Grandma Bowen's 85th

Tonsillectomy

Boo, tonsillectomies & strep are no fun! But I was ready to get this over with. I know it's confusing for the boys as to why mom is in bed a lot. I think Ty is still scared by seeing me with a hospital mask on when I had to visit the ER a month or so back. But this surgery should do it. I'm still in the painful recovery phase. As with everything, there are blessings hidden within difficult times. Because I'm in such pain, I can't do much. Dennis has been an incredible blessing. He takes such good care of me. It's been nice to be able to full relax & recoup knowing everything is taken care of. And I've enjoyed seeing him play with the boys outside the window. What a great daddy!

Ty offers to bring me a Popsicle frequently and has on occasion asked if he could lay down with me. Swoon~~~ Pure heaven. I just love snuggling with that little guy. He melts my heart.

Then there's the ever-lively Drew. I'll be dozing in & out on the couch and next thing I know he's standing next to me babbling some story that only he understands. Oh, such happiness.

I'm blessed.

Ely, Minnesota 2011

Each year Dennis' family ventures nearly to the Canadian border to a small town called Ely, Minnesota. This was our first year as a family of 4. Boy was it a lot of work. But totally worth it!

A picture is worth 1,000 words...

And we're off! DVD players & headphones in use :)
Ty wasn't much for pictures during this trip.

Color Wonder color books were great!

Always fun to jump on the hotel beds :)

Swimming w/Cousins at hotel pool

Drew, our little fish

The big Moose

At a Wisconsin Cheese shop, Ty called this the big elephant.

Thank you God for sleeping kids during the long drive.

Finally here! Time for our first boat ride.

This was our first year to have a pontoon boat. It was so much nicer, especially with kiddos.

The water was pretty warm

Bball game by the lake

A beach & camping, best of both vacation worlds.

Smore time!

"...more pictures mom!"

more Ely 2011 pics

Drew fell asleep on the boat ride

Ty enjoyed driving the boat in circles on the lake.

The only relaxing time Dennis & I had during this trip: NAPTIME! This is our view.

Skipping rocks

The boys all enjoyed time playing catch w/Dennis on the playground.

This is just part of our long UPHILL hike to our cabin from the resort beach & dock.

Ty: the "hind-leader" (line leader) on our way down the hill.

Many stops along the way to pick a flower or two :)

Ty is so funny. He would run halfway up the hill, then sit & say "I need a rest". Funny coming out of a 3 yr old's mouth.

lake view of resort

even more Ely 2011 pics

more lakeview pics of the resort

Being the "picture-taker" in the family, this is about as good as it gets to prove that I was there too ;)

Aunt Denise floating in her raft (err..boat), as the boys skeem some kind of trouble

Drew LOVED the resort doggies: Fed & Jack

Some more S'mores

Some veteran fisherman of this lake took the boys out for some great catches

A rainy morning in the cabin = blanket tents :)

Grandma watched Drew one night so Ty could go on a "date" with mommy & daddy to DQ.

Puddle Stomping!