Christmas in Texas

The Christmas tree at the Slanger's home is full of ornaments of years gone by.   The ice cream cone is one from Carrie's childhood.   There is an ornament showing all the places the AF has taken them the past years.

There were several activities going on - a 1000 piece puzzle of Duluth Canal Park.  BUT, the crazy thing was a puzzle "a-miss" - ugh.   It is a tough puzzle but Vic and Carrie have managed to get it almost done with a little help (very little) from me.

After a heavy rain the ditch filled up so the kids had to sail some homemade vessels.

Mack and Ellie playing a new game they got for Christmas - Ticket to Ride.   It's a fun game once we figured it out.  Of course, the kids caught on quicker than I did!

Christmas Fun

From time to time Carrie helps the kids set up this cute camper tent that they have had for several years.   It takes up quite a bit of bedroom space so they enjoy it for a few days at a time.  This time it was set up in Mack's bedroom

They put a little table and 2 chairs inside along with a Christmas tree, books and games they enjoy.   Ellie is using the table for her drawings with her doll by her side.   I snapped this picture through the mesh window.    The table and chairs were made for Carrie when she was little by my dad.   It's fun to see they still use it.

Ellie got some new Calico Critters to add to her collection. 

One of Mack's gift was a Ghostbuster set from Uncle Dan.

Rob was able to talk with the kids on Christmas Morning and see them open gifts.   The countdown has begun for his return.       

Thanksgiving Day

We felt very honored to be included in the meal for Thanksgiving Day at Jan and Luther Kvernen's home in Grand Forks.    We've been friends with them since 1972 when we arrived in Grand Forks. Luther was busy deboning the bird when we arrived at their home.    You can always be guaranteed of wonderful food.   The Rude's with their 2 year old son joined us too.

They put on a pageant with the Pilgrams and the Native Americans included.  Jan reads the story and the others fall into place acting out the story as she reads.      

Paul and Krisanne and their 4 boys are back in Grand Forks after being evacuated from Palu, Indonesia following the Tsunami in September.   They have no idea what the future holds for them.

Mall-O-Ween

After school today the pumpkin carving began....This is Ellie's pumpkin and with the help of Mother they made a little house.  Ellie added the people that live in the house.

The Abilene Mall hosted an event today that was far bigger and crazier than we ever imagined.  The kids got their costumes on and we headed out to the event.  First, there was a little costume adjustment needed.    

Don't ask me what this is supposed to be but it certainly was clever.      He wore his helmet under it so that kept it in place.   He said it was a DIY project that Mom helped with.   He told me he had practiced walking around the house in it but when he got to a different place it was harder because he wasn't familiar with the space like he was at his own house.

This gentleman was making his way inside the mall just as we were leaving.   I don't think he had any idea what chaos was happening inside.    I'm guessing he was making his way to the early voting booth.   I sure hope he made it home safely.

Eight is Great!

We went to Peak Academy for Mack's birthday so had to go for lunch for E's birthday too.   Since hers was on Sunday we went on Thursday.     

We had some things to take care of in a bigger city so headed for Dallas the next morning.    I still love this city and the memories for us in our early married years. 

One of the places Vic and I would go on a Saturday afternoon was NorthPark Center.    It still is a beautiful place - one of the Malls that refuses to die.   It was very busy and decorated with wonderful art and fall deco everywhere you looked.

We brought the cupcakes and a couple gifts for Ellie to open at the motel that evening.   The next day Vic's oldest brother Don and wife Jeanne came for a visit.  We were so sorry we forgot to get a picture of them.    It was great to have some time to catch up in person.

Back home in Abilene Ellie opens a gift from Mack and her parents.   I'd say she had a very eventful birthday.

Between the Birthday Celebrations

During the time here we were able to connect with a former Associate Pastor at FEFC in Grand Forks.    It was fun having a visit with Bill and Genie.

Mack's birthday is Oct 4th and E's is Oct 14.   It seems like we have been celebrating since we arrived.     Carrie planned a joint party for the kids at an Indoor Recreation Center with trampolines, zip lines, climbing wall etc.    It worked out well for the kids to each invite a few of their friends and have a place to meet for the party.

The Birthday Boy is 10

After we buttoned everything up at the lake we focused on the next  event -
Two Birthdays in Texas!

These two are probably not going to be future hockey players but they sure enjoy their blades in the nice big driveway they have to skate on.

Mack's birthday comes first so he had a full day of fun.    After school he opened his gifts and couldn't wait to try out some of the new "boy" stuff he got.   

Of course, there has to be cake.......

Later Summer Summary

September 15 we see the tree at the bottom of the hill starting to change.    It's a sign we need to pack up and get out of there.   We will listen to the clues and do that very thing!

We've had some wonderful weather this summer and as a whole it has been one of the best ever since we bought this place in 2007.

One of the reasons we have enjoyed it so much are friends we made.   Paul and Liz live in Fargo and we share the common Free Church background with them.    They have been coming to our resort since 2009.  This picture was taken recently when we went to The Douglas Lodge at Itasca for breakfast.

This is the view I have every morning when I look out my kitchen window.    I've seen some interesting wildlife if I'm up early enough!

Vic was out with the camera one morning and snapped this shot as he walked up the hill.   

We usually are up early and often go out before the boats are on the lake.   Our walk is nice this time of day and takes us along the lake and through the woods.   That's one thing we will miss.   It helps get the steps registered on the Fitbit and it's fun!

Same walk....just a few steps further along.    Our summer involved a trip to Detroit Lakes to a church where Vic preached.    That will come to an end this Sunday along with closing up the place.   We have loved going to this church and the people are dear to us.  We will hopefully see them off and on in the future.   

It's quiet again

To say we had a good time with the Slangers would be an understatement. During the few days we spent in Grand Forks we tried out the old Dahon Folder bike that Vic bought back in the 80's.  https://usa.dahon.com

Back at the lake they found a little time to go in the kayak.    They took turns going with Carrie and the other stayed behind and played in the sand.   I know playing in the sand is one of their favorite things to do while at the lake.

After they headed home I opened the shades in the sunroom and found some art work they left on the back steps.   It has rained a couple times and it is gradually washing away.