The Girls, The Kids, The Guys!

My high school friends - what is better is women who have known each other since junior high school, never had a feud and share our deepest feelings and know each other's secrets:) - great weekend. It started on Friday with a fabulous dinner at an independent Mpls restaurant where Beth (far right) knew the chef/owner when he was a toddler - hmmm - it's who you know - fantastic food and we got a FREE appetizer. In order: Judy (from Wisconsin), Peggy (from Mora), me the host (Bloomington), Beth (Bemidji). Is it possible to laugh and talk for a total of over 40 hours (plus sleeping time)... YES, WE CAN! Ready to embark on the Mississippi Queen at Boom Island Park.
Before the boat - stop at NE Farmer's Market, check out Psycho Suzi's, Uptown Minneapolis where we found a store that had a delightful sound book on Farts!!! - yes, you might guess that it had 12 numbered buttons that each produced a different sound. Don't need to say much more since we have always been a "gaggle of gigglers".

After dinner side trip to Trader Joe's -8pm Friday night not too crowded.

On the boat - do we need alcohol to laugh it up - no - we forged ahead and got the best seat in the house - or should I say on the boat - because I knew the trick!

So before my friends were gone we had niece Molly, Josh, Lily and baby Claire overnight and for Sunday brunch where Chris, Amy, Alex and Lucy joined us - also to celebrate Chris and Amy's 12th anniversary today. I grew up spending much time with second cousins - they are the best. Lucy (age 3) decided Lily (age 2) needed a little work done on her hairdo and Lily agreed - hair styling is hard work - it makes you puff your cheeks and hold your breath.

The Jones/Eken trio - I think we have a budding rock band in our midst. They just need a few lessons paid for by their parents of course, and not us.

The Dads - Chris and Josh - looking a little bewildered over all the action - also having found a quiet spot.

Lily, Amy, Lucy and Alex - we keep saying our family is the greatest and how true that is.....not perfect but the greatest.

Whoaaa - our schedule is filling far into the fall and we are lucky for that.

On another note: my heart is going out to all those in Minot ND (Nieces Sara, Carrie and Molly who grew up there and their Mom Kathy who lived there until a few weeks ago) - the Red Cross is accepting donations for the flood victims - easy to find out how by googling.