It's a Beautiful Day

After 1 1/2 years of pure anticipation, Craig and I checked off one of the things on our "bucket list"...to see U2 in concert! The buzz around town was that the traffic and parking getting into Minneapolis would be terrible, and so, being the exceptional planners that we are...drove down 5 hours before the concert, in hopes that we would find a parking spot. Much to our surprise, it was pretty empty, and we found an awesome spot only blocks from the stadium...which just meant we had 5 hours to kill before the concert.

I have to say, we had a great time wandering the streets and people watching. Not to mention getting a glimpse of the U2 stage, AKA. The Claw... We met a few friends down there for dinner and drinks ahead of the concert, and then made our way to the new TCF Stadium to take in the outdoor concert.

Our friends, Willi & Kim

Standing in front of The Claw just before showtime Now, I'm not a concert veteran. Don't get me wrong, I've been to my fair share of concerts, but I wouldn't say I'm an expert at them. But this concert was, BY FAR, the BEST concert I have ever been to. Granted, I'm partial to U2...who isn't, really? But if you ever have the opportunity to see them in concert...DO IT! You definitely won't regret it.
And just so you don't feel a little left-out of the fun, here's a glimpse of one of my favorite songs: "Where the Streets Have No Name"

Sticks and Stones

Yep...leave it to the girl who drinks 4 glasses of milk a day to break her elbow...AGAIN! All before the age of 3, Sophia has managed to break both of her elbows. I guess you could say she takes after her mom!

What's Wrong With This Pic?

Figure it out yet? Need a hint?...take a closer look at Jack's hand.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

One morning, Sophia & I were sitting together on the couch. She was looking at me rather intensely. It was almost as if she were discovering something that she couldn't quite articulate. Then she spoke. "Mommy, you and Nana look a lot alike" she said.

Now, if you've ever met my mom, you would know this is not the first, nor will it be the last time I hear this. "What about me and Nana are alike?" I asked.

"Well..." she pondered for quite some time. "Well, you and Nana both have lips!"

Sadly, I realized this is the most recent picture I have of just me and my mom

The Crawdad Whisperer

Once upon a time, there were 2 moms, who met at a local parenting group. They immediately struck up a friendship and quickly drug their husbands and children into the mix. One weekend, they all went away to a family cabin together, and Dave discovered his true calling in life...to be a crawdad hunter.

Now, crawdad hunting isn't for the faint of heart. He toiled through the shallow water's edge in search of the notorious crawdad. Some he found only had one pincher...not good enough. Others were scrawny and unworthy of his efforts. Day in and day out, he hunted for the perfect crawdad. He even made a crawdad pond for when he finally captured his prize.

And then, when all hope had seemed lost, hiding amongst the driftwood, he found the king of all crawdads. Dave moved quickly, but the beast would not go without a fight. Water splashed, kids yelled, but Dave arose triumphant!

And with an "Ooo" and an "Ahh", the crowd was pleased and went out for a tube ride to celebrate.

The Fabulous Hudson Hornet

Last night, Craig was in Duluth for work. Just outside his hotel, the street was bustling with people gawking at restored antique cars, celebrating Duluth Days. Craig sent pictures and video of all the comotion. I called Jacob and Sophia over to watch the video, and as the camera passed one car, Jacob started laughing. "It's Doc!" he yelled. "Daddy met Doc!". For those of you who have seen the Cars movie, you know who he's talking about.

So, Craig went back to the car and took a picture and sent it to us. Jacob was amazed that Craig had met the Fabulous Hudson Hornet. "WOW! I can't believe Daddy saw Doc! Ask him if Mater is there!"

Family and Fireworks

It's hard to believe we're already into July! Growing up, the 4th was always that date that I looked forward to and dreaded all at the same time. I loved having time with family and participating in our family traditions, but it also meant that summer was a third over already.

Ever since Craig and I got married, we've spent every 4th of July up in Grand Rapids at the cabin. And at some point during the weekend, Grandma's family comes over for the day. This year was no exception, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect! A family that was once Craig, his brothers and 6 cousins, has rapidly grown to cousins and 2nd cousins (16 to be exact...with another on the way. And NO! That's not an announcement from Craig and me). The whole crew
16 2nd Cousins
Getting in a little bit of tubing

***

The rest of the weekend was spent basquing in the sun, enjoying the beach and going for boat rides. After less-than-mediocre weather in June, July was a warm and pleasant change!Jack - enjoying some sun

Sophia & Brenna enjoying some ice cream on the rocks

These 2 were inseparable all weekend

Hope you had a rip-roaring good 4th!