thank you Veterans!

Huge thank you to all the Veterans who have made our freedom possible. Thank you Clarence Jr., Chuck, Bud, Brad, Brent and Stuart. We salute you.

photo album complete

After bringing in the dock sessions yesterday, the boys and I went for a walk down to the local park at the lake and played for a little while. Then, I took the girls and Ike to Siren to do a little shopping. I purchased a photo album at the scrapbooking store.

When we got back to the house, Ibby and Molly helped pick what photo studio made a nicer product. We chose and then I made a photo album out of the photos so I can show to loved ones so they can choose which pictures they would like for their collection.

Here is the front cover...

good day sunshine!

The temperature is currently 30 degrees and the high is expected to be 41. We are planning on heading north and bringing in the remainder of the dock and doing some more work to get ready for winter. I plan on getting as much outside time as possible because these days are getting shorter and shorter.


We made it to the lake and got all the dock sections onto shore. It was looking a little precarious as we were driving and seeing a lot of water that was frozen. Big Wood Lake was looking just great though!

 our brave Brad with his waders in the water

 Ike helping as much as he could...tried to lift a plank all by himself

 father Bud and son Brent on shore discussing strategy

grandpa Bud and grandson Ike running the winch to pull in the two boat lifts and end doc section

look at where they were

I was dusting the other night and found Anders Kindergarten year book. I took pictures and sent them to friends whose children were featured. It's pretty incredible how quickly time passes. Anders is in the bottom photo. Many athletic, music and theater stars are included in the group. So fun!

Homecoming Queen Alex

and Division I NDSU football recruit Joe Stoffel #6

Wildcat marching drum major Dominick Jackson--first on left

and my personal favorite Tuba, Euphonium, Bass, Actor, Swimmer and Tennis player Anders Olson

first official university visit to UW Eau Claire

On Tuesday, Brad, Anders and I traveled east to visit the campus of UW Eau Claire. It was a visit day dedicated to students interested in music or theater. The Blue Gold Marching band is 450 strong and if Anders chooses this option, it would be truly amazing if he chooses to march for the Blue Golds.

The campus was lovely, the music and theater departments look strong and a big group of RFHS students were there together to check out the campus--Jackson, Wes, Natalie, Aaron, Anders and Mitch all explored together. They saw some alum of RFHS in the journeys and they all said they would love to give them more information about campus.

Here is Anders as we getting ready to have our visit

As we walked around campus, we saw a photo of our friend, Mike who is on the Athletic Hall of Fame as a Blue Gold

she's 39 again!

My dear brother wishes his beautiful wife a happy 39th birthday today. I know it's not the first time he's made this wish for her. She is a pretty special lady and I'm so happy Kyle wooed her many years ago.

happy 11th birthday Ivan George!

Our sunshiny, smart, funny and fun Godson and cousin, Ivan George Olson is 11 years old today. We love you to the moon and back.

school photos 2019

There have been some delays in receiving our school photos this year. Osten and Katie had their photos taken in early September and I had my photo taken in late September. I have had my photos for a few weeks...we are still waiting for Osten and Katie's photos. Evidently there have been some processing issues with their photos but I have received their digital images so here are the four Olson's in 2019

spirit award winner

Yesterday was a big day for RFSD. The Cross Country team placed 12th in the state. The bands played beautiful music and Anders was recognized with the Wildcat Spirit Award at the marching band awards banquet. 

I will miss having a student participating in marching band, but will continue to support River Falls music and arts. Such incredible hard work and dedication. 

 

Anders is just right of the right microphone

Performing a full field show on a tight gym floor

Anders with his section as they receive their senior gifts

end of season for football, Wildcat boys at state cross country today and Anders and the Marching Cats in exhibition this afternoon

Culmination of a lot of hard work today.

We watched the Wildcats lose 16-14 to Merrill in a heartbreaker last night. We were lucky to be curled up in our cozy living room by the fireplace.

Anders long time friend, Joey Madsen is competing with his fellow River Falls Wildcat runners at State Cross country today. This is the first time since the 1980s that the team qualified for state. Run Joey, Mason, Grant, Jason, Brandon, Dustin and Marcus. They run at 2:30 and Michelle, Joey's Mom assured me she would text me when the race is complete.

This afternoon, we will be treated to a band concert at the River Falls High School. I will work the spaghetti dinner and then this evening, we will see the state champion Marching Wildcats perform an encore in the gym.

An exciting day for certain.

he's home!

After a week in the Denver area, our wonderful Dad and husband is home! I will be leaving shortly to pick up some pizzas and we plan on watching the River Falls Wildcats football team in their second round of the playoffs. Go Wildcats!

photo from last week's win--Joe Stoffel in foreground and Osten's favorite player, Peyton Flood in the background