Willmar Weekend

I am way behind in posting pictures! So we'll go back a few weekends to June 27th, when we were in Willmar. First we went to the parade where Brad and Sara were marching. I only got a good picture of Sara from this parade. It's hard to tell who is who when they have the hats on, so I stuck a box around her head for easy viewing. Haha!

We then went to a ski show at one of the lakes in Willmar. We went with B's siblings (in the picture below, the order goes from the left: Sara, B, Brad, Josh).

Here's one of the pictures of the ski team forming a pyramid out on the lake. Crazy!

Later that night, we went to check out the fireworks in town. Here are a few of my favorite fireworks shots! I think this first one looks like a big flower!

This last one was when a bunch of fireworks were all going off at the same time. Quite the show!

Happy Birthday!

Today is my Mom's birthday!! I have so many special memories of times spent with you, Mom. Just a few of my favorites are all the family vacations, planning my wedding together (which I could have never done without you and all your lists!), all the times I've called you with cooking questions (remember "how do I make gravy??") and all the fun we had when Carrie and I were growing up. You have continually encouraged me through all the stages in my life and I have always felt that you're there whenever I need you. I love you Mom!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Mom and me together

Here she is being a wonderful Mom when Carrie and I were just little squirts

Being silly with Dad for the camera!

As many of you know, my Mom is a twin. Her twin sister, LeAnn, is such a special Aunt to me. She has always taken the time to support me and keep up with how life is going for me. I love you Auntie LeAnn!!

Our family has countless stories of how the twins really are 2 of a kind! They sometimes dress alike without planning it, they have a lot of the same mannerisms, and they have very similar senses of humor. Here they are a few Christmas celebrations ago, playing a duet on the piano and laughing for no apparent reason. At least the rest of us didn't know what was so funny!! Ha!

Here's another example of how the twins are funny. They both have a tendency to blink in pictures. Here's one where they both even blinked at the same time! Hilarious! Happy Birthday to both of you! Hope your day is filled with memorable moments...and lots of phone calls with birthday wishes. Haha! Love you!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all you Dads and Grandpas! To those in our family, thank you for all the times you're there to talk and listen to us, to support us, and to encourage us. We have so many great memories of fun times with you! We love you!

Allie with her Dad, Pete

B's step-dad, Bill

Allie with her Grandpa, Russ

Parties and Parade Fun!

This weekend, we were busy enjoying parties and a parade! Over the course of the weekend, we went to 3 graduation parties of some of B's cousins in the Minneapolis area. It's hard to believe it's been 10+ years since we were at that stage! But it was a great time for celebrating. Then Sunday, we went back through Willmar before we headed home. We got to see Cayden for a while too while we were there! Then Sunday evening was a parade in Benson, MN where the Willmar Marching Band performed. B's brother and sister (Brad and Sara) did an awesome job!!

Sara and B
Uncle B walking with Cayden

Cayden watching down the street, waiting for the parade to start

The Fergus Falls band was there too!

It was hard to get a good picture on Sunday of the Willmar band, but I'll be sure to post better pictures in a couple weeks. We're going to 2 more parades of theirs at the end of the month! I love marching band!! Ah memories...

Daisy!

I thought it was about time that our kitty Daisy got her own post on our blog here. She's full of personality and in my unbiased opinion, the cutest cat ever. :) A funny story of her recent antics...we tied a catnip toy of hers to a string on this blue post you see in the picture below. She's normally energetic before playing with this catnip toy, but then here's the aftereffect...

Take note of the back paw on her kitty

bed to help keep her stabilized. Ha!

Here's a picture of her in one of her new favorite spots lounging on the front step. (The picture is a bit grainy because this picture was taken through our bay window which has a screen on it! Oh well!)

I just had to include this picture too because

she's sitting in a normal pose for her, but

such an awkward pose for most cats...for most

cats who are likely more refined and lady-like

than our pretty little Daisy. Haha!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Happy Birthday Grandma! It's Allie's Grandma's birthday today! Besides being who I was named after (She's Alice... I'm Allison), she's one of the most special people in my life. Grandma, you are a true joy to us and we wish you a day filled with special moments and wonderful memories. We Love You! Hope you all enjoy a few pictures I found to share of my beautiful Grandma!

Grandma with Grandpa - I've always loved this picture of them

Looking back with the whole family a few years

One of the rare moments when Grandma actually

let us make her be first in the dinner line. Haha!

Another cute one with Grandpa!

To the Park!

This past weekend, I went for a walk with my sister (Carrie) and nephew (Christopher) to a playground close to our house. Christopher chose to push his stroller instead of using it for its usual purpose...for him to ride in it! He really enjoyed the big slide and also a look-out window. Take note of his curly hair full of static in the window picture! Ha! Enjoy the pictures!