We’re back from our vacation and we had lots of fun.  We spent a week at a resort in Whipholt, MN called Huddles.  It was a very family oriented place full of daily activities.  The owners were extremely friendly and very involved in all the activities.  You could tell that they absolutely love their jobs.  We did have one “not so fun” event that happened to nearly everyone…chiggers!  These microscopic insects invaded the shoreline which resulted in giving everyone red bumps all over their legs and were very itchy!  It looked like a chicken pox virus had erupted.  Kelly & one other girl were the first to get these chiggers and they also had the worse case of them.  Theirs extended onto their tummies and arms as well as legs.  Not fun!  I had to run in to town and buy a tube of “anti-itch” creme.  But we did have a highlight on our trip as well.  Megan learned how to water ski!!  I have some great pictures of her “in the act” and I’ll get them on my webpage soon.  And like most trips, it’s good to be back home and get a good night sleep in your own bed.

Wow, has the wind been “whipping” around here!  The gusts are so strong that we’ve had to take down the hanging plants, flags and even the umbrella on the patio table.  We had a nasty storm come through Friday night and when we woke up Saturday morning, we found part of our neighbor’s tree in our yard.  Jazz was a little nervous about this as she scoped out her backyard that morning.  It’s still 80 degrees out, but feels a little chillier than that.  I hope this ends soon, it’s not good for the allergies.

Today the girls went horseback riding.  It was Megan’s second time and Kelly’s first.  They went on an hour long, guided trail ride along a river in Carver Park, each girl on their own horse.  I was a little worried for them because of our “tropical” weather that we’re having.  The heat index was at 100 degrees today!  When they came home, they were all smiles and had a great time.  And of course, they had to ask the question, “Mom, can we get a horse?”  Aaah!

Last night, Megan had her first band concert as a percussionist.  After only having twelve lessons, the group which consisted of clarinets, trombones, trumpets, baritones and percussion, put on a 20 minute “mini-concert” showing off what they had learned.   They did pretty well, considering these kids never played together once (except the hour before the concert).  Megan was all smiles after each song, looking at Mom & Dad for our “thumbs up” reaction.  She played bells, snare, and bass drum, which showed off all of her talents!  ha-ha  The only thing that was missing, was my camera!  I can’t believe I forgot to bring that.

Today was a productive day for me.  I spent an hour and a half going through our Cd’s (and we have alot of Cd’s). I made three piles….ones that stay, ones that get tossed out and the ones that will go to the “used Cd store”.  After that, I alphabetized all the keepers.  I know what you’re thinking… and no, I don’t have too much time on my hands.  I just like things neat and organized.  Ask Plankton.  It just makes life easier.  Try it sometime, you’ll thank me.

How does that saying go?  “It’s hotter than blue-blazes today!”  That’s what my grandpa used to say.  And that’s all I could think about today.  We’re currently at 92 degrees and not much wind to cool us off.  I’ve gone out a few times to water my poor plants and herbs that are wilting.  I’m sure they appreciate my efforts on this hot day.  If you don’t have a pool in your backyard, a beach nearby, or a boat, it’s kind of an “inside day.”   But I’m not complaining…it’s been a terrific weekend.

We’re starting to get ready for our Fourth of July holiday around here.  I’ve put out the flag, watered the grass (not sure why), we’ll be getting groceries tonight and the girls & I got our hair done.  We’re hitting the golf-course (pun intended) around noon tomorrow and then coming home for some BBQ ribs & chicken on the grill.  After our tummies are full, we’re going to go watch the fireworks over in AppleValley.  That’s a full Fourth of July and the weather is suppose to be a gorgeous 85 and sunny.  Can’t beat that! 

Happy Fourth to everyone!