Baby Update

Here's me at 28 weeks. Definently getting bigger.

Changing of the seasons...

As we are all aware, Fall is in full swing and I have been loving it. We've been blessed with above average temps and the colors of the trees have been wonderful this year. To celebrate our 3rd anniversary a few weeks ago, Tony and I took a road trip one Sunday afternoon. We headed down highway 16 east of Austin. The road meanders through small towns, farms, and beautiful country side. We really had no destination in mind. Our goal for the day was to enjoy ourselves and God's creation. As we headed further east, we start getting to bluff country. Our route basically followed the Root River...which hopefully we will have the chance to canoe next summer. Along the way we stopped in Lansboro, MN. A tiny town of about 700 but boy was it hopping. The town was packed full of cyclist, bikers, and other people that had the same idea to enjoy the day like we did. We finally managed to find a parking spot and stopped in at a local cafe for a bite to eat. Lansboro is a great town to visit if you are in the area. It's also known as the bed & breakfast capital of Minnesota.

After we left Lansboro we continued onto Rushford and slightly past before we turned around and headed home. We took a different route on the ride home. Still fairly scenic but flatter than what we had just came through. That didn't matter to us though, we just enjoyed spending a relaxing Sunday afternoon together.

Baby Bump

I've had numerous people requesting baby bump photos so I thought I would share a few here.

16 weeks

20 weeks

24 Weeks

Blizzard Baby

In case you haven't heard, Tony and I will be welcoming a new addition to our family in January!! We couldn't be happier or more thrilled. We are truly blessed.

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!!!"

Tony Patrol Update

Tony found this video on You Tube. I thought it was pretty darn impressive so I had to share it. Update on Tony. He is currently in his 5th week at the Minn. State Patrol Academy. He is enjoying it immensely, even though it is incredibly demanding physically and mentally. I can't tell you how much I am proud of him! Oh we got some wonderful news this past week. Tony will be stationed in the Mower/Freeborn County so we get to actually stay together the next couple of years!