Dexter

The trip to the states brought us in contact with many friends and family. Outside of the crazy at the Cabin (see Minnesota Summer) Tim and I had a barbeque at each of our parents place and got to hang out in our hometown bars visiting with some other friends.

Tim's parents are doing well - we caught up on how their jobs are going and their upcoming trip to the North Shore. Derek met us at their West St. Cloud home and Tim's dad drove us to DB's for drinks. A few Washington Apple's and a Bud Light or 3 later, we were laughing like old times.

We headed over to my dad's house on Monday. I invited all my siblings and their families over and fortunately they were able to make it. Todd and JoAnn arrived first - Gabby, Dylan, Stephan and Caroline in tow. The kids are getting so big! That is one part of living so far away for so long - I feel like I am missing the kids growing up. Lori and Cory arrived, Lexy and Jordon full of 'uncle Ryan, uncle Ryan, uncle Ryan' hugs--- they are precious little ones! Seth and Sonja arrived and Devon and Jaida, there wee ones, were particularly chatty! They had so much fun telling us about their day at Paul Bunyan Land, showing us the pictures and describing their favorite rides. They are so darn articulate for 3 and 5 year olds! Dion was being the good uncle and taking the two littlest ones out to see the new horses- Dad picked up 2 horses the previous weekend and now has a total fo 4 paints - a beautiful breed. His plans for buying property and moving south seem to be coming along, but not without a few snags.

That evening, Tim and I caught up with Kelly and Carol. We looked at wedding pictures, talked about families and indulged in a wee bit of gossip. Carol got a new dog - Dexter. The fact that she works with animals in need must surely provide such a work hazard. Here's a picture: