Visitors, Visitors, Visitors!! (Part IV, and a Wedding!)

Our friends Stacie and Matthew came to visit us August 17-21. This time they brought their adorable seven month old son, Solon. (Technically he came along last time they visited, but none of us were aware of that at the time besides Stacie and Matthew). They came, not only to see us, but for Tim and Elizabeth's wedding. On Monday, Lilly and I baked chocolate chip cookies for Tim and Elizabeth. Lilly wanted to give them to them as a wedding present at their wedding, but I suggested they might like the cookies as they get ready for the whirlwind week before the wedding, and Lilly agreed. Tuesday she wrote them a note, drew them a picture, and I dropped the cookies off at their house. They were very appreciative.

Her baking outfit.

Wednesday afternoon the Furia-Neely Family arrived, picking up corn from Bob the Corn man on the way into town. He has by far the best corn on the cob we've ever had. That evening we grilled and attempted to have the kids play in the pool. Greta was the only one who actually seemed to have fun and play in the water. Lilly lost interest quickly. Solon was very upset with the cold water. Greta was upset when we pulled her out of the cold water.

Carrying some of Bob's corn

New, Greta sitting in the water

Tim and Elizabeth had all sorts of adventures planned for their guests while they visited. Thursday's event was Friendly Valley Beach. Nick had to go in to work, the girls were at daycare, so Stacie and Matthew went up to the beach without us. I stayed back and got some work done for school and straightening up around the house. That wasn't before Stacie, Solon, and I took a walk down to the Co-Op via Main St and back. And Solon was zonked pretty much the entire time.

Thursday evening was also a fun event, backyard games at the Platter restaurant. We took three cars, Lilly also had soccer. Lilly and I visited the event for about ten minutes, then rushed off to soccer. Nick and Greta stayed back and Greta had an amazing time wandering around and playing. Stacie, Matthew, and Solon hung out for awhile, went to the Pita Pit to share a gyro, and then came to watch Lilly's soccer. (True friends, coming to watch four year olds play soccer). Thursday evening we also sat in the dark after the kids were asleep as the power out for about an hour, eating cookies and brownies by flashlight.

New books from San Francisco!

Not so much focused on the game

Practicing for when they will watch Solon play

Her foot actually touched the ball!!!

Using a blanket to carry the bag . . .

Friday. In the morning we went to Baby and Toddler story time and checked out some books. Stacie and Matthew wanted to take us out to dinner, but instead took us out to lunch. We ended up eating in shifts, Greta needing to go home for a nap and the food not having arrived yet. We also unfortunately tricked Lilly into thinking there was going to be a smeller at Tim and Elizabeth's wedding, who wasn't going to let any smelly people in to the wedding. Lilly was so convinced, we actually had to call Tim and have him reassure her there was no such thing. In the evening Stacie, Matthew, and Solon had the joy of getting to go up to Bayfield and take an Apostle Island Cruise that Tim and Elizabeth so generously set up for their out of town guests.

Eating the shaker for the alphabet song

Saturday was the big day - wedding day! And it was pouring rain. All day. Lilly and Nick ran all sorts of errands for Tim and Elizabeth's wedding. Lilly discovered a new favorite sandwich, Nutella and blueberry. Stacie, Matthew, and Solon went to the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center, Greta and I took a walk outside because she was going stir crazy inside.

Reading books at lunch

Then, we all got dolled up and headed to the wedding. The rain stopped before the ceremony, so that was great. And never, in the history of weddings, will there be such a kid friendly venue. They hired Northland students to babysit and run activities for the kids. There was face painting, crafts, and games. Tables for kids to eat at with kid-friendly food. Reception time - they had Frozen playing in another barn. We are so fortunate to have such thoughtful friends, who didn't really plan a wedding, but an amazing celebration and gathering of friends.

Lilly and her dear friend Alma (who, she was surprised
to see at Tim and Elizabeth's wedding)

Pigtails!!!

Peek!

The baby bounce keeping Solon asleep and happy

Greta lost interest in the ceremony, so I went outside
with her

Eating dinner

Unfortunately, we rushed home during the reception. Lilly ended up having an allergic reaction to something, whether it was the poppyseed cake or something seasonal in the air (we were out in the country (sort of) and in an old barn). We gave her some Benadryl and everything seemed fine, but we did make her an appointment to find out just what was going on (result - probably something in the barn, we're trying an additional allergy medicine to go along with her Claritin).

Sunday, we returned to the scene of the crime, and had a delicious brunch back at Freehands Farm. We hung out with Stacie and Matthew, trying to have conversation before they left. Of course neither Lilly nor Greta were all that amenable to that idea, so we tag-teamed. Then, we said goodbye to our good friends who foolishly live in California where there is no rain and the state will eventually fall off the continent, unless the sea levels rise before then and drown the city, and hope to see them again soon.