Home with the Heils

In December I enjoyed a week long visit with the Heils.


We devoured freshly baked baguettes at a French bakery; the birds were hovering nearby to catch our crumbs.

Crane Park is Lydia's favorite!





Lydia pushed the empty stroller during our walk home from town.
The pantry is a child's delight. The bottom shelf is all set up for Alexandra and Lydia!


Alexandra's first birthday was thoroughly celebrated!










There was a surprise visit from Santa Claus!

We enjoyed walking around St Helena, especially admiring this gingerbread house.

Matthew's office and the St Helena Montessori School are located near their parish, within walking distance of home-a great arrangement. It was fun to experience the Heil lifestyle!

Grandchildren- the Best Medicine!

Giving Thanks

John and Grandad enjoyed a few games of chess the day before Thanksgiving.
Fr Steve celebrated Mass on Thanksgiving Day at our home, a special tradition the last five years.

The Anthony and Lohrmann families made our Thanksgiving feast joyful and delicious.
The centerpiece of our table was a chocolate turkey. After dinner, off with his head!
The turkey's head rolled across the table to Fred, who scooped it up.

We have much to be thankful for, especially Fred's recovery from sepsis in October!

Fall Fun in Minnesota

At the end of September I enjoyed a wonderful visit with the Bergs in their inviting home. Their neighborhood has great parks within walking distance, and lakes very close by. Catherine makes the most of nice weather, and she knows how to have fun!





I got a preview of the kids Halloween costumes!
The Bergs' dear family friends live in the same neighborhood, so we walked Frederick's friend and classmate home.
We picked some strawberries in September!


Frederick attends kindergarten at the school where Catherine taught. I got a quick tour of Frederick's classroom.
Catherine planned an apple picking outing at a farm. We rode in a wagon to get to the orchards, which had abundant apples on low hanging branches, perfect for the kids.



Catherine also planned a sightseeing tour on Lake Minnetonka. It was very beautiful, and we caught glimpses of multimillion dollar estates dotting the shoreline. (It's prime real estate since downtown Minneapolis is a ten minute drive away.)

Thanks Catherine! Wish the fall weather lasted longer!!