Mission Trip Complete

 Thunder Bay was a hit!  Dan said it was THE best Youth Works experience on the books and he's been to thirteen of them.  The work was great, the kids were awesome, spending time with his brother was fun, and even the food was the best he's had so far:)

 He had lots of stories to share when he got home and is still pumped up about some of the experiences.  These two pictures just about sums it up how much fun they had!  He said our kids were great, but Stuart's kids from his church were just awesome people and he was so impressed with them all.  I'm so happy it was a great experience!!!  We got to skype with Dad twice while he was away and the first time Svea told him she wanted him to come here.  I think she wanted a hug.  Thank goodness for skype since we couldn't talk on the phone or text. I could text him, but he couldn't text back, but we could facebook message.  Anyway...creative communication.

 I was so thankful we went to Jamestown for the duration of Dad's time away.  We had a great and relaxing time in North Dakota.  My Mom and Step-Dad help me out SO much with the kids and I am able to sneak away and go on a walk here and there with an old friend or run to Wal-mart for supplies alone.  An old classmate of mine, Megan, lives a couple doors down and one night after putting the baby to bed I hopped out the door and we walked the half a block to the park and did the loop twice, which is a mile around one time.  I should have took a picture of the park.  It's my favorite one in Jamestown.

Anyway, we ate WAY too much ice cream, cookies, and snacks, but they all tasted so good.  We swam in the backyard, went on walks to the park to play, visited the buffalo (of course), finger painted in our underwear and diaper (the kids:), and had quality dinners and time together.  In this picture Svea had found a puddle from the sprinkler and said on top of giggles and squeals, "This is so much fun....come in here with me"! 

Thank you to Larry and Darcy (our neighbors) and Jackie/Kayla for taking care of our animals and mowing! Thank you Gaga and Grandpa Ron for having us and putting up with our mess for a whole week.  We loved making memories with you!!!  Thank you for keeping me sane while Dan was away.  I'll never stay home alone when Dan is gone on a long trip ever again.  This was 100% easier than two years ago!

While away Kieran walked for the first time!  He took two steps and was waving bye!  More to come.....