We celebrated my nana's life today. It was amazing service.

My nana had TONS of reading glasses-- the boys and Addie are sporting some above :)

Going through the scrapbooks of my nana's life and listening to my grandpa share stories.

Auntie Kylee and Addison

Addie and my cousin Lexi were best friends all week.

Fun to be together, despite sad circumstances...

My incredible grandfather and Addie.

The morning of the reviewal, I had the following conversation with Addie--
"Mama, Great Nana and Papa are in heaven together now!"
"You are right, Addie! Do you think they're hanging out together?"
"Yes!"
"What do you think they are doing in heaven?"
"Playing games."
"What game do you think they're playing in heaven?
"Wack-a-mole!" :) I can only imagine!!

My nana went home to be with the Lord last Friday due to some complications after a bad fall. I write this through tears and sadness, but with the confidence that she is in heaven, free from pain. My nana was an amazing woman- kind, funny, generous, and always honest. She is my first grandparent to pass away, which makes this especially hard. Prayers would be appreciated these next couple of days- especially for my grandpa and mom. I love you, Nana. I will see you again someday!

Maple Grove Days Parade last week... Addie enjoyed bustin' a move with the other kids, while wearing political stickers ;) Long parade, but fun!

The clouds that just rolled through Otsego... the coolest thing I've ever seen!!!

-B

AS OF LATELY...

-Eli crawls! It's taken him awhile to get the hang of it, but now he's crawling all over the place :) He's enjoying the fact that he can get around and explore.

-Brandt has had a pretty easy week at work so far this week-- working 'remotely' (aka spending more time with us)!!

-Addie is our picky eater (my fault), but lately we've been enforcing or threatening consequences if she doesn't try what's on her plate at dinner. The first few nights we had major temper tantrums, but I think we've made a break-through... she ate taco salad last night with no complaints! This is a BIG deal, folks :) She even announced while eating, "Look, Dad! I eat taco salad like you guys!" Followed by, "Mom, you make good things!" :)

-I went bridesmaid dress shopping with Tricia last weekend-- such fun! Looking forward to the wedding next May!

-Eli was dedicated at church last Sunday. The service was nice and we had a good afternoon with family.

-Finally, B and I, along with lifelong friends, Natalie and Allen, leave for Vegas in 9 days! I couldn't be more excited!! A time for sun, pool, cards, eating out, shows, relaxing, and sleeping through the night!!

We spent four days at Trout Lake Camp this last weekend. It was good-- different without Dale there-- but good to be with family. Brandt ran a 10K and I ran a 5K on Saturday in the Nisswa Firecracker race. Then we got to watch Addie run a 1/4 mile race. It was the funniest thing I've ever witnessed :) She put her heart and soul into running and came in 3rd to last! Hilarious!! We spent the rest of the weekend boating, swimming, eating, mini golfing, basballing ;) and just being together. Kids were great- slept well since we wore them out every day. Nice to be home in the air condition again :) I do feel like I need a vacation from our mini vacation. I suppose parents always feel that way...