Our entire summer vacation was
surrounded by family. Here we are with Denise, Craig, Clara and Chase
enjoying a Reba McEntire concert at Mystic Lake Casino. The concert was in an outdoor amphitheater, across the street from the RV park we stayed at most of
the summer. So we spread our blankets, sat back and enjoyed the
music.
We took Clara and Chase to an RV
park in northern Minnesota for a week. One of the many amenities, was
this roller-skating rink. Click to watch Clara and Chase show off their skating
skills.
Denise and Craig joined us on the
weekend to partake in bingo, swimming and to celebrate an early Halloween, The
RV park shuts down before the real holiday.
Ebby, their new pup, joined in on
the celebration by participating in a pet parade. She was not all that
happy to partake in it!!
Clara took special honors for her
costume as La Calaveras Catrina, a female character in the Day of the Dead
festivities in Mexico.
Our summer home turned 15 years
old this year. Along with our usual tender loving care, she got six
new tires and a brand-new windshield. It should last us quite a while!
My are these kids growing up fast.
Little Clara is within striking distance of Grandma Glorine. They are
guessing she will be 5'-7" or so when she is fully grown.
We spent several nights watching
the kids either play or practice ice hockey. Watch Chase do a little
celebrating as he smacks the puck in past the goalie.
We spent a long weekend in Bismarck,
to celebrate Larry's sister's 90th birthday. We
toured St. Joseph's parish where we were married 50 years ago this
coming December. It was built in the 1890s and is looking better than
we remembered.
Larry's brother, Jack and MaryAnn
hosted a luncheon at their new assisted living apartment, which was spacious
enough to seat ten of us very comfortably.
Glorine's oldest brother George was
having a rough day when we stopped in to see him. He has a few aches and pains.
Denise and the kids flew into
Bismarck to spend some time with her childhood friend, Becky. She has MS and
is being cared for in a local nursing home. Becky was surprised and
very pleased by the unexpected visit.
We took the kids on a grand tour of
Mandan, to see the homes and schools that were a part of Denise's growing up.
We stopped in to see Uncle Ray and the kids were amazed at his refinishing
skills.
Lillian, the "Matriarch of the Barnhardt Clan" turned 90 years old.
Her daughters threw a party that drew in family and friends from across the
country.
The party gave Denise a chance to
catch up with Ben, one of her childhood playmates, along with a dozen cousins
that came to celebrate the big event.
Over a hundred well wishers
joined Lillian's family singing her happy birthday, after we feasted on food, beverages and desserts. It was an awesome time.
All the siblings posed for a group
photo with Lillian. Nice to see we have longevity genes. Doesn't
seem that long ago when we were celebrating our mother's 90th birthday.
Back on Prior Lake, Craig was
encouraging Chase to give his wakeboard a try, even though the boots were
way too big. Watch what he does on his second try!!
State Fair time again, and as usual,
Craig and the kids made their appearance four of the 12-day affair. It has
become a true family tradition.
After a day shopping for comic
books for Chase's upcoming birthday, Denise treated us to dinner at a place
called "Fat Lorenzo's". Quite the treat.
Clara is playing a game of 3 on 3 ice
hockey on a half rink. Talk about speed and constantly being on game.
They lost, but the score was 14 to 12.
Grandma Glorine spent the day
teaching the kids how to make pocket bread, with hamburger and sauerkraut,
one of their dad's favorite treat when he was courting Denise. It left a
mess, but well worth the effort.
What were once weekend cabins are
making way for mega home. By this time next year, Denise and Craig's new
home will blend in nicely to the rest of the neighborhood.
August's web page includes August 1 through August 31.
