Memorial Day Weekend

This past Memorial Day weekend, Tony and I took a short day trip to Red Wing, MN. You may recognize the name from the famous pottery and boots they produce there. Beautiful town right along the Mississippi River. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a quick day trip. Numerous small shops line the main street and the town was packed the day we headed there. So much to do and see. Beautiful parks line the Mississippi River, lots of trails, fishing, playgrounds, museums, shopping, and dining at local restaurants. Something for everyone. We ate a nice cafe, walked through the boot museum and retail area, as well as the pottery museum and retail store. Of course I didn't go home empty handed. There is even a potter on hand making things right in front of you....very cool. Other than that we drove along the Mississippi into the parks as well as up to an overlook area. We even crossed the bridge into Wisconsin for a short spell. Overall, it was a pretty fun way to spend our day.

I made Tony stop so I could take a picture of all the turtles! I couldn't believe how many there were on these logs!

The 53rd Thundering Herd

Tony is now officially a Minnesota State Tropper. He graduated and was sworn in on May 6th, 2011. Joe and Diane, Brenda and Grandma Sally joined us for this momentus occation. After 12 weeks of ardous mental and phyiscal training, long days, and numerous inspections, the 53rd was ready to celebrate, reflect and enjoy the day and all their accomplishments. (At least until Monday when they started up 5 more weeks of training in Shoreview).

I am so incredibly proud of my husband, as well as all the other men and women, here and abroad that have decidicated their lives to serve and protect.

Here's a video Diane put together showing some pictures of the graduation day, along with the cadence they sang. Thank you for putting this together! As Tony the Tiger would say, " It's grrreeat!!!"