Family Summer Fun, continued ~Also a Visit from long-time Special Friends ~We are Blessed

With only two days left, we checked a few 

more activities off our Bucket List.

After breakfast, everyone got ready to go out and about.

The boys dressed for the Golf Course.

Papa took them out for some chipping and putting.

Mama and Gigi were going out for coffee and errands.

We went to the Krave Cafe and shared the Florentine.

It was filled with a delicious combination of savory ingredients:

roasted chicken, spinach, white cheddar, mozzarella,

balsamic glaze, and herbs de Provence.

(Image from Krave Facebook page)

At The Krave Cafe, the crepes are prepared upon ordering.

They are fresh, melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

We enjoyed Mother/Daughter conversation

while sipping on our coffees.

Their presentation is lovely.

Since our crepe was savory, we ordered something sweet to finish,

A Carrot Cake Muffin.

Do these faces look familiar?

Yes, Dennis and Patty were back in the Midwest for a visit.

They attended their granddaughter’s graduation in Minnesota and

then came here for a couple of days to visit old friends.

We spent the evening having dinner together, and

 catching up on life, over a glass of wine.

Amy and the boys picked up Pizza to take to Great Grandma

and spend a little more time with her.

They definitely made her day!

After their bellies were satisfied,

the boys attended Bible School with their Great Aunt Stacy,

who has been the Youth Music Director at our Church for decades.

Another quick stop at Twist Cone is 

a “must” at the end of the day.

What’s your favorite ice cream treat?

Here, Jack is having a Chocolate Shake and

Henry has a twist cone with sprinkles. 

Take care,

~Natalie

More Summer Fun ~Family Visit ~Dacotah Prairie Museum

This Papa and Gigi loved sharing the local attractions

with our grandsons.

We were welcomed into the Museum by this majestic mammal,

The American Bison.

Did you know there are two baby Bison out in one of the barns

at Storybook Land?

Henry checked out this Mud and Stick Hut…

…and whole family fits inside this Native American TeePee.

Upstairs, we discovered an area just for children,

A Country School-themed Exhibit with a barnyard

and kitchen where they can do their chores,

and pack their lunch to take to the schoolhouse.

In the classroom the order of the day is 

reading, writing, and arithmetic.

This is fun for all ages, perhaps one of our highlights.

Another highlight was purchasing “Penny Candy” in the gift shop,

(for twenty-five cents)

We stopped for a quick lunch before Papa got ready

to leave for League Golf.

When Papa left for the Course,

We packed up and left for Storybook Land.

There’s the Land of Oz and the Barn that blew away in that famous tornado.

The Grandsons went on the ride, while Mama and Gigi watched,

safely on the ground.

However, one’s never too old to ride the Carousel.

We packed a picnic lunch for our dinner, 

something that we did once a week when

Mama and her sister were young.

After a fun filled day, the boys were tired and went to bed.

Mama and Gigi stayed up late for a little

Mother/Daughter Crafting.

Stop back as there’s still two more days to tell you about.

Take care,

~Natalie

Our Summer Fun continues ~A Family Visit ~Sunshine and Ice Cream ~Four Generatons

The day after our Memorial Day Cookout

found me out at the airport.

I was there to pick up some precious cargo.

Yep, our daughter and grandsons were

on that plane.

Once we got home, they wasted no time in bringing out

the Legos and the Game Boards.

Their visit coincided with our hot weather…

temperatures above 90°

We burned some energy at the neighborhood parks.

And cooled down with Italian Ice Twists at the Twist Cone.

This week’s flavor was Strawberry Buttercream.

The boys wake up with their body clocks,

which are set to Eastern Time.

After breakfast is a good time for reading and art.

Of course, one of their priorities was to visit Great Grandma.

She enjoyed looking at their school yearbooks,

 their certificates, and awards.

Here’s one happy Great Grandma.

Here’s the Annual Four Generation Photo. 

And here’s the “okay, now you can make a funny face” photo!

Stay tuned for more Family Fun photos tomorrow.

Take care,

~Natalie

A Sweet Start to Summer

Summertime, my favorite time of the year.

It’s daylight when we get up…

Beautiful sunshine streaming in the window.

There’s a break from the classroom, homework,

and the busy school schedule.

One can go on daytime adventures,

like baseball games and children’s museums.

We Retired Empty Nesters took advantage of the Memorial Day Holiday,

the unofficial first day of summer, to host a Holiday Cook-Out…

Burgers on the Grill, Texas Beans in the Crockpot, Pasta Salad,

Wendy’s Green Salad with Butter Lettuce, Asparagus,

Sliced Apple, and Blue Cheese Vinaigrette.

Katzy’s Triffle Bowl Dessert was the perfect,

Sweet Ending to our evening.

I hope you have enjoyed time

with the people you enjoy.

Take care,

~Natalie

Happy Gotcha Day to Gracie and Mazzie ~How it Started, How it’s Going

It has been two years since we brought these kittens

 home from the Humane Society.

These sisters are best friends who do almost everything together.

They play together, sometimes getting into mischief together.

They eat together, and sometimes share the water bowl.

They nap on the bed together, often touching each other,

even if it’s just with a paw.

They also nap in their baskets.

At one time they shared, but I had to order another one

since they’ve outgrown the first one.

They’re both great helper cats.

Here, showing support in the sewing studio…

…Or here, on the work table.

Sometimes, they can be a little too much help.

Treat Time is one of their favorites.

They have learned to sit when we say Grace.

As soon as the hear “Amen” they get up and get

ready to chase those tasty little morsels.

This was their first day at home.

They discovered the joy of looking out the patio door,

enjoying the fresh spring air,

 and watching the birds and squirrels.

And this was last evening.

Still finding pleasure in being together and

doing one of their favorite things.

A Cat makes your House a Home.

Take care,

~Natalie