Summer = M.I.A.

This summer has flown by, I blame it on the lack of time at home.

We've been to Metigoshe, Minot, GF, Detroit Lakes, Omaha, Reeder (repeating those a few times), and have had friends/family staying with us for a weekend here and there.

I suppose with all the time on the road I've completely neglected spending time alone (with/without Dan), which includes writing thoughts down.

Just a quick note: we are off to the lake this weekend, again :) but I managed to finish up one of my long-time projects that's been staring at me.  Thanks to someone on Pinterest for this awesome idea!  Those of you who know Dan....this is THE explanation of 'Dan Time'!  He has yet to see the final product, enjoy.

When I get back, I will have to show pictures from some of our trips with friends and family, happy weekend

R & R

Some pics (few of many) from our trip that show off the beautiful views.  It was a week-long vacation and much needed!  We would recommend to anyone who likes sun, water, cold drinks, and good food!!!

Ocean view from our room

Sunset view from room

Dan partaking in water activities

Catamaran cruise

Overlooking the pool

Sunset pic with my hunny

As much as we loved our time away we did miss our little girl:

Spring is in the Air

Since the sun is out and no longer wintery-cold Ali feels as though she needs to be outside, at all times. But, someone has to be out with her otherwise she just stares in through the screen and begs. She needs a companion...one that has 4 legs.

Ang and Heather were in NoDak for a week, Pres had spring break--as an 8th grader, spoiled! Here he is reading to our cousins' kiddos.

We celebrated P & G's 37th Anniversary in early April. Somehow I caught a photo of P and Ali but I think G is somewhere entertaining my cousins.

A 'New' Kitchen!

Finally, Done! The 1 and only project this winter (for the house) is complete. Minus curtains but that's another day. My aunt N helped me pick out colors from a rug I had bought, my cousins L and L helped me tear down wall paper and prime, my aunt P helped me with the idea of horizontal stripes (time consuming but worth it in the end), and even D and my mom helped me tape off the sections and paint a little. Could NOT have done this alone!

This is the view coming from the hallway (from the bedrooms).

This view is from the kitchen, looking towards the hallway (on right).

We ended the day with celebratory drinks. Or at least 1 of us did.

Project Wall-puke-Paper Takedown

Just realized I never posted this.  This is a view of the HORRID mess our kitchen was during the project

No. 1 Valentine

Yes, that's right, my little girl! She's an 'adult' (so says the vet) who still loves her blanky!

I made the man Better-than-sex cake, neither of us like cake but why not make something tasty for dessert, sure beats a Popsicle! We each had one piece and I made him take it to work the next day so we didn't get chubby eating a whole pan alone!

We also munched on Strawberry Poppyseed Spinach Salad, Roasted Red & Sweet Potatoes, Baked Chicken alla Milanese, and a glass, or two, of wine. Mmmm. I think I put too much lemon zest in the chicken breading but I didn't hear too much complaining.

Boys, BoYs, BOYS!

Next week I get to spend lots of QT with these 5 handsome guys and 1 lucky little lady! I'll also try to throw in some grown-up time :)

These 2 turds pretend like they're going to smile cute and I get this: something even cuter ... notice the character in the background and his cheesy smile :)

Playing drums on auntie's butt is more amusing when she can't fight back. Such an adorable smile!

PJ diggin' his dinner meal. I think this was the week Evan, Payton, and Riley are started coming down with a nasty cold, which made it's way around to a few of us and back :( Poor boys.

Look at those pink cheekers!! E-man on the go.

Riley can smell something cooking and is ready to chow! He's probably more spot on with smells, every time I smell something remotely close to farts or poops I immediately go straight for those diapered butts! One thing I don't mind about cleaning their butts is that they're smaller and cuter than the ones I clean for a living ;)

Here's a pic Dan's dad took of us with Dreyden and Sloane on the day they got fully moved into their remodeled :) home!

And, now that I looked back at my previous blog I see I promised pics of our vacay spot, enjoy, I know I will!