockers side-by-side for six years.


Craig has two adorable kids.


Dean's wife Hannah was a BLAST.


Click here for photos on the CHS reunion website.
Click here for photos on the BHS reunion website.

There were several people I wanted to see who didn't come, but there's talk of a 25th!

Michelle (VH) F. did a lot of work to make this reunion happen. Thanks, Michelle!