Softball Saturday

 Claire had an early doubleheader and the team was short a coach so Nick and Charlie helped the girls warm up and then coached first base.  We also went to Sekapp for some apples and pumpkins.  The bonus this year was beignets.  They were YUMMY.

The first photo showed up on timehop and I got it in my head to recreate it.  There was minimal grumbling.  WIN.

Sports Highlights

Mayo played Byron, which means Charlie played his BFF, Eli.  Had to snap a picture even though the Byron coach was yelling at Eli to get on the bus.

Claire got the game winning, walk-off, 2 RBI hit!  She also spent some time in the dugout paying zero attention to the game.  Now we need more eye black...

State Fair

 We got there early, found some good food and went on some rides on a perfect weather day.  The record breaking crowd made things pretty tricky by 1:30 so we bailed early.  We avoid weekends for a reason but couldn't make it work this year.  Fun nonetheless.

Nick and Claire=twins

The new place we tried!  Claire got the cotton candy tea that changes color when you stir it with the rock candy stick

I'd barf but they didn't

Had to stop by the DNR building and pond

Traditional stop at the MN Lottery- big $5 winners!

Just a few people at the fair...

Claire's first time in the Haunted Mansion and she came out happy!  I'll always be the drink holder while they all go. 

Football

Scrimmage in his practice jersey

Ready for school- the players wear their jerseys on game days

 First catch for #20!

First Days

 Claire had her first day of 6th grade on Monday, Charlie had his first day of 8th grade on Tuesday and I started my 17th year of teaching on Wednesday.  Busy and chaotic but things are going well for everyone!

Bus stop photo!  They love it.

8th Grade Football

 Charlie decided to try football this year and he's playing for Mayo.  He'll be a receiver and a safety.  

We got our gear and are ready to cheer for #20!  

MN Selects Games

 Claire was nominated by her softball coach for MN Selects. The best players in the state come for some fun and games.  Proud of our softball girl!!

NOLA/Pensacola 2024

 Day 1- NOLA Po'Boys, French Quarter, Cafe du Monde (Charlie had to have beignets daily), Rampart Treehouse, Gabriel Peyroux house

Day 2- Hop On/Hop Off Bus, shopping, Cafe de Monde, swimming, French Market Restaurant

Day 3- Street car, Canal Street, Bourbon Street, Cafe du Monde, Lil Dizzy's, swimming, Love Wins, Preservation Hall at the Toulouse Theatre, Bourbon Street at night

Day 4- Honey Island Swamp Tour, Walk Ons Sports Bistreaux, swimming, Coterie's Restaurant and Oyster Bar (tried blackened alligator, which was recommended by Captain Steve)

Day 5- Fishing Charter, drove to Pensacola (4 state road trip!)

Day 6- Beach day!  This was interrupted by some jellyfish looking things called Atlantic Sea Nettles and their larvae- at least no rain! We went to Crabs for dinner.

Day 7- Drove back to NOLA, Hotel Monteleone, back to French Market Restaurant for crawfish and shrimp boils, shopping, more Cafe du Monde beignets, swimming on the hotel rooftop

Day 8- The Court of Two Sisters for brunch, shops, more Cafe du Monde beignets, French Market, Carousel Bar, waiting for our delayed flight home