ND with Chef GG

Amy's trip to ND was a quick one.  She and Melissa did the race (see prior post) first thing on Saturday morning and then headed straight to the lake for 23 hours of fun.  We got there mid-day Saturday and spent the afternoon "On the Pontoon"! (anyone else have that song going through their head now?)  Brady and Melissa were great hosts and even allowed orange chips to be enjoyed on their clean and light colored boat.

Oh, Yeah!  This Is Living!!

 We even had a Dance Off between Melissa and Brooklyn.  It was a tough call - they both have got some great moves!

Then, it was time for an Awesome pheasant stir fry meal by Brady and then time to relax over a few games of chance.  We were joined by Melissa & Jason, Barb & Eric, Nick & Chelsea, Chick, Bjorn and of course the Mattson/Woodard crew.  Was a great night, but I found out that as a general note - if Brooklyn sits in your lap ... you Will lose your money.  Theory tested by Amy and Bjorn = Proven!

Father's day was on Sunday and although Amy was sad she wasn't with Kris to help him celebrate; she knew he was having a good day too!  And - Amy can't remember the last time that she spent Father's Day with her Dad!  Not sure of a better way to spend it then out on the water!  It was a little windy, but otherwise a beautiful drive around the lake.

Wow - Is that Kasey?  - NOPE! Cousin Brody!
(They could be Twins!)

After our boat ride, we spent the rest of the day on land just enjoying watching the kids ham it up and of course sneaking in a few cuddles too.

 

Father's Day means having your kids attached to you ALL DAY!

 

Time went by too fast at the lake, but it was only 23 hours (yes; I can take That Many Pictures in 23 hours).  We were excited to head to Fargo though for a wonderful Father's Day Dinner with GG!  Dad made an Amazing whisky chicken recipe and we got lots of laughs as Grandma told stories about when she was younger.

 

Grandmas Never get enough Kisses!

After dinner; we retreated to the deck (a rarity this time of year due to mosquitoes, but they hadn't hit peak season yet).  Many stories were shared again and someone had to show off that they got new "bumpers" (as Dad calls them). 

Can you guess who has the new "Bumpers"?

Look! Mom and I bought shoes just like Melissa's fancy ones!

Time to go home! Who's driving!?!

 Wow; 3/4 of the way through the weekend and I haven't even mentioned why I referred to Chef GG!  Grandma makes THE BEST (I am Not Exagerating here... THE BEST!) desserts ever.  Some of my favorites include Carrot Bars, Cherry Bars, Special K Bars and of course Sugar Dipped Raisin Cookies!  Grandma gave me the recipe to her carrot bars years ago and I am pretty decent at them.  Now, it was time to learn how to make the cookies!  Sure, she could just give me the recipe, but there are always tips/tricks that may not make it on the card.  Best way to learn is from the Master!

Cooking the Rasins

Like This, Grandma??

YUM! ~ PERFECTION!

Mom with some added notes of tricks/tips on her recipe

After my lesson, we were able to head for a 'kid free' sushi lunch at one of our favorite spots (Kobe's).  Grandma even joined us for her First Sushi Experience!  I love that she is so daring to try new things!!

Another perk of the trip was that Brooklyn played soccer on Monday nights.  Amy enjoyed cheering for her and even got to watch Brooklyn make a couple of goals!

So Proud of my Little Soccer Gal!

It was a super quick and jam packed trip and Amy tried not to get sad when she had to leave 3 tiny days after her arrival.  The only thing that helped was that she promised she would return in 9 short weeks with two little boys in tow.  Can't wait for my next trip out!