Poolside posting… Family photos…Upcoming professional-chef-prepared dinner tonight at lakeshore home of old friends..

Our adorable granddaughter Madighan during a timeout.

Yesterday, as it turned out, Madighan was with me, not Maisie, as planned initially, who is here with us today.  Once again, we have a fun day planned to engage in activities befitting an active 10-year-old.

Granddaughter Madighan was pushing a swing with her toy cat in the seat.
The traffic on Wednesday was so bad that the usual 20-minute drive to Greg”s home resulted in a 90 minute round trip. We barely arrived back at the hotel in time for breakfast.
Tom was waiting for us, and we all had breakfast together. Each day I eat the same items for breakfast, including two hard-boiled eggs, a few sausages, and two little packs of cream cheese. The kids like the self-cooked waffles, bacon, or sausage with typically a bowl of Lucky Charms or a muffin on the side.
Madighan was sitting in the sand at a park.

It’s enough to hold me until dinner, although on the nights when we dine after the kid’s soccer games, it’s often close to 9:00 pm.  By then, we’re both ready to chow down, not necessarily sound so close to bedtime.

Madighan’s a good soccer player.
Tonight, we’re invited to friends Connie and Jeff’s home for dinner, and no doubt we’ll have a fantastic meal, although I’d asked Connie to make it easy for herself. Connie is a professional chef with extensive travel experience. What an exciting line of work!  In 2010 and 2013, Connie trained in Paris and London at the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu.
In Minnesota, Connie is a chef and caterer for many clients throughout the Twin Cities and events at the Minnetonka Yacht Club.  Connie travels to Provence, France, each year for more catering events and honors her vast Mediterranean skills. We’ll certainly report back with photos from their lovely lakefront home on Lake Minnetonka in the desirable Deephaven location.
Contemplative during her time off the field.
Yesterday afternoon, Madighan and I made our way through more traffic to the New Hope Cinema and Grill to see the new Smurf’s movie. Cute! This was my fourth kid movie in less than two weeks.  
She had no idea I was taking photos of her. Most photos I usually take are of wildlife and nature.  Taking photos of human subjects is a new experience for me that I’ll continue to pursue in the US.

On Monday next week,  Miles and I are planning to see the new “Cars” movie. Feel free to contact me for reviews on kid movies. By the time we leave Minnesota in almost three weeks, I’ll have seen most of the G-rated summer movies!

But, it’s fun to watch the smiles on their little faces while watching the movies,  regardless if I care for the movie or not.  Being with them is all that matters.
Yesterday Tom and TJ had a great day at the St. Paul Saints baseball game, spending quality dad and son time alone together.
Tom and TJ”s view from their seats at the CHS Field while watching a St. Paul Saints baseball game.
It was another meaningful family day with much more upcoming in these next weeks. Having the free shared online Cozi calendar has undoubtedly helped keep track of our busy days and nights, significantly when family members can freely add to it or change events at will.
Maisie and I are off for another fun day together!
Tom and TJ selfie.

Happy day!

Photo from one year ago today, June 15, 2016:

In Bali, we were in awe of the ornate detail in the Hindu statues. For more information, please click here.

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