Summer 2011

A trip or two or three to Pelican Lake. Reed loves fishing with Daddy and Papa Charlie. He loves riding on the jetski and driving the John Deere.

We spent some time at Scot and Holly's cabin near Hayward, Wisconsin. Reed loved riding the scooters down the driveway. He finally got the hang of driving it himself about an hour before we had to leave. He absolutely loves spending time with his cousins.

Reed and Heather went to the MN State Fair with the Scot Schultz family, Grandma Lu and Papa Charlie, and Bud and Sandee. We had a good time. Reed had such a good time that he slept until 11:00 the next morning. We ate many things and took a ride in the Uncle Donald's racing car. Life IS good.

T-Ball 2011

Reed has a blast playing t-ball this summer with his best buddie, Donovan.

I love the fact that none of them can touch the ground while on the bench. It was so cute.

Playing first base. Go Giants!!!

Jason turns 40

Family dinner at Porter Creek on Wednesday, July 13th. His actual birthday.
Hamburger Birthday Cake... picked out by Reed.

Opening cards.



A surprise party at Chili's in Burnsville on Friday, July 15th.

Yvonne

The Bloom Family, minus one - Kara

Kim, Jeremy and Bella

Loan, Rees, Max and Jon Hopkins

Robin, Marge, and Wally

I think Jason was surprised. We said we didn't feel like cooking and wanted to go out to Chili's. He suggested he would meet us there on his way home. Little did he know we would also be dining with a few of his closest friends and more family members than he thought. Thanks to all for the birthday wishes on Jason's birthday.

4th of July 2011

Cooper, Bella and Reed had a good time playing in the water.
We had some very beautiful weather.

Preschool Graduation 2011

Reed's Preschool teachers. Chelsea, Gloria, Debbie, Greg They have been so good to Reed and have taught him so many things. We owe them a lot for the young man he is becoming.

Grandma Sue, Grandpa John and Reed


Grandma Lu and Papa Charlie with Reed

Thank you to Grandma Lu and Papa Charlie for driving all the way down to watch Reed graduate from preschool. We thank Grandma Sue and Grandpa John for coming and finally getting to see Reed sing the songs he has been singing at home.
Reed, Jason and I appreciate the support from our family in raising a wonderful little boy. It means a lot to Jason and I that Reed's grandparents could be there at this big event in his life. We love you.

Reed Lost His First Tooth

The tooth start loosening about a month ago. Then today Reed showed us how loose it was and that it was about to fall out. So Daddy suggested they use floss to try and pull it out.
Reed tried pulling some by himself. Then...

It fell out.


Reed has one less tooth today but there is another one loose. He may have two spaces fairly soon. He was a good sport and didn't complain much about it hurting at all.

And Yes... The tooth fairy came. He was so excited to get money for his tooth and be able to put it in the bank. (Jason has been teaching him what to do with his money.)

First Time Playing Soccer

Reed started soccer on Tuesday nights. He loves playing. It also helps that his best buddy, Van, is on his team. Reed is the one pointing to something and Van is the one with his hands on his knees. Reed has surprised Jason and I in the soccer skills he has shown in the first two 'games'. Very fun and hope it is just the start of what is to come.

Mother's Day 2011 and the Race for the Cure

Heidi and Heather

Our team name: Marsha's Milers. Ray and Grandma Lois walking with the sign.

We have had the team since about 1996, the members can change from year to year but the mission is always the same. It started in Memory of my Aunt Marsha but has become a celebration of the other family members who have beat the ugly disease. The survivors stand out with their hot pink shirts. I am glad too say my list of 'In Memory Of... ' is much shorter than my list of 'In Celebration Of...'.

Mommy and Reed on Mother's Day.

Easter 2011

Reed could not wait until he was able to decorate eggs.

Family Easter photo on the steps.

Leo - 23 months, Reed - 5, Dru - 3

Cooper - 9, Bella - 6, Reed - 5

Yountville, CA (Napa Valley)

Grapevines at the Trefethen Family Vineyard, Napa Valley

Midwest salesmen, contractors and purchasing agents...
Jason S., Tom K., Mike M., Mike S., Jason Q.

Darwin wine, Cabernet Sauvignon, at Hall Winery. They are one of only a few organic wineries in the Napa Valley. Very good wine! The one I liked best was $100 a bottle, but boy was it good. I was not able to purchase any to bring home.:(


Jason and I under a cork oak tree at the Trefethen Family Vineyard.

Jason was able to get this wonderful trip through work. It was an all expenses paid trip to Napa Valley paid for by GlenFlex. The company sells commercial roofing products which United Products stocks and sells for them. We stayed at Bardesono Spa and Resort. It was very nice. We went on a wine tour one day, ate dinner at very nice places and were pampered for three days. It was so relaxing to just kick back and taste wine, eat good food and enjoy each other's company.

Reed's Big Boy Bed

Jason made a new bed for Reed. Reed was very excited about it. One night as I was putting Reed to bed he said to me, "My new bed is AWESOME."

Another funny story about Reed lately... It was warm one night and Jason asked Reed if he wanted to just sleep in his underwear. Reed was excited to sleep like Daddy does and tried it. The next night he was going to bed and wanted to sleep without jammies on again. He said to me, "Mommy, you should try this (sleeping without a shirt on) it is like a massage. It feels soooo good." It was absolutley priceless and the look on his face was so funny.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico 2011

Pueblo Bonito at Sunset Beach

Grandma Sue and Aunt Yvonne during Happy Hour. It was from 3:00 to 4:00 each day. Thanks to Omar and his wonderful service and letting us have the recipes to try and recreate Cabo cocktails at home.

Glass Bottom Boat Ride

Arch in the bay at Cabo. There was a "pirate ship" passing as I took the picture.

Sunset on Sunset Beach

Jason and Reed in the pool, which was where we spent most of our time while in Cabo.
Swimming and having cocktails.

Rocking on the porch at Cabo outside the Deli.
They were always baking fresh chocolate chip cookies each night. Reed was good friends with Auntie Heidi since she bought a warm cookie and would share with him.

Grandma Sue and Grandpa John with Reed and Bristol Palin's Place (aka: The Bistro)