happy birthday Grandma B!

In 1904 my strong, hardworking and big hearted grandma B was born. You said what was on your mind. I will always remember your quick wit, green thumb and generous soul. 

strawberry rhubarb crisp

 

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 cups sliced fresh rhubarb or frozen rhubarb, thawed
• 2 cups sliced peeled apples or sliced strawberries
• 1 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• In a large bowl, combine sugar and cornstarch. Add rhubarb and apples or strawberries; toss to coat. Spoon into an 8-in. cast-iron skillet or other ovenproof skillet. 
• In a small bowl, combine the oats, brown sugar, butter, flour and cinnamon until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over fruit. Bake at 350° until crisp is bubbly and fruit is tender, about 45 minutes. If desired, serve warm with ice cream.
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siri days!

We got to pick Siri up in St Paul as her aunt Patty brought her to a bridal shower. We dined at Qdoba, shopped at GoodWill, Platos closet, ChaTime and Barnes and Noble. Then back home to have dinner and go to the play. 

So fun hearing the girls laugh and enjoy one another’s’ company. 

4 years

Really hard to believe but Dad has been gone 4 years. Just talked to Mom and Jenna sent a nice bouquet of flowers in remembrance of Dad. 

I loved you yesterday I love you still I always have and I always will...

opening night

 Got to see our sweet Katie Grace in her stage debut...funny and charming production of Urinetown. Friends Trish and Julie came to see her in action. 

Katie is wearing the mustard yellow sweater 

pooped out kids

After our field trip we fell into a clump. 

field trip glorious day!

 

perfect day at Glen Park picnic lunch, 4 leaf clover finding, sidewalk chalk, playground and splash pad! We were pooped when we returned to school but it is a field trip that was soooo fun. 

it’s coming...

 

shower for Marissa S

Today was shower day 2. This was for Marissa Stoffel who is 27 days from saying I do to Sam. Angie hosted a beautiful shower for a beautiful bride. It’s the first fun group kid marriage! 

We crafted and ate chicken sandwiches, cheese curds, cake, pasta salad and enjoyed our time together 

shower for Kaitie B

Today the Blomgren’s, the Boerneke, the Hoppe, the Olson, the Hanson and the Hauser’s celebrated the marriage of Vance and Kaitie at Voss Park. 

We had chicken salad on brioche buns. fruit salad, veggie tray, cupcakes, water and lemonade. It was delicious and very celebratory. 

In attendance: Mom, Marian, Kathy B., Kelly, Kim, Joan, Karen, Jenna, Kaitie, Kyeanna, Liana, Stella, Kesleigh, Beckham & Collins. The weather was warm/hot, sunny and breezy. Perfect day. 

the magic 11

Our amazing youngest family member turned 11 today. So incredibly excited to see him grow and flourish. We love Osten John! 

Sleepover birthday party with friends Luke, Coulter, Wil, Austin, Jayden, Michael, Owen with 5 friends spending the night. 

We got an impromptu tour of the firehouse which was pretty impressive and fun. Then pizza, sports and some video games. Now I’m hoping the boys head to bed and then I can get a good nights’ sleep before a long day tomorrow 

transport to the farm

Whenever I see these sweet flowers, I’m instantly transported to my home farm right under the thorn tree outside our living room... 

The fragrance is also quite lovely 

bursting

 

The world is bursting with green! I love little green growing things 

new grads...

The babies who were buns in the oven at our wedding are now college grads. The sky's the limit Liana and Evan. 

employed

Anders is working again at Cardinal Health in Hudson. He was a scheduled until 2:30am and made it  home at 5:15am. Maybe he’ll get OT!  

Katie had her first job interview and offer today after school. She will be working at Family Fresh in the next week or so. Big changes at the Olson house! 

confirming her faith

Today was a huge day in the life of Kathryn Grace Olson. She affirmed her baptism of February 12, 2006. Where her sponsors Brent and Molly Olson & Kyle and  Kim Blomgren attended. 

We love you sweet girl and hope you continue to grow in your faith! 

solo touchdown and prom 2021

Osten’s team lost today to the Bills but Osten scored his team’s only touchdown. What a exciting morning. 

Then Katie and I went to get pedicures. 

Lastly Anders and Lindsey went to her Senior Prom. What a lovely evening. The Andrea’s had us to their home for photos and then we hosted them for pizza and a charcuterie dinner. We watched Grand March on YouTube. It was so fun! 

mid May view of River Falls

and here is the mid May view of River Falls 

good day on its way

 

onto level 5, reptile and time to plant

We had a python come to our outdoor classroom today! So interesting to feel and hold. 

After school, Osten and I went to his swimming lesson. He passed from level 4 to level 5. 

Then we got home and I planted the beautiful flowers. What a wonderful day.