Sweet, Sweet SummerTime

Trying to get in the habit of posting more often obviously means posting every 3-4 months. So much for once a month. As I think back to what we did over the summer I would say we were not That busy but then I flip the calendar back and cannot find an empty day where there wasn't something going on. All in all we enjoyed our summer months and were slightly sad to see fall coming. Yes even me, who loves fall. I was not ready for the warm days and sunlight to leave quite yet. However I cannot stop the sun from moving on so I decided to welcome fall back into our life.
But before Fall we had a summer that was very enjoyable. Darik's work load lightened up enough for me to see him from time to time and actually get in a trip to visit my family in July. He used his vacation days this summer to finish up some projects around the house and complete yet another college course through his work. He was one of the first to complete and Pass the course and myself and MidCo couldn't be prouder.

Darik working hard in Alden. He just happened to be across the street
from Adam's softball tournament.

I worked with the Park & Rec. department again this summer as the Recreation Asst. basically I helped supervise the play parks in town, deliver supplies, supervise trips and create some activities for kids. In between work I played softball in Albert Lea this year with the same Co-Ed team I have been playing with for a few years now. At the end of the summer we went in as the #1 seed but ended up in 2nd after the season end tournament. Either way we had a ton of fun and enjoyed being able to play ball.

Watching ball like a pro!

Attempting to hit.

While I played ball every Sunday night and practiced whenever we could get some people together I got our niece, Eboni, enrolled in fast-pitch softball for her first year. She did an amazing job this summer learning and growing. She had softball every Monday and Wednesday. So our weeks started filling up fast with just sporting events. We were very proud of her success with softball this summer and cannot wait to see what she does next year.

While I played Sundays, Eboni played Mondays and Wednesdays, Adam played on Thursday nights this summer, along with almost every weekend. So watching softball soon turned into an almost full time job this summer. Good thing I enjoy ball, and that Darik likes relaxing and having a beer every now and then.

Adam playing ball in Albert Lea.

It's okay! He was safe.

We finished the week out usually trying to hang out with our friends and family. We try to visit my grandparents at least every other weekend to play some cards and grill out when we can. Charleigh loves running free out at the farm and trying to chase the barn cats, thank goodness she's never caught one though. Those things have claws. :) Speaking of Char she has done much better over the summer months and hopefully will be doing better from now on.

Chaleigh actually smiling!

Barn cat hiding in the pallets.

Dad grilling away @ farm.

Char in her favorite spot, Darik's neck.

All in all we had a good summer and are sad to see it go but looking forward to all the fun yet to come. As summer goes we know fall is here but can see winter around the corner which means Spring isn't too far behind in turn means the Wedding will be here before we know it. We can't wait to officially start our married lives together soon!

We hope everyone enjoyed the summer! 

Promise to update more often! 

Fingers crossed!

-Darik & Kelly

May!

So another month has come and gone! As May has come so has the beautiful sunshine and warm weather. Darik has been more than busy with work the past month. Not only has the nice weather kept him working 12+ hours a day but his company is currently expanding their services/service area. So if you have been looking for Darik in the last 30 days, let me know if you find him, because I would like to see him to!
With all good things come bad as well. Charleigh Jo had a really rough month. It started with her not eating and getting really sick. After 3 visits to the vet and lots of moolah$ spent, she finally started getting better. After finally returning to her happy and cheerful self , she over did it and hurt her back. So back to the vet we went to spend a little more moolah$. I think she was just doing all of this because Darik and I had been so busy this spring. She is officially off steroids today and finally jumping and running around again.
Now that Char is feeling better, our wonderful refrigerator died. Yes, I know this doesn't sound so bad, but we really liked our handy down frig and are really sad to see it go. So now with the remodeling I have been doing in the living room (painting and re-arranging) will continue into the kitchen. New coat of paint and some re-arranging and we should be good to go!
Also speaking of kitchens and food, Darik and I planted our very first garden this May. After finally getting it tilled and the vegetables planted we are so excited to see some veggies sprouting soon!
Between subbing, housework, taking care of Char, helping my grandparents and everything else in-between I just finished coaching my second year of high school fast-pitch softball. I assisted with the 9th grade/C squad this season. We started with 18 girls, with only 8 that knew how to play and ended with a total of 15 on the team and 15 that were competitive in their conference. It was a difficult season but I'm really glad I could be a part of those girls learning experience. I look forward to doing it again. Now I am playing co-ed on Sundays with the same team I have been with the past two years and also helping our niece Eboni play fast-pitch for the first time this summer on her U-10 team.
We cannot wait to enjoy all this beautiful weather and time together this summer. Hanging out with friends, grilling, doing some genealogy, working on the house, and just spending some time together as a family.
I'll try to update more often! Ta-Ta for now!
-Kelly

Dallas Making his first Tail Fin for his plane.