The Amazing Adventures of McKenzie the kid... and Mom

McKenzie's new work uniform.. She really just works part time though ...
Ok So I wish I had something great, and inspiring to tell you, but it's me so FAT chance of that happening.. But here's the update..

We are currently living in St Paul, MN right on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is beautiful! The summers out here almost fool you into moving here, before the 40 below temp sets in and freezes your bum off when it's too late to leave! So we'll be sure to head out before the first snow falls... Hey, I've heard it has snowed as early as August..

McKenzie and I are having SOO much fun exploring. We are finding fun trails to take beautiful walks on, visiting old historic Civil War sites, checking out the pool, always on the move! She just loves it too!! She gets so excited that she starts jumping up and down in my arms with glee to tell me how happy she is. I want her to be ONE with nature.. (raising a granola) so I try to take her somewhere outside every day to experience new things, and enjoy the beauty this earth has to offer. Shawn is doing soo well! He is so happy and having so much fun! I am so glad that the move has been worth it. This whole summer has been such a blur so it is so nice to reap the blessings we have been working so hard for. Our Heavenly Father knows our needs. And I sure do feel a bit spoiled right now. We'll be here until the end of August then we head back home to start back up our Company, Gates Cleaning Services.


These are our apartments from across the river. Love whoever decides to paint them the color of skittles..

This is the "wives club" at the park. We all went out to the taste of Minnesota for the day. Although there wasn't too much food tasting going on, it was still fun, and so nice to get to know the ladies in the office. They are lots of fun, and I have had so much fun getting to know them, and talking their ear off! Is it bad when people just start to smile and nod at you??



McKenzie and I on one of our nature walks.. Pretty sure I was a little more excited thanks she was.
That's right, I let my kid eat leaves... Notice she now holds herself up when she leans over? And how can you miss those blue eyes? Sorry Mom you were soo wrong..


At the local pool where there's lots of water fun.. can't you just tell how much fun McKenzie is having getting drenched by the fountian?? Poor thing started crying like crazy.. I Should really stop "making" her enjoy the water..

Shawn, McKenzie and I on the 4th of July. We watched fireworks from out backyard right by the river. McKenzie was a stud! She watched the entire show without crying and loved it! I have always wanted to watch fireworks with my hubby on a blanket in the grass, relaxed and having fun, and this year we finally got too! It was the best 4th yet!




I THINK WE FOUND HEAVEN..
Ok bare with me. These pictures were from Shawn's phone, we forgot our camera, but I'm sure we'll be back to take much better picutres so you can really understand. The pics just don't do this place justice, but just try to focus on the background and not so much the blurry people. Shawn and I were driving along trying to find a park to play with McKenzie, when we stumbled.. (gps) upon a park/private outdoor school/heaven. There was no one around, so we really weren't sure if we were allowed to be there or not, but we couldn't help ourselves. There were little trails and parks and hills, and we took a walk into the forrest and came into a clearing.. a small meadow.. maybe Bella and Edward's meadow?? But it was so preaceful, and pretty. It felt like time stood still.. the smell, the sounds of the birds chirping, with no one for miles around it seemed. It was soo pretty.. I wish you could've been there. I'm sure that's what heaven looks like.. at least my heaven. I didn't want to leave and we just loved sitting there with our little family laughing and playing with McKenzie.. We found bushes of rasberries and blackberries and ate them, and gave some to McKenzie.. not sure if she likes rasberries as much as I do.. She'll eat anything she can get in her mouth. I can't wait to go back!

Anyone watching the Bachelorette right now? Team (Ed)ward!!

Love Ya'll!