Friday, April 10, 2026

Monday, February 16, 2026

one last trip

So we did technically camp and go to Minnesota State Parks one more time over Labor Day. This time, we served as tour guides, showing my parents a few of our favorites up the North Shore. This trip was so last minute, Mom managed to find a campsite for their RV at an RV park. The kids slept in a tent on the site and I slept in their RV.

Jay Cooke:






Gooseberry Falls:



Splitrock Lighthouse:

It was a lovely way to sunset our summer.

Brett built a bridge

At his summer internship, Brett worked with a crew that built this bridge and learned how to clear buckthorn.


Happy 16th Birthday Reggie!

 

I looked at the update I sent the adoption agency for his 16th birthday. I wrote this about Reggie: "Reggie is high energy and motivated, but also loyal and thoughtful. He has matured in his faith and ...he holds the respect of his friends and within his community."

I also found what I wrote when he turned five and think it's funny: "I love and hate Reggie’s sense of adventure. He will boldly take on any challenge, pick up any critter, and jump without looking, and do it all with a smile on his face and a contagious gut laugh.  It nudges me to live life so carefree.  It also terrifies me..." Still true.

Reggie's birthday was a good day for a trip to Valleyfair, so I paid for him and his friend while the others had to pay their own way.  I think we made cupcakes, but I have no proof. I'm getting so lazy!