Kimball Bottoms

When Aaron mentioned he wanted to go to the desert today after church, I nodded halfheartedly but said, "why not wait until you're done with the outage and I'm out of school?" I could think of a million things I could do today - adding grades to powerschool, correcting, making things for the May birthdays "muncheon" tomorrow, finishing my purchase orders for school...

We did go, though, and I am so glad we did. Aaron's been working long hours because of the outage at his plant, and I've been a bit stressed from school. It was nice to get away for awhile and not think about all the stuff going on.

It was a really cool place, this "desert" aka Kimball Bottoms OHV area. It's owned by the Army Core of Engineers and there are over 400 acres of trails. The Missouri river borders it which made for sandy, beautiful riding.

Five Friday

5. There are currently 8 days of school left. This year absolutely flew by...I cannot believe it! I definitely had two extremes my first two years of teaching. Last year, to be honest, I wasn't sure if I wanted to teach another year. I remember telling Aaron, while sobbing, that I did not want to go back. I'm glad I did though. I have had so much fun with these kids...I want this group again next year! Also, I just have to brag that my kids have been doing calendar time all by themselves the past few weeks! They love doing it because every day one of the kids gets to be the teacher/leader and leads the rest of the class through the calendar routine.

4. Ruger has Panosteitis again. I had no idea what that was, so besides what the vet told me, I did some web browsing and educating myself about it. It is a painful inflammation of the bone that causes limping (temporary pain/limping - it's like growing pains). He has had it two other times, but I think this time was the worst. He wasn't even walking on his front right leg it hurt so bad, so basically he was walking on three legs everywhere. The vet prescribed pills to bring down the inflammation but after giving one to him (even with food) he got sick. As in throw up sick. The rest of the evening he laid with his head on either Aaron or my lap and he looked so sad and in pain. We really felt bad for our boy. I can already tell today, though, that he is feeling better.

3. Aaron and I have had lots of laughs with the face swap filter on snapchat. It is so terrible, but so funny.

2. 20 days until my NV/AZ/UT trip with my sister! I don't travel a whole lot, so I am very excited. Still trying to figure out a place to go with Aaron this summer though. His request - "not too far". Hmm...there is not much within a 6 hour radius of our home...

1. We are having chili for supper tonight. It snowed today! Not a lot of course, but at recess there were a few flakes coming down. Add in no heat in the school (they turned it off after having 90 degree days last week) and it makes for a chilly day! And of course, today was the school "beach" day where kids were able to wear beachy attire. Ugh!

Quick Trip

I loved the salmon. (Actually, all the food!)

I loved the walks and talks.

But most of all I loved having mom and Will here.

It was a quick visit, but very much appreciated!

Now 18 days until summer vacation starts.

And what a busy 18 days it will be. Uff! 

Saturday Morning Hike

This morning Elizabeth and I hiked the trails at the Knife River Indian Villages. I didn't realize the miles of trails they had there! I think this will be a staple walking place this summer with Ruger.

TRNP

Today was spent at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Besides the wind, it was a beautiful day! The herds of buffalo, wild horses, and views did not disappoint!

A few things

5. The making of homemade Maple syrup is so neat! My parents tapped their maple trees and made their own syrup this year. I tasted a spoonful of it and it is so good! It has a slight smokey flavor to it which is mmmm....so tasty. I'm excited to bring some back and make pancakes for Aaron!

4. I've never really been too interested in essential oils until, this weekend. Mom brought me into Detroit Lakes to a lady's house that makes/sells essential oils...and it kind of piqued my interest! When I came home I checked out all the essential oils mom has and turned on the diffuser. I now know what I want for my birthday.

3. Speaking of that lady's house - her house was amazing. I loved it! It smelled so nice and clean and the colors of her house were so warm and inviting. It inspired to me get painting on ours. When we moved in to our house I wanted dark brown, but for about a year now I've been really leaning towards light colors like creams and whites and light tans. So with that lady's inspiration, and pinterest inspiration, our living room is going to get a new look.

2. There's nothing quite like having the windows open at the lake and hearing the loons. It makes me want to get a Minnesota loon CD and play in the evenings.

1. I hope I have a son or daughter that treats me as good as mom treats my grandma. When my grandpa died five years ago, my grandma moved in and mom and Will have been caring for her ever since. In the morning mom will bring in her pills and breakfast, and grandma will get up when she wants, eat breakfast when she wants, and then come out at noon to have lunch. Mom helps bathe her twice a week and then does up her hair for her. With grandma's memory and dementia she doesn't really notice anymore what all mom does for her, but I do, and I think it's amazing.

NV, UT, AZ

I cannot WAIT for June and a sister trip with my middlest sister! We're headed south!

These pictures are like desserts for my eyes. Can't wait to see them in person!