Mom Turns _ _ _ty

David and I were so excited to get to go home for mom's birthday.  Her birthday is on the 4th of July, and since it was on a Thursday, I didn't have to take off work.  We woke up really early and flew to Little Rock which was great because we got to Searcy before noon.

Robert and Emily were already helping dad in the kitchen get the birthday dinner ready.  Dad was making an awesome meal including leg of lamb, salmon, sausage, and steak with grilled vegetables.  He also made a Red, White, and blue dessert with homemade vanilla, strawberry, and blueberry sorbet. Dad invited some of our family friends over for dinner that night.  

On Friday we ran some errands, played games, and ate some leftovers.  Saturday we woke up and headed out to the farm with Robert's new inflatable kayak.  We did some fishing and kayaking and then got home for dinner.  My aunt and uncle from Dallas, came up to bring their daughter to Camp Tahkodah, and J.Cliff came over so we all enjoyed a yummy Indian meal that dad cooked for us.

*Please note Sammie Jo in her life jacket in this photo.  uh-mazing!

Of course, it was amazing to see my furry nephews!

J.Cliff dropped us off at the airport Sunday morning.  It's always hard to leave, but it's always so good to be home and an added bonus when JCG is there too!

Earlier This Summer

We were very excited when David's mom, Lynn, and her cousin Terry decided to make a trip up here for the Cantus Covers concert and David's birthday since they were on the same weekend.  I met Lynn and Terry along with 7 of my coworkers for dinner downtown before we all went to the concert.  Saturday morning we went to breakfast and the farmer's market and then got ready to go to the concert again that night. 

Sunday morning we went to church and then went to a amazing restaurant in downtown Minneapolis called The Butcher and the Boar.  David chose this restaurant for his birthday and it was delicious.  On Monday,  I had to go to work, but David took Lynn & Terry to Hudson, WI, since Terry only lacked Wisconsin from being in all 50 states.  I met them for dinner at the Blue Door for some yummy Juicy Lucy's and then they headed home on Tuesday morning. 

On Friday, David and I headed to the airport to pick up our good friend Jarrod Turbeville for the weekend.  We ate a quick lunch at Cafe Latte and headed back to the apartment to catch up.  We walked to the zoo and then had dinner that night.  Saturday morning we ate breakfast and went to the Mall of America.  On Sunday afternoon, David had a concert at the Lake Harriet band shell, so Jarrod and I packed a picnic lunch at went to the concert.  It was so good to see Jarrod and we were excited to have so many visitors this Summer.