Chihinkapa Zoo, Wahpeton, ND: July 2011

Spontaneous trips sometimes provide memories more lasting than planned outings.  One of the last weekends Aunt Angel was still living in Wahpeton, ND, we made a day-trip down to Wahpeton to visit the Chahinkapa Zoo (http://www.chahinkapazoo.org/) and the Breckenridge water park.  It was nice to see cousins Keelie and Alivia -- they, too, are growing up so fast.   The zoo is probably one of the best, especially for such a small rural community.  Kangaroos, bears, monkeys, tigers, otters, zebras -- all set in a nice environment that appears to be animal-friendly. 

 

 

 
  
 
 

Jamestown Frontier Village Buffalo Days, July 2011

Buffalo Days in Jamestown always conjures up good summer memories.  This year, Grandpa met us for a sunny outing at Jamestown's Frontier Village.  As expected, Dad talked the stagecoach driver into a free ride.  The stagecoach ride was exhilarating, bumpy, and left much wonder as to how our pioneers were able to enjoy weeks/months of travel in such amenities. 

There was a carshow, shootout, and of course visiting with beloved Grandpa.  Jamestown has so much to do!

 

 

 

 

Red Barn Berry Farm

Daddy suggested a fun local summer excursion to the Red Barn Berry Farm in Kindred, North Dakota (our neighbor 10 miles to the west) to have the kids experience what he got to experience as a child in Oregon -- BERRY PICKING!  As predicted, there was more eating than picking, as evidenced by the tell-tale red-stained lips and fingers.  Momma and Daddy were (slightly) more successful picking the raspberries, which were notably sweeter but smaller than store-bought varietals. 

They are both growing up so fast, it was hard to keep Beckett focused off of the tractors and onto the berries.  Josie was in search of the bushes with the highest berry density.  Good times to remember!

Josie kisses for brother Beckett

The of a modern journal (on the day of love!)

It is Valentine's Day and the little ones are playing blissfully with their various toys in the livingroom -- namely Josie's new puzzles, Valentines cards from her friends at school, and Beckett's musical rolling ball that he got from Nanna for Christmas. The TV is playing the Today show (a satisfaction on my days off) and I am enjoying a Keurig-made Caribou blend coffee. After 40 minutes on the elliptical this morning the kids and I enjoyed Cream of Wheat (complete with a maple syrup heart) made by beloved Daddy this morning. Life is good!

Beckett is recovering quite nicely from his Respiratory Syntitial Virus infection (courtesy of older sister, Josie) thanks to Angel supplementing his Albuterol prescription with an inhaled glucocorticoid (steroids seem to help pretty much everything -- I hate to admit it). Josie is advanced for her age in potty-training. It is February 14th and we are anticipating 40 degree weather today!

For noon I plan on meeting Ronnie at Cafe Oasis; tonight a T-bone steak and some quiet country time away from busy town...what more could be better?