Happy Fall!

Today is officially the first day of Fall.  We are already seeing the leaves change in our neck of the woods.  This view greeted Delanie and I this morning on our way to school.  It really takes your breath away.  What a great way to start our day!! :)

Cat vs. dog

Obviously Sugar doesn't see Bailey as a threat.....

Missing my baby...

Man is it hard to live without this kid!  He's been in Texas since June and we can barely stand it.  We all miss him so much.  Delanie can even be found huddling under his favorite blanket several times a week.  Jim spent months without a single video game since his gamer buddy was gone.   :(

I know I have to let him spread his wings but, I'm not going to lie, I don't like it!  He's having a ball with Maci & his friends in Texas so that gives me some contentment.  My baby is all grown up and making his own decisions.  I can't believe he turns 18 next month!  Thankfully, we get to visit and celebrate together.  Fair warning, G-man.......I'm going to be on you like white on rice!

Simply beautiful...

Mary

Jim & I finally got an up close look at the statue of Mary in our neighborhood.  She is simply stunning!  The construction company had to temporarily relocate her to start building on the property behind our home.  Before that, only Garrett and Maci were brave enough to trek across the field to see her.  It was worth the wait.  What a great guardian we have! :)

Deer feeder

During a recent conversation at work, Jim and Brian - one of his coworkers - were talking about all the deer we see roaming around our neighborhood.  Shortly after, Brian built us this incredible deer feeder.  Isn't it awesome?!  We put it in the backyard just outside the dining room window.  The deer usually feed at dusk so it's been so fun to watch them come right up to our doorstep! :)

Bea comes to town

I don't think I realized quite how much I missed Charlene until I actually saw her again.  It's been so difficult living away from her.  We are two peas in a pod and I couldn't get enough of her.  She flew to Minnesota on her own for a 10 day visit and I loved every minute of it! 

We stayed busy the entire time!  We visited the port of Excelsior, flea market, farmers market, our favorite restaurants.......you name it!  I'm late getting this posted. (Charlene was here at the end of July.) I already miss her lize crazy again!  I cannot wait to hug her neck & kiss her pretty face when I go to Texas next week!!

Bea's visit was perfect timing.  Delanie came home from six weeks in Texas a few days before Charlene had to leave.  Lot's of girl time......hugging, giggling, boob-grabbing fun! :)

Garrett's new ride!

It's official......Garrett has his own car!  He could not be more proud!  :)  Isn't he just the cutest thing you've ever seen???

Jackpot!

This is the face of an extremely happy man!  We decided to check out the local casino - Mystic Lake - and Jim won big!  Mystic Lake is located on the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.  It's a really nice casino but no alcohol is served.  It's a wonder Jim made it the entire day!  :)

Lake Calhoun

It was the perfect weekend to ride bikes around Lake Calhoun......a breezy 70 degrees and full-out sunshine!  Located in Minneapolis, Lake Calhoun is a gathering place for some of the more interesting people in Minnesota making it the perfect place to people watch. 

This sign is a perfect example of the Calhoun atmosphere.  Delanie almost choked when she saw it! 

The three mile trek around the lake is so beautiful.  You see everything... people painting landscapes, sunbathers, family picnics and beach volleyball.

There a great concession stand on the lake that offers fresh fish, smoothies and all types of yummy snacks.  It made for the perfect pit stop. 

I think my favorite part of the lake is Wheel Fun Rentals.  They rent bikes, canoes, paddleboards, paddleboats...... you name it.  I think we will try out the canoes next time! 

My handsome husband on the way home.....

This is what Delanie thinks of my handsome husband........her head is shaking as she laughs at his antics.  :)