Purl family in town + 15th wedding anniversary

 We enjoyed celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary near St Thomas at Gus Gus. Delicious food at what used to be the 128 cafe when we were in school. We'd definitely recommend it. We enjoyed that dinner the night before because the Purls came on our anniversary where we enjoyed a shrimp boil with family. On Friday, we went to the Bakken Museum and they went to the Metallica concert that night. On Saturday, we enjoyed Valleyfair (Except for the downpour) and then Brian and Carol visiting from Chicago. Eric smoked some delicious meat and on Sunday I made jambalaya before Eric joined them at Metallica for night two. We also enjoyed cookie cake for Ben's birthday and lake time in Excelsior.

Cecilia braces

 Cecilia got braces this week! She did a great job!

New York Family reunion

 Mohonk Mountain house in New Paltz, NY was where we traveled to for the Kirchner family reunion. 35 cousins and kids and Aunts and Uncles traveled to New York for a long weekend. We had a great time with all the activities at the resort. They weren't as prepared for Kyle's food allergies but he was a trooper as always! The favorite activity was the horseback trail riding for the girls and the carriage ride for Kyle. Unfortunately it rained for the first day we were there so we had to reschedule the rides and Kate couldn't go. We enjoyed tomahawk throwing, though, and paddling around the lake in padre boats, canoes, and a row boat (especially when Eric remembered how to row!)