Oh, how seven days fly by like nothin'

Another busy summer week. I have a few pictures and some highlights for this post. JD and I celebrated our 3rd wedding anniversary on Wednesday, the 20th. My dad gave us his tickets to the Wild season ticketholder's summer BBQ. It was on Raspberry Island in St. Paul, and it was a very nice little deal. We walked from the RiverCenter ramp down there, but they also had the trolley running back and forth. Everyone got tickets for a little bbq dinner (but, alas, no vegetarian option)... they gave us tons of bags of potato chips, soda and a hot dog bun that Mia enjoyed. And, there was ice cream! So, who really cares about dinner anyway ;) They had the new owner serving up food, so we got to say "hi" to him. And the Valleyfair marching band was there for entertainment. Mia thought they were pretty cool. It wasn't a very structured event, but it was a lot of fun to just hang out by the river, and we got a really nice walk in. Then, Saturday evening we went out to Toast for dinner and a glass of wine. Scott was there, and as usual, he made us feel very, very special. He treated us to a taste of two varieties of reds, one from Portugal, made from port wine grapes, but not sweet, and one from Sicily with an "n" grape I can't remember the name of. Both were delicious. He also made us a veggie plate with grilled asparagus, local grown heirloom tomatoes in a balsamic glaze, radishes and (my favorite) literally paper-thin sliced raw golden beets drizzled in truffle oil, lemon and sea salt. And we had some crostini, and a really delicious mushroom and leek pizza. Nat and Jay watched the girls for us, and they both had a blast. Mia is still talking about it. She asks me where Nat is at the most random times.... and after Nat, inevitably, it's "where's Jay?" Alice was all snuggled cooing at Jay when we got there to pick them up, and Nat said she'd been flirting with him all night long. Everybody loves Jay. And with good reason - what a terrific guy. He's awesome. I love Jay. Anywho, that was a great night. Mia has also taken to eatin' cereal with milk for breakfast. Such a big girl. Everyday she's saying more words and putting words together in sentences and stories, even. So communicative. Saturday daytime, all of us gals were down in Mankato with Dama and BDama Dietz for Lauren's babyshower, and we got to see Cory and his kids, and their house down there, which is lovely! I had never seen it. It's an old stone and brick farmhouse, which Barb has decorated to unperfect perfection with tons of antiques, and unique things all around, and beautiful gardens and patio areas for hanging out. Super cool place. While we were gone, JD worked with Spence and MJ and started work on the back yard! To which I say "YAY!" (and, finally!) They got a TON done. You can see the backyard taking shape now. We currently have a bobcat parked under our deck. It's construction city, but so exciting! Friday night we had a BBQ with Nat, Jay, Nic & Pat (and Alice) for Jay's 30th birthday! That was very fun. We ate yummy food and chatted. Mia slept over with Dama and wore her out I hear. Sunday was the State Fair. Aunnie was in the parade, so it was the perfect day to go. And it was -- hot and sunny but not death-hot. Just hot-hot. We got fries and corn, cookies, and fried raviolis, and Kris got a Pronto Pup and a strawberry malt from the dairy building - she shared with Mia, which Mia enjoyed immensly, as you can imagine I'm sure. She had to hold the spoon herself for each of her bites. I think she ate more than Aunnie! We hit up the Midway, and Mia had her first & second tries at the fishy game. She won a princess crown and a nubby ball, but she really wanted to keep the little fishies she caught! Her best time at the fair - taking all the rocks out of a fake tree planter by one of the games. She had like a hundred rocks on her stroller tray, her seat, on the ground all around where we stopped to wait up for Dave, Benny and Fatima in a rare shady spot. She had me and Dad holding rocks for her, and she even tried to let Baby Ali hold some for her. Fun times. She did scream most of the way home... no nap, you know. Tons of sun, people and junk food. Not necessarily a winning combination but we had a great time. It's tough chasing that little busy body around with all those people and commotion. After the fair, I went to George Huber's wake. Sadly, he passed away this past week. He was 89. His funeral was today, also the anniversary of my grandpa, Marv and my Uncle Bruce's deaths. August is a tough month for the Hubers. I loved - all of them, obviously - but George... He was such a good man. Nothing was more important to him than his family. It was so plain to see in talking to him these past few years. His five daughters, which he'd name in order - he was so proud of them, and to be their father. He always made me think that he must have been what my own grandpa was like - they were not only brothers but best friends. Not trying to get too sappy here, but it's just a time to reflect and realize how lucky we are to have our parents alive and well. Their love and support, their help, their advice, always handy. We are blessed by wonderful families. Memories become all-important.

Cute couch potatoes

Silly at the Wild Party

Yummy-cereal. Like my milk mustache?
Mmmmm... State Fair fries, with ketchup!