Friday, August 31, 2012

44

Happiest of days to our lovely Bud and Betty Olson!  We are eager to celebrate with you this evening. 



Thursday, August 30, 2012

tomato time

Tomatoes that are now processed into 3 pints of tomatoes packed in juice
My inner homemaker is continuing to be developed with the canning of 3 pints of tomatoes last night.  All 3 pints have sealed so next winter the Olsons will be enjoying 3 batches of chili. 

I am so excited to WANT to eat chili during the winter months again.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

stinka

he looks innocent enough...
The Terrific 2's are here.  Last night, Osten asserted his growing personality with wandering around, hiding, and asking to be chased around the library.  His fine pearly chompers also decided to insert themselves into my warm and waiting arm flesh--no marks, but quite painful none the less. 

After exploring the recesses of library offices searching for my sweet 2 year old, I came out to find two of my colleagues who were sporting large smiles and knowing looks as they are the parents of grown children.  More than likely that will be Brad and I some day reflecting on times such as the ones I had just encountered--the Golden Days of parenthood.

Monday, August 27, 2012

happy birthday, Betty!

A warm and wonderful woman was born in 1945 on this day.  Happy Birthday, Betty Jean Swanson Olson!

Betty and Katie creating a lovely painting together

Sunday, August 26, 2012

new dining table

I have been a bit obsessed with shopping for new dining room chairs as our old chairs were very rickety and always made noises if you shifted your weight in the chair.  From a girl who does a lot of fidgeting, it is nice to have a chair that doesn't squeak or squawk every time you move.

In order to buy "new" chairs on craig's list you often have to buy a table too.  Well, we took the plunge and bought a new table and chairs yesterday right after we visited the state fair.  We now have 2 captain's chairs and 4 side chairs that are as sturdy as any chairs I have ever seen and a lovely table that matches our buffet and china cabinet very nicely.  LOVE IT!



Saturday, August 25, 2012

the great Minnesota get together

Today our little family embarked on a journey across the St. Croix River to the great Minnesota get together, the Minnesota State Fair.  We did the park and ride from the corner of Lexington and University.  Our first stop was the go carts where Kathryn and I rode in one car and Anders rode in another. K&K were victorious. Next stop was the Miracle of Life barn where Anders stayed to watch a heifer be born. 

While Anders stayed to watch the birth, Brad, Kathryn, Osten and I were on a mission to see cousins' and their exhibits.  On our way through the collesium, we saw Erika and Kayo who were there to watch Lucas Pierson at the Dairy show.  We then got to the dairy barn and surpised Liana by sneaking up to her and kissing her on the cheek.  We also got to see Ross in the barn.  We then went to see Ross' purple ribbon gilt in the hog barn and Liana's Grand Champion Utility Breeding pair pigeons in the poultry barn.  We then went to pick up Anders and saw Kyle Jr. for a short time. 

We ate some yummy treats...scotch egg, cheese curds, all the milk you can drink, a carmel roll, corn dogs and a deep fried apple pie and then were on our way home right before the rain started falling. 

It was a lovely day at the fair!

Kathryn and I in the black car passing Anders in the red

oinking like Stuart's gilt

Anders, Kathryn and Liana did some hand milking


Kyle's chickens (notice eggs in pen)

Friday, August 24, 2012

whimsy


Missing my Kindergarten friends as school is getting ready to start.  I just love these creative little people.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

homeward journey across highway 2

enjoying lunch at the geographical center of North America--Rugby, North Dakota

Grandpa Bud's hometown watertower

The home where we believe Grandpa Bud grew up

The home where Grandma Betty grew up
On our journey home, we traveled across the northern section of Montana and North Dakota on highway 2.  While we were so close, we stopped by the villages where Grandma and Grandpa Olson spent their formative years.  The weather was perfect and the journey was well tolerated by all. 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

family photos of our Glacier adventure

getting ready to scope the mountain sides for wildlife

Anders lovingly brushing his sister's hair

A nice photo op while waiting in a traffic line


fully clothed Osten
The kids running at the Lodge
cousins saying goodbye at the Jackson Glacier


Tuesday, August 21, 2012

#5 for #5

Happy 5th birthday to bright, cheery, energetic, loving and 5th family member Trenton Anders Blomgren. 
Trenton giving his little cousin a ride in his gator in June

headin for a weddin

cousins

lovely bride on her walk down the aisle (mountain path)

the happy couple

the Q3

On our way from the wedding to the reception caught a family photo at Lake McDonald

the bouquet

Anders and his sponsor--Ibby Gina

The cake, decorated by Shannon

The officiant, Ian with Anders and Brad at the reception

an hour of fun for the kids, trying a wolf call

Sunday, August 19, 2012

happy birthday Henry

To our witty, charming and all around fun nephew Henry...HAPPY 4th Birthday!

Charming Henry (in tie) with winsom Ivan

pickled

Saturday evening was my first attempt at pickling cucumbers.  Our friends, Teri and Jeremy Odegard delivered 20 pounds of cucumbers and a large bunch of freshly picked dill from their garden.  I had never attempted, but thought it was the day to pickle some cucumbers.

My assistant, Kathryn and I enjoyed the process and here are a few pictures:

all the ingredients

Jar of cut cucumbers with brine ready to be bathed in a hot water bath

6 quarts taking a hot tub
I'm hoping for excellent results, but sure enjoyed the process.  We ended up with 14 quarts on our pantry shelves. 

Friday, August 17, 2012

work and fun at Glacier

Nice day at the office for Brad and Bruce outside our motel room

one tough kid with big horn sheep skull

I monster

identifying animal prints

checking out the sun with solar glasses

Bruce, Isaiah, Julie and Katie canoeing on Lake McDonald

Thursday, August 16, 2012

BACOM

upset 2 year old waking family with cry for "BACOM" (bacon)

Daddy cooking bacon for his youngest son who is sporting a messy crying face

sister and brother savoring some "bacom" and toast
On our journey west we drove 3,025 miles.  The kids were incredible, but O had a tricky time one morning when he was craving bacon.  He woke the room by declaring his desire for "BACOM"!  A story for our memory books for sure.

happy St Pattys!

I drive down to St James to help clean Moms assisted living apartment with Kyle, Kim and Joan. Then we took items to Kyle and Kim’s garage. ...