Down the Mississippi

Eight of us met on Friday at the church. We were all supposed to be there at 1pm but like all good Baptists everyone was late!! We finally left to head out for our camping/canoeing trip around 2:45pm. As you can see we were packed into a mini-van. Eight people, 3 tents, food, sleeping bags, fishing poles, camp chairs, pillows, and almost anything else you could think of. Even in this picture we were not all in the van yet...we still had to pick up Deanna.

We had an uneventful trip up there with the exception of everyone's legs falling asleep. Lewis fell asleep, I am still not sure how with the music blaring and everyone having their own conversation.

Once we arrived at River Treat we were a little scared because the place was run down there were vehicles all of the place, it just didn't look like you typical campground. As I was getting out of the van everyone said, "Georgia, what did you get us into." I replied with, "Either this is going to be bad or it is a hidden treasure!" Well, it is a hidden treasure. This place is great, even though all you have is an outhouse and a fire pit.
It had rained really really hard for a long time on Friday so once we had camp set up and tried to start a fire it just won't stay lit. Everything was soaking wet. We began to make our fire around 6 and we finally ate at 10pm. It was good though by the time we ate.

All in all we had a blast and have decided to make this a yearly tradition. The following are some pictures of our adventures.
Deanna's Early Morning Do

We also found two different rope swings into the river.

At our lunch stop we found the outbox; it really wasn't an outhouse, just a box with a lid.

After about 6 hours on the river we were getting tired so the girls thought we would have the guys help us out. However we snaked across the water which was more work so we gave up our Red Neck Yacht Club idea.

It was a wonderful time of fellowship and fun and I can't wait for next year.

The Parents Come to Town

My mom and dad drove up to the Twin Cities from little old Shawsville, Virginia. They haven’t been up here since May, 2003 when I graduated from Northland. On that visit they were here less than 36 hours, most of which they spent sleeping. My mom did however come up for 5 weeks at the end of 2004. That was a blast, but I was glad to have them both here this time.

Most of you know that Lydia and I are not living together anymore so people were asking who my parents were going to stay with, there was no question. They were staying with me! We did all of the traditional stuff you do when people come to the Cities…the Mall of America, the Farmer’s Market, go to one of the many lakes, see downtown Minneapolis at night, amongst other things.

We had a great time together but it was nice to see them head back home on Sunday morning. It might not be for long though because there is talk that they might move up here. We will have to wait and see on that one.
Here are a few pictures that were taken on the visit. As you can see my mom has a hard time being serious when she is getting her picture taken. She is trying to outdo her own mother.

The New Addition

On Sunday Dennis and Mistin received a blessing from the Lord wraped up in a little brown bundle. Quimby Kay was born on Wednesday and they brought her home on Sunday.

Dennis and Mistin are unsure if they will be able to keep her. Mistin is already very attached so please pray for them as they seek to adopt this bundle of joy.

All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight…

The last weekend in July we had some friends come in to visit from Virginia. We had a great time but here are a few illegal things that Robert and Jon did in just 48 hours. But first the less exciting legal stuff.



The illegal activities: climbing six stories high on an electric tower like the one below.

Next they entered the Minnesota Centennial Showboat. The gate was unlocked so they just walked right in. However, while they were exploring three other people also walked in. When the guys left they decided they should lock the gate with the three people still on the boat. Naughty boys!

Needless to say they were very rowdy and exhausting. Lydia and I were both very glad to see them head for home but we will miss them.

Plumbing Problems Fixed

My plumbing problems were fixed just a few days after that post. Sorry I forgot to update everyone and no I don't have any pictures. But I can say that it is almost like it was with the exceptions of a piece of the new tile and the caulk on the cabinet. Those will be fixed this week however.