We have been busy!

Well, our time in MN is going EXTREMELY fast! We have about half the time remaining before heading back to Rio. I think the time going fast is to be expected when spending it with family and loved ones.
My brother and his family took off last week, almost right after the wedding, and my sister and her daughter headed to the airport this morning. Many days spent laughing, playing games, having bonfires, one trip to the MOA (Mall of America), and lots of love among all.

It has been wonderful.
The weeks before the wedding Joe and my dad built this playhouse/deer stand/nature observation "house" behind the treeline next to the field. It is fully enclosed with windows and screens (to keep out bugs) on 3 of the sides. They worked almost 6 hours a day for about 8 days cutting and pounding and bonding. I am grateful for the hours Joe and Dad were able to put in with one another. For some reason men seem to need physical labor for bonding...women tend to prefer pampering, like spas and pedicures and shopping. Anyway, the treehouse was a huge hit with the kids all week. Sierra and her visiting cousins spent many hours playing in the treehouse and even came up with "rules" in case that is ever necessary.





Here are all of my parents' Granddaughters and one great nephew: from top to bottom; Taylor, Sierra, Bailey, Emily, and Kyler. This picture was taken the day we put our handprints and initials in the concrete around the 4 posts of the house.
Although all of these children live in different states, or in Sierra's case, countries, they play together as if they see one another every weekend. It was so much fun to watch them run through the yard, giggling.