Silly kids and mom!

We had to run to Target quick today.  I don't always like to do that with Cooper here, but sometimes I just have to!  At check-out they asked for stickers.  They put them on when we got home and this is where they decided that they fit best.  On their belly buttons!

They wanted some chips with lunch so I told them they could split this bag.  After snacking on ONE chip, they both were like "these are spicy!"  I was like "no they're not!  they are just the regular doritos!"  Ha!  Then I checked the bag...red bag still but SPICY nacho not just cheesey nacho!  I tasted one and they do have a little bit of a kick to them!  Whoops!

Six months of missing my dad!

Today at about 7:30AM marks the 6th month of my dad passing away.  It is hard to believe. Somedays it feels like it was just yesterday that Our Lady told us that he was actively dying that day that they admitted him to the hospice.  That is a day & nightlong journey that is etched in my mind forever.  The people that work there are so compassionate.  So caring.  So honest.  Truly angels on earth.  Working with people that are dying is something that has become truly a journey.  It is not just dying anymore.  Our Lady makes sure that everyone has what they need to continue living while they are dying.  I wish everyday that my dad would have spent more days at the Hospice facility.  I am blessed to know that he lived in a house with his mom for the years that he did, but I feel sadness knowing that a lot of people did not visit him because he was living with his mom.  I think people felt like they did not want to intrude on her house.  I am so glad that Lynette was his hospice nurse.  I wish I could have spent more time knowing her.  Knowing how she was taking such good care of my dad for probably the last 6 months or so of his life.

I can honestly say that there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of my dad.  I see a photo and I think of him.  I think of a memory and I am reminded of him.  I see "grandpa's" out there, and I think of him.  I think of the time that we had with him and I believe we are blessed but a part of me feels like we were "cheated" of more time with him.  It is part of being human.  I am sure that there is not a person out there that wouldn't wish for one more day with someone.  But, then, we would wish for another and another.

I have been working on scanning photos for months.  Here are some old ones that I found of dad.  He was only like 20 or 21 in these photos.  I really see Tommy in my dad in these photos.

  

I love and miss you so much dad!  Love you more!

 My dad kept the sunglasses that he was wearing in this photo.  They were his air force ones. Funny to know that they are back in style again!

Reese and I needed a distraction today, so I found a recipe for pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.  Sounds interesting and I have a can of pumpkin and chocolate chips, so we are set to go!

Yum yum!  Notice the one missing from the pan!  We had to try one and they are delicious!

Impromptu trip to the park

I think daddy was up north getting hunting stuff ready so I took the kids on a spur of the moment trip to the park up by Target in Club West.  We have driven by this park many times on the way up to BBC for baseball but this was the 1st time stopping.

The kids played on the park for a while, then we headed over to the little pond area where there is a neat bridge and gazebo area.  

As we were looking in the water, I saw these patches of darkness.  I thought that they were just weeds in the pond.  CArter pointed out to me that they indeed were NOT weeds but a bunch of little fish!  Oh my gosh!  These were huge schools of fish for being in this little pond area!  No wonder I see people fishing over here sometimes!

Go Carts and Mini Golf!

An 80 degree day the end of September, who can complain!  I had a groupon and told Carter that if he wanted to invite a few friends to go he could, sort of a little birthday party!!!

Ben in the blue car, Carter in the orange and I couldn't see Matt!

Stopped for a treat after Lilli-putt, i hopped of the car for a minute at Ben's house and this is what happened!  Boys taking photos!  Nice ice-cream mustache CJ!

Dawson Football Game - its a win!

It has been fun watching Dawson play football!  I think the boys are having fun and they are doing pretty well too!  

Dawson actually got to run with the ball today too for a play!  I think he made it about 5 yards and daddy didn't even see him run!

The girls found some kids to play with - Austin and Teddy's big brothers.

What a pretty sunset tonight!

Uncle Joe's birthday!

Happy birthday, Uncle Joe!  Thanks for being such a fun uncle!

Last day of SD fun and LONG drive home!

We got up, got ready, had a little breakfast and went for a walk this morning - there is a trail right out the back of the hotel.  We walked to the other side of this little creek and discovered that we had walked all the way to the end (right across the creek from our hotel) and could not cross, so we had to walk all the way back!  It was a great walk though!

Cass was going to take off early so she could make it home.  Cindy's bus did not come until later in the day so I said that I would hang out.

These coffee's were from the wine & coffee shop across the parking lot of the hotel!

We had some lunch together and then Cass took off since she has a longer drive.

Cindy and I headed back to the falls to walk around some more.  We hit the other side of the falls this time. We also did some "soul-talking!" Some tears may have been shed by both of us and some hugs given.  Man, I love my girls!  There are a few of them that have just been there for me and I hope I have been there for them.  So glad that they are in my life!

Cindy and I headed downtown for a while.  So many things are closed on Sundays here!  We found a shop or 2 open so we browsed.  And took photos with statues around the city!  

Cindy and I headed to the mall, did a little shopping, had some dinner and then I dropped her off at the bus station.  The sunset was absolutely stunning in my rearview mirror!

Ah...Minnesota!  Too bad the shorter part of the drive was from SD to MN...I still have a long way to go!  Stopped at a gas station, got a snack and a coffee and headed home!  Until next time, girls!