Good-Bye America :(

So, now that Chad was gone it was my turn to have some fun. I drove the kids down to Mankato to stay with Gma and Gpa Reed and then drove back up to stay at my dear friend Lisa's house. It was a great weekend and was able to spend it with some of my great high school friends. It really felt like I hadn't even left :)

Tuesday night I drove down to Mankato to wake up early on Wednesday to watch the MN Vikings Training Camp with Gpa and Gma Reed. This was our first time going and we all had fun, just wished Chad could've been with us. Rilynn got bored, but then found the craft table so was happy. Brady was having a good time, except he didn't understand why he didn't get to play with them :) HA

Donovan McNabb

Ponder

My old dorm for 2 years in the background- Gage Towers- Soon to be taken down. Tear :(

Future QB

Autographs we got- Michael Jenkins #84 and Ryan Lincoln #13

Gpa Reed took off Rilynn's training wheels to give it a try. Still needs some practice :)

Gma Reed took us to look at Minneopa Falls in Mankato.

After a week of the kids down in Mankato we said our good-byes and drove up to Gma and Gpa Nathe's to stay until we left.

Of course being back we had to visit Teddy Bear Park in Stillwater. We met one of my old co-workers and her 2 daughters for an afternoon. Hot, but fun :) Best part was eating at Nacho Mama's and then stopping at the candy store!! LOL

Here is a video of Brady going down the slide by himself. Not sure why it's sideways, so I apologize for your stiff neck :) Ha

My dad had taken a week off so we decided to spend a few days at my gma and gpa's cabin in Silver Bay (an hour north of Duluth). I spent a lot of summer's there growing up, but hadn't been there since '94 so my visit was well overdue. 17 years later and it was just like I remembered, even the fabulous banana pancakes :)

We ventured out to Gooseberry Falls for the day to see the falls and do some hiking. Had a fun time especially watching Gpa slip on the rocks and fall in the water :) LOL

Upper Falls

An unexpected 15 minute downpour!! Thankfully ir swimsuits in my bag.

Middle Falls

Lower Falls

After the falls  stopped by Superior  and the Baptism River for a swim. However, Gpa was the only crazy one to actually swim in Superior!! BRRRRRR

Bunkhouse

Driving back to Duluth I had to pull over and take a picture of the fog. So pretty!

Thomas was in Duluth for the weekend  so we spent the day going on a ride and enjoying the other activities. The kids had a blast!!!

Lift Bridge in Canal Park

The Depot

Had to take a pic of the small Fitger's as this was where Chad proposed in 2003

Sir Topham Hat

My sister Rachel won a photo session, so we got the kids together for some updated pics

Gpa took the kids to the tennis courts to play with his new toys, a ball grabber and thrower. Kept the kids busy for awhile :)

After spending 7 weeks in the US it was time to head back to our home in China. We really missed Chad and I had enough of living out of suitcases so we were ready. Since our house is being rented, we stayed with our family and friends. It was very strange hanging out in our neighbor's yard watching a strange man grill on our deck!!

We would like to thank our family for the great hospitality you provided us while we were back. We really appreciate it :) And also to Tina for letting us borrow the carseats!! A lifesaver :)

We love you all and will see you in December!