2 dozen years ago...

My first nephew was born.  Vance Andrew Blomgren was born just after his Momma's 5th class reunion and the corn was tasseling.  I think we had just completed another year of week spraying and I was getting ready to start my first year at MSU.

Vance, you were a blessing and continue to be a bright and shining light in the lives of all you know.  We love you!

These photos were posted by Kelly today on FaceBook...it's crazy to me how much all three of our children resemble their big cousin Vance and his sister and brother.  The genes are strong!

modular woodshed

Brad has been working hard at preparing for winter with installing a tile platform in our living room and now is busy building some modular woodsheds to keep the wood that we will be burning this winter.  The wood stove was installed on Wednesday and today Brad finished one of the two sheds.  ACO spent time this afternoon stacking wood...I am looking forward to smelling and feeling that warm wood fire this winter.  Thanks Brad and A!

water park Wednesday

A, K and I went to Red Wing with the River Falls Park and Rec.  It took a little longer to get to the park because the bus overheated, but we got there and enjoyed an absolutely perfect day at the water park.

My friend, Brenda took some photos and sent them...thanks Brenda!

gymnastics camp

K went to gymnastics camp and almost made a kip!

from wikipedia:  "The kip is an important skill that is used as both a mount and an element or connecting skill in a bar routine. The kip allows the gymnast to swing below the bar to arrive in a front support on the bar. From the front support, the gymnast may then perform any number of skills. The glide kip is the most commonly used mount on the women's uneven bars."

picture of a young girl doing a kip with assistance

pool day

On Monday, we invited K's friend Anika to the Glen Park pool.  The day was slightly chilly, so there weren't a lot of people there, but the sun was shining and the kids had fun.

fill my cup and let it overflow

I'm hearing K sing the bible camp song, fill my cup and let it overflow...that is how I'm feeling about her energy and zest for the Lord!  Keep the oil in your lamp and let it burn!

fish

Last night, our family went to the new River Falls ballpark to watch the RF Fighting Fish.  We arrived in the 3rd inning and enjoyed watching the Fish defeat the St. Paul Hops 12-2 in 8 innings.  It was fun to see all the people from town and to see Kenny as the bat boy.

photo from River Falls Journal

pan!

It was a wonderful evening and afternoon when 80 River Falls youth performed Peter Pan.  We especially liked watching the character who was cast as the namesake of the play.  It is so fun to watch you shine on stage, dear son.

Thanks to Mom and Dad Blomgren, Mom and Dad Olson, Ibby, Joe, Dehlia, Henry, Trish, Taylor and Sarah for coming to the play especially to see Peter on stage.  

Wendy, Tinker and Peter

throwback Thursday

I just posted a photo on Throwback Thursday--it's when Grandma Grace met her first born greatgrandson, ACO in July 2001.  I also love seeing the four generations in one photo...pretty sweet.

Ibby, Betty, Grace enjoying baby Olson July 2001

lpbc

I am at Luther Point Bible Camp as a grandparent at grandparent/grandchild camp.  It's really fun and the atmosphere is very relaxing.  We just finished with free time and K and Siri took showers.  We will now head down to the patio to enjoy some games.

Here are the kids getting ready to present their play at the talent contest tomorrow night.

farewell

Grace Nadine Spearman Swanson has returned to her heavenly home.  Yesterday afternoon, I called my Mom to tell her the great news of A getting the part of Peter Pan in the Prairie Fire Theater production of Peter Pan here in River Falls.  While we were talking, I told her of Grace and her limited time here on earth.

As we were talking, I was looking at our mantle and the beautiful Harvey Dunn landscape of a woman on the plains with a young girl right next to her, a hand full of flowers loosely held in her left hand, a knife in her right, another child stooped near her gathering more flowers, and a simple shanty and farm site in the background.  This beautiful picture had been Grace's and she had gifted it to our family.  As I looked at that picture, I thought of the sincere, strong and lovely person that Grace Nadine Spearman Swanson is and will be in her heavenly home.  I think the woman bears a strong resemblance to Grace and Grace thought the woman looked much like her own Mother.

Shortly after Mom and I were done with our conversation, Brad got a call from Betty.  Grace had passed away.

Here is the picture and how I will always remember Grace: