gold and silver for the MN gymnasts!

Suni Lee of St. Paul with gold and Grace McCallum of Isanti with silver! Years of training and unthinkable stress...way to go. 

swim lessons level 5

 

That’s how Osten is spending his mornings these next few weeks. He’s working really hard! 

classroom prep

I worked a few hours to start getting my classroom set up for the 2021-2022 school year. I currently have 25 students on my roll. 

permitted driver

Katie will be entering the world of official driving practice! She passed her written test a few months ago, but now has her official driving permit. 

bingo

Tonight I went with 4 of my fun group friends to The Westwind to play bingo. We ate, laughed and lost every round. So much fun! 

And then we cruised around in friend Sharyl’s Jeep!

tokoyo olympics 2020

Tonight we are watching the US Women’s Olympic team at the all around trials. Captivating coverage with two Minnesota women competing 

Sunisa Lee from St. Paul 

Grace McCallum from Isanti 

target field

This evening the Olson’s and Knier’s went to the MN Twins game at Target Field. The Angels scored two runs in the first Inning. Both pitchers did really well and the Twins finally got a hit in the bottom of the 9th. Then there was another double hit and a run scored. Miguel Sano struck out to end the game Twins lost 2-1. 

Look

Fun connection, a friend of mine from MSU was recognized for her military service and was the one to raise the flag before the game started. Way to go Amy Briggs! 

phone home

My phone had been replaced. I haven’t been accessible via phone for just over a week. It feels good. Just picked up Katie from her 2nd week of BUDDIES at Luther Point. I got the nicest hug ever when I saw her today. Priceless. 

Here are Katie and Isaiah acting last night in their closing ceremony. 

why not just three more days?

I just heard the Twins traded my favorite player, Nelson Cruz. I know we need help in the pitching department, but could you please have waited until Sunday so we could have seen him play on Saturday when we're going to the game? We'll miss your energy and smile Nelson!

home again!

We made it home this afternoon at 3:33. That was Osten's estimate when we were near Chippewa Falls...to the minute! That kid is really good at estimating time. 

The house was still standing. Anders had done all his dishes and cleaned up after himself. He got the mail and the house looked good. Now he's off to work. We're enjoying the Twins game right now...top of the 6th inning Twins leading the White Sox 3-1. Hopefully we can beat the Division Leading team!

Here are a few last photos of our wonderful get away to Door County and Whitefish Dunes State Park 

 

plans for the day

Today is our last full day in Door County and we have some fun plans. Finish our breakfast of Scaturo Bakery blueberry coffee ring and then pack for a day at Whitefish Dunes. Visiting a few museums, maybe a shop or two and a lighthouse. Osten is eager to maybe buy a Bucks jersey as our ultimate goal is to get back here to watch the Milwaukee Bucks play the Phoenix Suns for the 6th game of the NBA Championships. 

Update 8:30pm. We made it to Whitefish Dunes for a spectacular beach day. We weren't able to score a jersey as neither Walmart or Target carried Bucks wear. We are watching the NBA Championships right now and discovered some friends of our from River Falls kids are at outside in the giant crowd around the Bucks arena tonight. 

 

Last update--the Bucks are the NBA champions! We got to see it on the shores of Green Bay!

door county & the beautiful Green Bay

Our resort Sand Bay Beach resort is perfect! Osten is out in the water, Brad is on the shore and I’m going to head out on a hike in a few minutes. 

pinch me

This morning, Brad, Osten and I left River Falls at 7am for a Door County adventure. I slept for a big part of the trip and played my daily Sudoku. We are staying at a charming resort called Sand Bay Beach Resort and Suites. We have a great view of the bay and are within steps of the beach. There are nice lounging chairs and a Lily pad float. It's a Sunday so I'm not anticipating a lot of traffic, but my plan is to get out there soon to read and relax on the beach.

Brad and Osten are heading to a fishing charter and should be back around 8pm. We have a kitchenette and I baked some chocolate chip cookies so will be enjoying them before the boys return. 

15 miles with this sweet pup!

We have been dog sitting a pretty special young pup named Luis...he and I have had a wonderful time taking walks and jogs. He ran with me on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. In total, we ran 15 miles together. We dropped him off at the kennel for Bruce and Julie to pick him up on Monday. 

home from week 1 of BUDDIES and Grandparent/Grandchild camp at Luther Point

Today I picked up Katie from her first week of BUDDIES. She is spending the weekend up north at Grandma's house while I brought Osten home. Brad, Osten and I are going on a little mini-vacation to Door County on Sunday so Grandma will be bringing Katie to camp on Sunday and I will pick her up next Friday. 

a series of unfortunate events

Started the day with a great run with Louis at 5:45. Then Brad and I got our stuff together for a paddle down the Kinni. I should have listened to the little voice in my head that said "you really should not bring your purse" I didn't listen. My little purse with my phone, keys, license, money, credit cards...floating down the Kinni and maybe on it's way down the St. Croix/Mississippi. 

Bright notes...a little boy from church was fishing by the river and said he would keep an eye out for it. Another friend from church's daughter is on the Kinni today and is keeping an eye out for it. My water bottle didn't get lost. It did take a little swim down the river, but we recovered it twice!

The river was really low and lots of rapids...totally exhilarating but still it was pretty unfortunate to lose my purse/important belongings. 

Note to self...listen to that inner voice and it's not that important to get a great photo. I made an expensive mistake. 

grandma camp 2021!

Osten, Ike and Betty are spending night one at grandma camp! We love that little tiger and miss him here at home! 

happy 15th birthday JPQ

Today our nephew Joe turns 15! Happy birthday buddy. 

with little brother Henry at the wedding last weekend. 

Luther Point BUDDIES 2021 Swanson/Olson drop off

Yesterday, I dropped Katie and Isaiah off for their first week of BUDDIES camp at Luther Point. I loved that Siri was right behind us in line so we could take a couple cousin photos together. Praying for great fellowship and growth for these three amazing Christians. 

Isaiah with the brush his grandpa gave him for cleanup duty and Molly dropping off Siri

gifts from Bruce for a week of cleaning and heading into their cabin for the week

happy 23rd anniversary my love

We are spending the night at the hotel where we had our wedding reception 23 years ago…what a wonderful life it’s been! 

eating breakfast bagels at Tandem Bagels in downtown Mankato

the cool artwork on the grain elevator in Mankato

taking a walk from our hotel on our anniversary!

wedding for Vance & Kaitie

Another great wedding day! So wonderful to celebrate with family.