Monday, April 27, 2009

April Memories


Cole & Jayden play atop the gigantic snowbank at Great Grandma & Grandpa's house while awaiting the arrival of Great Uncle Richard for the Easter holiday. Chad arrived by train from Minneapolis the day before.

Jerry puts the finishing touches on the "Welcome Home" sign for brother Richard.

Rich was a "little" embarrassed by all the attention he received. Especially when Chad hollered out, "Hey Uncle Richard, we're over here!"
Grandma & Grandpa treated us all to supper at the Speedway Friday night. Chad's Jenny & Tiff's Jason had to stay back to work. Jason had to man the Pembina port due to flooding. We missed them both!
Mom & Dad arrived home from their "home away from home" in Arizona. It's so good to have you back!
Great Uncle Richard is a hit with the kids!
We'll be thinking of you tomorrow night, Rich, when you're honored for being on the HP team that developed the first laser jet printer 25 year's ago!!
Claire says "I'll be happy when my fries arrive!"
Later, the boys play a little nighttime basketball.
Max says, "Gee Jerry, I'm sorry I took all your money in the poker game. Better luck next time!"
Jeni helps Richard get "high tech" with a Facebook account.
Chad prepares to get Wii Fit, while Rich prepares for a "'Power Walk" with brother Jerry.
Saturday we headed to Planet Pizza for a little fun!






Later that afternoon, we colored eggs...





...Then went on the traditional Egg Hunt.




The Paparazi were there...
All eggs are accounted for!
Candy & more!


With tummies full, it's time for a little Wii Fit!
"Sure missed you, Great-Grandpa!
Audrey always takes good care of cousin Claire!
What will it be -" hard-boiled or deviled eggs?"
I really missed you, Jayden!
The kids will probably miss those snow hills, but not me!
Matt, Tara, & Brekkyn watch Nathan's Power Point. "Awesome job, Nathan!"
Family warms the heart!
Brekkyn was awesome at skiing!
Jayden is waiting to knock!
Claire entertains with "Here Comes Peter Cottontail."
After church, the kids open Easter gifts.
"Is the Mall open today?"
Hugs from Mom
The Andersons look Easter Perfect!
Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma puts great effort into her "Candy Dish."
A Dora Tricycle and backpack-does it get any better than this?
Chad fed his stray cat "Snowball" every can of tuna we had in the house!
Is there any more Dora stuff I can buy with this?
Great Grandkids are the best!
Mom got her "girls" hostess gifts. Thanks mom!
It was a very special Easter!
The guys enjoy the nice balmy weather while waiting for Chad's train to arrive. We'll miss you Chad!

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Trip to Cavalier with the Andersons

Jeni, Nathan, & the kids, Sherry, Jerry, & I traveled to Cavalier for the week-end to visit Tiff, Jason, & Jayden. One of our favorite supper clubs in the area is "The Pain Reliever" in Nekoma. Nathan's dad's cousin & husband own it.
I forgot my camera, so this is actually a picture I took last February of Nathan, Jeni, and Jean.

Claire brought her suit to use in the jacuzzi, and also to swim in Lake Metigoshe on the way home! She changed her mind later when we stopped to check the cabin out!
Three on the treadmill conserves energy!
Dawson, Cole, & Jayden have a little indoor "Nerf Gun" fun!
Jason, Nathan, & Jerry hook up a new sound system. They said they'll "pass" on the shopping trip to downtown Cavalier.
Kaydra's ready to go. She's checking the balance on her credit card! Not really, Nathan!
The boys purchased packs of football cards at Pamida, and decided to try their luck with the claw.
Claire seemed happy with her Dora underwear. She also purchased several other Dora related items.
Tiff loves her new candle!
Sherry bought ONE homeade chocolate (thanks for sharing), reading glasses, and a new cookbook. Any chocolate recipes?
We all thought Jeni's purchase at the Hallmark store was too funny!
Claire loves her new Dora board!
There's always time for Rock Band rehearsal.


Time for lunch! Sloppy joes & tortilla cheese soup were on the menu. Lucky us!
The kids took a break to enjoy lunch.
A nap is just what Jerry & Teddy needed after lunch!
Claire wanted to play the "You find me" game. She hid in the closet, and Barbie peeked out!
Claire always wants to be found again, but usually it's in the same place!
"You're never too old for Hide & Seek," says Jayden.


The foosball competition was fierce, but...
win or lose, everyone was a good sport!
Watch your head, Nathan!
Even though the temps were COLD, the boys spent some time outside.
Nathan says, "Life is good!!"
Chess is pretty serious business between Jerry & Jason.
Jason & Kaydra play a game of Checkers.
The jacuzzi is just what they needed after a hard day of playing!
This is how the adults relax after a hard day of shopping, installation, & playing with the kids!
Jason & Tiff could easily run a restaurant. We eat well at their place!
Breakfast was hashbrowns, deer sausage, scrambled eggs, toast & pancakes.
I think we have energy for the drive home now!
One last game of Madden 09.
Cousins had a great week-end together!
Thank you Schmelz's for the wonderful week-end! You're great hosts!
Ready to go back to Minot, with a stop at Metigoshe to check out the cabin. Claire has her suit on "just in case!"
We stopped for lunch at "The Oakes Bar & Grill."


We all concluded it will be a "few" months before we return for "Lake Season!"
Jerry said, "I'm just lucky I didn't get stuck in the snow!" (Claire passed on the swimming).
Teaching partner & friend JoAnn & I stand in front of the Smartboard featuring Andrew (JoAnn's son & our Godson) on the UND baseball team. We're sure proud of you Andrew!