Journey to Minnesota

Grace and I flew to Minnesota May 17th.  Actually we flew into Fargo, where my little sister Cydney just graduated from North Dakota State University early May.

The day after arrival, my older sister Dana was running the Fargo half marathon.  She crushed her goal of 1 hour and 45 minutes by a staggering 43 seconds.

Dana is in the orange running down the ramp into the Fargo Dome, where NDSU Football plays.

Everyone congratulating Dana after her run (from left to right, Grace Goodie, Me, Dana, Greg, Cydney and Oma).

Grace Goodie and her Auntie Cydy.

Oma and Grace Goodie at the finish line of the race.

We drove to Staples after race day and visited Great Grandpa Reuben.  Of course Grace took a ride with Grandpa.

She also found joy pushing around Great Grandpa's walker.

Checking out the birdies in the aviary.

Also during our trip Grace's Great Auntie Barb gave her the doted first hair cut.  There really was not hair to cut but since we were in Minnesota and Aunt Barb gave all my siblings their first cut, it was a special day.

Before.

After.



Thanks Auntie Barb.

 At the Shante in Pillager with my sister Dana.

Also at the Shante on their giant anorak chair.

Got in a few rounds of golf while back home, one with Grace pushing the twinner stroller, golf clubs on one seat, Grace on the other.

The face of determination.

Part way in our visit the cousins came up from Princeton for four days.

Bjorn (3), Lukas (3) and Soren (4).

Soren, Bo, Grace and me going on a golf cart ride.

Cleaning up with Cyd.

Rowdy times with the boy cousins in the video below:



Grace and Bjorn.

Also on the trip, I got to spend three days up north with my friend Rachel and her new baby Avery.  She was such a sweetie.

We flew back to Billings, Montana on May 28th.  While we were away Tuff spoke at a few graduation ceremonies, one in Wyola and one in Lodge Grass.

At the Fargo airport next to a giant bison stuffed animal.

Since we returned we were supposed to move into a month long temporary apartment, but that place is no longer available due to a family crisis.  So Donnie and Kassia graciously offered an extension on our stay with them.  We move into a home on the west end of Billings end of June.  So living out of the cargo trailer continues!  

In the meantime we have been spending the rainy days here having fun walking around the stores playing with the toys.  

"Dad, its only $299!  Please?"

"Do I look good in this or what?"

Gladiators!

"Too big.  I'm not ready."

"This is more my size."

Enjoying Milo and Otis together.  Its a 1980's movie about a cat and dog for those that don't know.



Discovering her shadow for the first time.

I wish I had pictures of Tuff's speaking engagements, or even video, but haven't been able to find any online.

Ok I couldn't help myself.  Here's another picture of Grace!   A future golfer perhaps.

Catching Up on the Last Three Weeks

At the end of April, Grace and I attended the Billings Family YMCA Prom fundraiser.  They know how to throw a party for the family; kids and adults alike were having a great time.

Tuff was out of town so Grace was my hot date!

Dance floor!

Prom pictures.

Danced for an hour and passed out!

Tuff just started a softball league.  I don't know much about these leagues but its a pretty serious league and he plays for our church's team.

You can see a bit of Billings landscape in the background of photo.

Catcher.

Me trying to get a nice photo of Tuff.

Still trying to get a nice photo.

There it is!  Thanks for the help Tuff.

The fan club!  The guy on the top left of bench is our brother-in-law Kyle.  We are moving into his apartment beginning in June for the month (still in Billings).  Yep, bouncing around yet again.  June will also mark one year of living out of our cargo trailer.

Grace's Mam (Tuff's mom) threw Grace a birthday party a few weeks ago since we missed having one here in Montana.

Most of the family made it to Billings for the celebration.

Mam went all out, balloons, pizza, cake, candles, presents, and a Hello Kitty theme.

Grace's little cousins were there and are so sweet with her.

Kaydee and Grace on the swings.

Aunt Darlene, baby Kylee, Aunt Kassia (Nantie), Kaydee and Uncle Donnie.

 Kylee and Aunt Kassia (who is due with her first baby August 3rd).  I see a little of Grace in Kylee's face.

We've been enjoying the very hot weather.  Today and yesterday in the 90's (a little too hot).  Tuff went golfing today, opened the season with his personal best of 74.  Nice job!  We might enter the Big Sky State games for the golf competition.  We'll see.

A little bit more of Billings (a photo Tuff took).

Tuff and Grace on Daddy Daughter Day (Wednesdays when I work all day) taking a hike on the rims.

Grace and I travel to Minnesota on Friday for an 11 day trip.  Hope to see many of you there!