It's Been A While!

I apologize for the delay in updating this blog.
It’s August already! It has been such a busy summer for us! Here's an update of our summer happenings:

JUNE:
June brought the soggy, wet weather! It rained for 13 out of 15 days straight! I was ready to get an Ark! On the 11th, we went to Fosston, MN to see the my sister, Jan and her family, and we took Anna with us since Karalynn & Tim were packing to move into their new home and one less toddler under foot was a big help. We had a very nice visit 'up north' (as we Minnesotan's say) and Anna had a blast! My sister and brother-in-law have a lot of toys and play things that she enjoyed, especially the playhouse and swing set. Anna also loved sleeping in ‘Aunty's dolly room’ (as she calls it) and playing with my sister's granddaughters. My nephew's wife was kind enough to let Anna come over and play with their girls while my sister and I ran a couple of errands. Since they have a trampoline, Anna did not miss me at all! That was one of the highlights of her trip! She turned to me once and said, “Are we on vacation?” When I told her that it was a small vacation, she answered, “Good! I LIKE vacations!” Ha! She really is a good little traveler!

Robyn is doing well. She has a full caseload now and puts in a full week of counseling sessions. Many heartbreaking situations, but she manages to keep things in perspective, and tries hard not to let their issues stress her out. She and Tore are always on the go, trying to get as much of the outdoors as possible. Staying active helps her de-stress! She plans on moving in with a girl friend that is purchasing a townhouse; as soon as everything gets settled.

END OF JUNE EARLY JULY:
My dear, sweet sister-in-law, Joy, passed away from cancer on June 22nd. She passed away in her home near Dallas. She was married to Bob’s brother, and we were very close, so it came as a shock to us. On the 23rd, we headed to Dallas to attend her funeral, which was held on Thursday, June 24th. It was a very emotional time for all of us. I am still finding it hard to believe she is gone. Thanks to the family for the beautiful flowers that were sent to her funeral. It meant the world to me to have them there as a reminder that their thoughts and prayers were with us during such a difficult time. I truly have remarkable siblings and family!
After returning to Minneapolis, late Saturday the 26th, we jumped back into our busy schedules. Tim and Karalynn moved into their new home that Saturday, and since we were not able to help them move as planned, we did what we could to help them when we returned. Our days were so full; and sooner than we thought, it was time to pack and head to Nebraska for my maternal side of the family reunion that was held over the 4th of July weekend. We enjoyed our trip. We got to visit with many of those attending and got to stop in Grand Island to take supper with my 96 year old Aunty, along with some of my other siblings, who were also at the reunion, The reunion was packed with fun, they had relay races, (which were dubbed ‘Polish Olympics’), a Jeopardy game challenge and of course great food and visiting. (In the photo are my mother's three younger sisters) We even had a really good pyrotechnical display (fireworks)! On Sunday, while the golf outing was held, Many of us went on a tour of churches in the area; some of which our ancestors attended. It included the Polish Catholic church in Paplin, which was where my maternal grandparents, were married back in 1917. We ended the tour at the Polish Heritage Center and museum, which was filled with many interesting items and Polish pottery that we could purchase! We headed back to the reunion site for a tasty, catered meal and family meeting to discuss where the next reunion would be held. It was decided to be held in Omaha in July of 2013. Following the reunion, Some of us toured the cemetery where both sets of my grandparents and other ancestors are interned. We then got to spend some precious time with an other Aunt before we returned to Kearney for the night. We headed back to Minnesota early Monday morning and got home around 5:30 p.m. We made a quick stop at Karalynn’s to see them, (but mostly for this Nana to get her “grandchild fix”.) They’re new home is beautiful and they did a great job getting everything unpacked and put away; even got pictures hung up on the walls and play area set up for the kids in the lower level. We’re really proud of their efforts!

AUGUST:
We helped celebrate Anna’s, fourth birthday on July 25th. She is growing up so fast so we value every single moment we can spend with her and Owen. They celebrated by going to the Mall of America’s Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park. She, and Owen had a great time! We joined them later in the day at their home for cake/ice cream. They love their new home and appreciate the space; They are especially enjoying the big yard and play area downstairs for the kids. We got the grandkids a new swing set for their birthdays (Owen’s birthday is in September), and it took Bob& Tim almost all day one hot, muggy, Saturday, to assemble and set up. Of course, Owen tried to “help” with his little tools, but when he took his dad’s hammer and almost smashed the frame with it, He had to be taken away from the task! Needless-to-say, the smiles on the kid’s faces and the “Thank You, Papa and Daddy!!” that the kids shouted and hugs they gave in appreciation, made the hard work worthwhile. The following Saturday (July 31st ) was spent at the Keehr side of the family reunion held on the Bob's Uncle Lyle's farm, located near Bob’s home town. Karalynn and the kids joined us and the kids had a ball on the farm. We enjoyed watching them enjoy the farm sites. They especially liked the hayride and seeing the farm animals. Owen loved this tractor! It was good to see Bob’s aunts, uncles and cousins again, too. On Sunday, the 8th, we celebrated my birthday by going out to brunch with friends. We went to the Volnay Bistro, which is located on Wayzata Bay. It was delicious and the beautiful location made it a perfect birthday meal!
On Monday the 9th, Bob had to work and Robyn was on vacation in Park City Utah, so Tim, Karalynn & the grandkids had me over for dinner and a delicious homemade chocolate macaroon tunnel cake to celebrate my birthday. The kids ‘helped’ Karalynn make it and they did a great job!
The following weekend found us back in Bob’s home town, for the funeral of Bob's Uncle Lyle. We were glad we had gone to the family reunion at his farm in July. Bob was a pallbearer at his uncle's funeral, on Saturday, the 14th. That afternoon, my girls and Anna had a special treat in store for me. (A belated birthday gift from both of my girls) They took me to the Tea Room in Anoka where we got to wear fancy hats and gloves (if desired) and were served tea and scones. Anna loved everything about this place! Instead of tea, and scones, she had lemonade and a fancy cupcake. Tim’s mom, joined us too. We had a great time! Following the tea time, we went to see a ‘chick flick’ (one that is suitable for Anna’s age) “Beezus and Ramona”. This was Anna’s first movie, and she enjoyed most of it. It got to be a bit long for her, however, and we ended up leaving before it was over. Anna was asleep before she got home. A big day for a little girl! Well, that catches you up on most of our news.