After Layla's production of Beauty & the Beast, Finn had Shrek. Generally, it was well done. Finn had a great time and it was well put together. Honestly, the theatrics were mostly BEFORE the play, when the director was expressing his heartfelt emotions about all the lessons the play can teach us about life and how to be better people. It's like: The play is Shrek... for kids. Let's not go overboard here. But, Finn did great, and now theater season is over. whew.
The kids had been asking for a 3D printer ever since one of Finn's friends printed out something for him. So... Lisa organized family money to get one for Finn's birthday. They were both super thrilled, but really Kellan was the most excited. He wanted to push all the buttons and start this thing.
It took me a bit of troubleshooting. I'm not even sure it's fully working, but it's been passed over to Finn, who shows amazing problem-solving skills when he's motivated. (If he's not motivated... nothing.)
So now Finn and Kellan are printing stuff both for themselves and others. Great gift. Thanks Lisa.
The time for Dan and Kathleen's departure was fast approaching, and everyone wanted to get in some baby time. We had loads of visitors asking for one last hold. Our kids as well.
So sad to be seeing him leave.
Even Cora paused for a few minutes to hold the baby.
Finally, Lisa and I took them to the airport and saw them off to Germany. The trip went fine and they're settling in to their new life.
Of course, as soon as they left we started cleaning. Not because they left it a mess (they were very clean, gracious, and made it as easy as they could to host them) -but more because you just don't bother cleaning things while you have guests -maybe so they don't feel uncomfortable. Lisa tackled the more common areas and I hit the basement.
Love cleaning the basement. Actually... I don't love it, but I love it when it's done.
Last weekend we did a few things for my birthday. First, Lisa bought tickets to Nate Bargatze, so we went to the State Fair to see him.
Lisa and I both dislike the state fair (her more than me), but that's where we had to go.
Every time I go to the state fair, I'm at least excited by the food there. But every time I'm let down. Everyone thinks it's so great, but it's just bland, cheap, and not that full of taste. I think it's about getting food at a fair that holds the appeal (myself included).. but when you dislike the fair in general -that appeal leaves quickly.
I mean -it looks like it would be INSANELY good, doesn't it? Not so much. Maybe I didn't slather it in enough BBQ sauce.
The next day we took a little family trip up to Duluth, the Midwest Riveara. Always nice.
Trying to nap on the beach with kids and a dog. -Not gonna happen.
Finn took the shovel and literally buried himself. Then Lisa told Cora a story about someone dying that way.. haha... so Cora was worried and wanted us to help him out. It's always cute when Cora get's worried because it's so not her personality. -Nice to know it's in there somewhere.
I pushed for taking Watson to the beach, which was okay, but not when you want to relax. I hadn't thought of the relaxation factor. He was so thrilled to be out seeing other people and dogs at the beach, and wanted to walk all over and get sand everywhere... Just wasn't as easy-going as I would have hoped. Might have to leave him home next time.
