Como Zoo!

Last Sunday we went to Como Zoo with the kids. This is the first time Gracie and Zach have been there. It was a beautiful day and the kids did absolutely wonderful. 

We got there at 10:30am and did not leave until 3:30pm.  I was expecting by 1-2pm during normal nap time for them both, we would start having major meltdowns, but they surprised us. 

 The minute we hit the car seats though they were out like lights!

Enjoying some pudding for a snack.

Gracie and Zach looking for the tiger...

Oh here is the tiger!

Mom and Dad are having a good time too!

Look at that tall giraffe!

 

Walking through the Japanese gardens.

We all had a GREAT day. Lots and lots and lots of fun!

 Gracie and Zach, several days later, are still making the 'GRAWL' noises.

Year Seven!

September 5th was Marty and I's 7th Wedding Anniversary.

To celebrate we got tickets to the play "Wicked" which was playing at he Orpheum Theater in downtown Minneapolis. You know for us people that live a long way form the big city, out in the country, this is a big deal to go to a play in Minneapolis. We had a wonderful time. We haven't been to a big theater like this.  We have only been to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater, which is slightly smaller. It was neat to experience such a big stage and seating areas with the main floor and balcony that is over top of the entire main floor. The play itself was enjoyable as well. It was a good story and it is always amazing to watch real live actors and actresses at work. They are so talented and entertaining to watch.These pictures are of the theater, for those of you who have never been there. To top the day off, I even got flowers. My favorite variety, daisies and roses. Seven roses actually.  Marty worries about when we get into the double digits for years or up into our 20's or 30's... these flowers could get quite spendy. He might have to switch to just Daisies, which are my favorite flower.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SWEETIE!

MN Army National Guard

Being in the MN Army National Guard isn't easy.  Last week was my Annual Training period for 2010.

Leaving the family for one weekend a month and for up to 2 weeks in the summer is always tough. But it is for my family and friends that I do this.  We need to keep our country safe and lead by example.  We have to give back to what has been given to us by so many other people.  Hopefully me being in the Guard instills a proud set of morals and values in my kids and  the people that know me.  My job on the home front is to get soldiers medically ready for deployment which is critical for the soldier, the state of MN, and the Army as a whole. It isn't easy leaving my family for these sets of times and yes I cross-my-fingers and pray every night that I am not sent on a deployment.  But if my name is called and I am sent, I will be proud to serve and hopefully family and friends are proud to have me serve.  The Army believes in Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.  

(I think I look a little wierd in these pics, but it was the best I could do.)

Thanks to Marty, Gracie, Zach, Mom, Dad, Betty, Joe, sisters, brothers, in-laws, and friends for all the support that is provided to me.  Thanks for helping with the kids when I am away from home!!  I couldn't do it without all of you!

My Soldier of the Year!

In the Guard we say we have our "Family At Home" and then we have our "Guard Family."  Then we have the two families together.  The Guard family couldn't exist without the support of the families we leave at home.  We are so grateful for them!  The top group picture is my "Guard Family." The bottom picture is a picture of the all of us with our families.  My Marty, Gracie, and Zach weren't able to come, but none-the-less it is wonderful to have everyone come together and celebrate our services to each other.  Thank you dear family members of Soldiers. You make it all possible!