The One at Lake Waconia

My parents live in a neighborhood on Lake Waconia. In the summertime it is always a priority to walk down to the beach for a few hours. Yesterday we had a little impromptu family gathering. My brother and his two Cutie Pies were there. It was lots of fun cousin time. Both the weather, and the water temps were perfect. The company was even more perfect!

My mom bought a giant inflatable rocking toy. Everyone took turns rocking in it and trying to dump each other out of the seat. Even little Sophie had fun using it as a shade.

My brother is the one who comes up with all of the fun ideas in the family. Yesterday's main entertainment was a sandcastle. All of the boys joined in the fun of hauling buckets of sand and water to build the ultimate castle.

The One With the Fire and the Airbags

We have a wonderful fire pit. It is large and deep. It is also surrounded by a nice slab of concrete with benches set around it. A good fire in the fire pit with plenty of friends and marshmallows to go around is always a hit. Last night we had a family from church over for an evening around the fire. When Mark brought out the airbags, the fire became secondary entertainment.


Before an old Saab gets sent to the junk yard, the airbags have to be removed. A few years ago Mark figured out that undeployed airbags make for great entertainment. He hooks an airbag detonator up to the airbag and makes sure he has a long wire. A really long wire. Then he deploys the airbag.

The airbag explosion in itself is quite impressive. It involves loud noise, a powdery smoke, and heights of about 10 feet. When you add an object to the top of the airbag beforehand, it becomes very impressive, indeed! Last night our two favorite objects were marshmallows and bananas. The marshmallows compress with the explosion and shoot about 100 feet into the air. The bananas shoot way up high also, and then come back to earth in sloppy chunks. It has quite the dramatic effect!

When Mark detonates these airbags we all make sure we stand back at a safe distance. But it does make me realize that I NEVER want an airbag to go off in my face!

The One Where They Take Care of a Big Yard

We have 5 acres of land. About half of it is swampy pond, the other half is taken care of by Mark and the boys. Austin is in charge of mowing, picking up fallen sticks, spraying weeds, and putting stray rocks back into the landscaping. Mark does all of the trimming. Noah is given jobs on an "as needed" basis. Today it was clearing the woods of some dead brush.

Austin is usually a very willing helper. Noah is often a little more reluctant. But they both do a great job. I'm grateful for all of my guys and the work they do around here!

The One With Fun in the Sun

Ah, Summer! Summer is so short here in Minnesota. I relish each day of warmth and sunshine knowing that the bitter cold will soon assault us with its lengthy life.

My boys love going to the lake. They especially love Ann Lake in the Sand Dunes State Forest. The sand is light and the water is clear. I like it because it's free!

Today we hit the beach with some good friends. I had a great time soaking in the sun while chatting with a girlfriend. The kids had fun splashing in the water with friends and trying to net some fish. One of the things they like best is digging holes in the sand. Big holes. Today's hole was big enough that other children stood in it while their moms took picture of them. Having an audience made the boys extra proud of their handiwork.

The One with the Road Rash

Noah charts the fun factor of any activity by the amount of scrapes and bruises he receives. Skateboarding is definitely high on the fun chart! This weekend he landed on his face while trying a new trick. His face is red and puffy, and full of road rash. He thinks it's cool. I'm thankful he was wearing a helmet!

With Noah, I've learned that a calm reaction to his antics is the best. He loves anything that smacks of danger. His latest passion is dirt biking. The higher he can jump, the better. I just sigh and say a prayer for extra guardian angels. It is a standing joke in our family that when we meet Noah's guardian angel in Heaven he will be all banged up with bandages and bruises he took for Noah!

The One Where She Decides to Blog

A blog? Really? The world of blogging has always seemed so elusive to me. Something that other, more talented people did. People who have exciting lives.

Then my cousin started a blog. She is one of the most talented people I know, but she would probably be the first to say that her life is far from glamorous. She is an amazing mom with an amazing passion for raising her kids. She decided to start blogging for her kids. A chronicle of their life.

That was the first time it all made sense to me. Since then I have read her blog and have been so grateful that she invites me into her life through these glimpses of the things that happen in her daily life. I know her children will someday be even more grateful.

So, I began to think about putting my thoughts down on virtual paper. I've always loved journaling. I'm not sure why I thought of blogging as any different.

My life is filled with boys. I know all things slimy, explosive, loud, and dangerous. There is very little room in my life for pink, lace, or ruffles. I like it this way. I love my life!

Here is the poem that best exemplifies my life today.

What Are Little Boys Made Of?

What are little boys made of?

What are little boys made of?

Frogs and snails

And puppy-dogs' tails,

That's what little boys are made of.

What are little girls made of?

What are little girls made of?

Sugar and spice

And all that's nice,

That's what little girls are made of.