Memorial Day Memories

This weekend, we experienced Memorial Day in a new way.  We took a trip to Chillicothe, MO where Joe's mom's family is from. Great Grandma made the trip up to Minneapolis and then we piled into our "spacious" vehicle and made our way to Chillicothe, only about a 6.5 hour trip.

We went to visit grave sites where various family members have been laid to rest and honored them with flowers.  It was at the first grave site we realized the girls had no idea what a graveyard was - educational lesson #1.

Along the way we heard stories of the area and enjoyed the roller coaster roads (the girls favorite part).

Grandma and Grandpa Shafer's house

One special stop was to the childhood home of Grandma Great (Grandma Turner and Aunt Betty). We stopped by the house which is in the process of being remodeled, and were treated to a full tour by the brand new residents (moved in 1 day prior to our drop-in visit).  Grandma Turner and Aunt Betty made sure to let the new home owners know that the pump in the front of the house had been placed backwards. It was quite the experience for both Grandma Turner and Aunt Betty to see the changes to their childhood home, and amazing for us to see and hear how things used to be.

Lovely ladies standing in front of the backwards pump

Of course a big reason for the visit was for these ladies to see each other. It was an amazing visit.

And while the girls had a lot of fun riding the roller coaster roads, getting candy at the Amish store and playing with presents from Aunt Betty, we still found a play ground - because what would a trip be without a trip to a park?

The girls and we learned a lot on this trip. Not only did we learn about where one side of the family came from, but also the importance of remembering those who have passed.

Happy Memorial Day.

Miscellaneous May

May's events have continued in the Norman household. We celebrated Joe's birthday, but I won't say which year....because I'll be there too in about 6.5 months.

The cupcake is only for the candle-blowing ritual...ice cream dessert was waiting for the full celebration

Natalie finished up a year of dance (recital pictures to come after the performance this coming weekend).

And, we've been working to put in a flower border along the front of the house. Fingers crossed that the flowers will survive in such sandy soil.

A Lupine for the front yard, will be so nice.

Still a work in progress, but the vision is becoming a little clearer

Enjoying the outdoors so much.

 We're loving the warmer weather - here's to hoping it will continue!

The Northshore

A few weeks ago we went on a camping trip to the shore of Lake Superior, know as the Northshore.  I've fallen in love with this area of Minnesota, breathtakingly beautiful.

Tragically, the pictures of our trip were thought lost - but with the wonders of technology, we were able to rescue them :o)  It felt a little like Christmas.  Such a good trip with no photos??  How sad. Glad that was remedied.

We had a great time and were destined to go to the Northshore.  Don't believe me?  Just check out the plaque made just for Joe, as a 'VISITOR'

Of course, what vacation is complete without a little sunbathing??  Here are the girls sunbathing, Minnesota style (fully clothed).

Long hikes were a must....

But there were rewards...

Like swimming Minnesota style.

Of course, we always ended the evening with a fire. Complete with smores.

I'm counting the days until our next trip already.

Spring Programs have Sprung

May, it seems, is a busy month. Natalie had a spring concert at her school, which she was very excited about.

And Linnea had her spring show for Gymnastics.

Both girls did great and had a lot of fun. It's been amazing to watch them over the past months in these activities - we're so blessed :o)