South Beach

The daytime temperature has been around 84 degrees so we decided a trip to the beach was in order. Off we go to South Beach, home of beautiful sand beaches, beautiful blue water, lapping white waves...









and people!

Miami Homestead Speedway

Sunday was bright and sunny and we had decided to take in the NASCAR Sprint 400. The race was to begin about 3:00 but we got there (all of five miles away) around 11 a.m. and took in the sights, sounds, events, etc. of 85,000 spectators (I guess they all didn't show up that early!)








It was amazing! 43 cars zipping around and around and around and soon all we could hear was the zooming sound of the engines as the entire track was in use. That means we could not hear the announcer, nor could we hear each other! Only after 83 laps was there a caution and we could finally hear again. It was an experience--I guess I don't understand why some people chase from one race to the next.

The end of the race--Jimmie Johnson gets a check for over $6,000,000 and it takes us one hour 45 minutes to drive the five miles home!!!

Back in South Florida

This guy is a dead give-away that we are back in Homestead. Caryn and Brayden came out to visit on Saturday and after lunch and a nap at "Grampa's House" we took a trip to the Everglades. Mitch was excited--he got to buy his "Golden Age Pass", the National Park's pass for 62 year olders for $10 and doesn't expire until they do!







Brayden loved running on the boardwalk and looking at all the birds and the alligators. He looks likes he enjoys listening to Grampa's stories too!

The lady in the gift shop was very impressed when he chose an alligator book over a toy alligator.

Week 2 in Minnesota

The guys managed to get three deer on Monday morning so we needed to go back up north to frosty mornings and beautiful days. Mitch and Jim skinned and butchered, then cooked a wonderful rum marinated venison chops dinner (remember last weekend they read the venison cookbook).







We always enjoy the hospitality of Carol and Jim (Sarah's parents). Thanks for sharing your house, kitchen, and family!!











Saturday was a special day, Grandma Aggie (Jim's mom) celebrated her 92nd birthday. Sarah and brother Tony showed off a little bit for the kids.


The venison is in the freezer waiting for next summer, then Carol and Jim and Mitch and I grind up the venison and make summer sausage, breakfast sausage, and pizza sausage.










Back to the cities to spend a couple more days before we fly back to Florida.

This is Kitty Precious, Addy's special stuffed kitty cat from last year's hospital days when Addy went to the hospital for 55 days to visit Mommy while she was waiting for Macy to be born. Addy always makes sure Kitty Precious is taken care of but usually is firmly attached to the inside of Addy's elbow. Kitty Precious recently underwent a complete makeover.



We girls are singing songs and running circles around the house. It's fun and games !!!












Addy and Macy, we love you so much and will miss you until we see you in May.

Time with the kids

It's been a busy week playing, playing, playing. Addy and Macy have a busy schedule and we have had a lot of fun.

Addy was looking out the window and said, "There's the garbage truck. It must be Tuesday!"

At two and a half she amazes me with the things she knows.





Macy and Addy in their matching PJs--cuter than a bug's ear!!












Mitch and I cooked up some pot stickers, egg rolls, and Hot and Sour Soup because the kids say there isn't a restaurant that makes them as good as we do. We had a great evening--Sarah and Shayne and Bryan and Stacy.









Addy cooked up some of her famous pancakes for breakfast.

1st Deerhunting weekend in Minnesota

First things first--we are back in Minnesota and get to see the girls. Look at these dollies! Little Macy is almost one and the sweetest little cutie there is.













Addy is going to teach Brayden how to eat raspberries. A raspberry on each finger and then you yell Ta-Da!! Then you eat them.













This is Max, Tony and Beth's three year old.





















And this is Weston, Max's little brother who just turned one.



















The weather was just great for us (not so much for hunters who would rather it be cold and snowy). Macy just loved playing in the leaves.

















Addy got to go for a walk in the woods earlier, but today she thought playing in the house was lots of fun too.











Saturday evening was the birthday celebration. Mitch, Carol (Shayne's mother-in-law), and Mark (Beth's dad) all have November 6th birthdays!!
Happy Birthday, everyone!!











Sunday night and there were no deer. The closest thing to venison was the cookbook with all the great venison recipes that would be good to eat.

Sunday evening

Jason and Caryn in the evening light at this fun little Greek restaurant in Hollywood. They have just found out that it will be a little boy they will be having in March.











Brayden and Grampa walking down the sidewalk. Brayden does like his Grampa!! I'm thinking Brayden is saying "Why", his favorite new word!