Family Photos

We just received some of the family photos we took with photographer, Shelly Mosman, a couple of days ago. We're really happy with them. It's too bad we were pressed for time or we would've headed outside for some outdoor shots. Still, the studio shots are great and we had so much fun. Keira enjoyed hamming it up. Here's a small sampling of the photos. 

Nothing Says "Fall Fun" Like Apple Picking

After a busy weekend that included the Twin Cities 5K and extensive yard clean up, we met up with our friends Mike and Sarah, along with their kids William and Grace, for apple picking at Whistling Wells. Originally we were going to meet at the Afton Apple Orchard, but after Sarah informed us that the line was about a hundred people deep we went with her suggestion to try Whistling Wells. It was a good backup plan and perfect for our afternoon outing. Thanks Sarah!!

While there weren't as many honey crisp apples left on the trees we were able to snag a few and were also able to grab a couple of other yummy varieties. We ended up with a peck and shared them with my sister and dad. Before the photos, let me say that this was only the second orchard I've ever been to in my life. And, on this occasion, it was the first time I actually picked apples off the tree and even took a few bites without "proper" washing. I know, I know. Those of you who know me well are shocked I didn't bring along my own fruit washing supplies. That's what I call living on the edge! It was a great way to end the weekend.

Keira enjoyed the wagon ride provided by dad

Keira really took to the donkey and even reached out to pet it

It was nearly impossible to get all three of them to sit still for a photo.

Keira enjoyed looking at the animals with William

Checking out the pumpkins

The Blur Known As Labor Day Weekend

Last weekend was one of the most fun, albeit crazy weekends we've had in a long time. Friday, after a long workday, Mark, Keira and I raced home, got dressed and headed over to the Hilton - Bloomington for Tina and Dan's Mehendi party. The food was delicious, the bride-to-be and groom-to-be looked great, the party go-ers were in a fantastic mood and we had a terrific time.

All dressed and debuting my shorter do

This would've been a cute photo, except for my doofy BIL

Gorgeous bridesmaids

I've known Julee long enough it's okay for me to pick her nose

Henna

Saturday we did the usual - swim class, laundry, other chores...I also ran some errands that afternoon before heading back to the house for a quick change and then I was out the door to see Carrie Underwood at the Mystic Lake Casino Amphitheater. It was a beautiful evening for an outdoor concert. It did get a little chilly, but thankfully I was prepared and had worn a light sweater. Carrie Underwood was amazing in concert. I enjoyed her show more than I thought I would. She has amazing vocals, relates to the audience well and really projects how much she enjoys her job. It was nice to see an artist/celebrity who is humble, down-to-earth and still has a great time! I'm a converted fan.

Sunday was a really hectic day. We took Keira to a Pump It Up (inflatable kids place) birthday party for her friends, Avery and Addison, who happen to be twins. Avery is currently Keira's best girlfriend. Unfortunately Avery and Addison have switched schools. Keira's been having a hard time with that, but their mom and I said we'd do our best to arrange playdates for the girls. Anyway, we were there from 10-12pm and Keira had a great time. She always does at that place and has even requested for her 5th birthday party to be there. I told her we'd see and that it depended on whether she continued to behave well.

Following the birthday party, we sped out of there and Mark sped his way down to Rochester where we'd drop Keira off to spend the night with her grandparents. We barely had enough time to say hello and good-bye before we were back on the road to head home. I was exhausted and slept most of the way. Mark was such a trooper and did all the driving without complaint. We got home and literally had 15 minutes to get dressed and get out the door to head to the Hilton - Minneapolis for Tina and Dan's wedding at 3pm. We didn't quite make it and arrived at the hotel at 3:15. For those of you who know me, you know I don't like to be late, especially for important events such as this. Fortunately, this wedding was running on "Asian" time. That is, not on time at all. There were many other people just coming in at the same time and some awhile after us. The ceremony didn't actually start until about 4pm, so we were just fine! The venue was gorgeous. I will post photos when the newlyweds post the professional photos. The lighting was such that my point and shoot camera couldn't do it justice. Tina and Dan were married in both Indian and American wedding ceremonies. It was wonderful to witness. The cocktail hour was after that. I enjoyed a glass of wine and immediately got warm and flushed red, but I was quite content while enjoying delicious Indian food, drinks and my family and friends. We enjoyed a fabulous dinner and had a GREAT time dancing. I'm pretty sure Tina arranged for the DJ to play all my favorites! We danced into the wee hours of the night...So much fun! Congrats Tina and Dan!

Dad, Gracie and Linh

Enjoying the cocktail hour

Bridesmaids with the bride and groom

Dinner time

Then Monday morning came too soon. Fortunately Jim and Margaret were able to drive Keira back up to our place. That saved us some time in having to get up early and pick her up. We picked up my dad and cousin and headed to the Fair at 9am. My aunt, uncle and cousin met us out there and we ATE SO MUCH. Keira had a blast too and really enjoyed the rides at the Kidway.

Eating MY ice cream cone

Already driving a boat

Keira loved this ride, but I don't think the girl next to her did as much

Here's the kicker...after we got back from the Fair - around 3:30pm, I had to hustle, pick up my friend, Heather, and head right back out there again. We were going to see Maroon 5 and Train at the Grand Stand that evening (great show!). So, the logical thing to do (given that I was so full) would have been to refrain from eating anymore food. Nope, I ate more. So, the full list of food included: ice cream cone, pronto pup x 2. fried green beans, fudge puppy, australian potatoes, fries, cheese curds, Asian fusion taco, ribbon chips, mini donuts, roasted corn and a couple of other things that escape me right now. Granted I didn't eat a full serving of all these items, but I sampled enough to feel really, really sick that night. All in all, a crazy, crazy weekend, but so, so fun!