Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to everyone! We had a wonderful day at my aunt Debbie's house for her annual 4th of July Parade and Picnic Party! It was the first year we have been able to make it and we had a great time. Thanks so much to Debbie for hosting. We can't imagine how much work goes into this yearly event.

My sweet aunt Val Rae was in the parade, representing the Cannon Falls Beacon.
Mira waiting patiently for them to throw candy:
Cousin Casey and her nephew Noah in the parade:

Mom, Grandma, and Sara's mom Kathy watching the parade:
Spraying the parade participants:
Amelia got a little hot in the sun! Running after candy in the street is exhausting!
Bonnie, Jim, and Dawn. What a beautiful family!
Sara and Jeff enjoying the parade:
Every parade needs a clown!
Me and my sister Kelly:
Cousin Dawn's daughter Sophie was in the parade for her dance troupe:
Having a delicious lunch. What a beautiful crowd of people!
Slippin' and slidin':
Thanks again to Deb for a great day! We love you!

Jeff completes the Olympic Triathlon at Rochesterfest

Jeff participated in the Triathlon at Rochesterfest this past weekend. He has been training for a better part of this year and did an amazing job. I would have drown halfway across the lake- but that's another story. Let me break it down for you:

Here's Jeff ready to take off into the water- he is #911- Sara and I were not sure if that was a good sign or not.

And their off!
1500 meter swim

I lost a visual for a while- but he's in there somewhere

Coming around the lake finishing his first lap

Out he comes

Looping back into the water for lap #2 around the lake

Still looking strong

And back around

Here I would have crawled out of the water- But not Jeff- still going strong

Now the 26 mile bike ride

And coming in after the 6 mile run.

Jeff's final time was 2 hours and 48 minutes. He did an amazing job and we are all so very proud of him.
Now, Jeff, you can sit back relax and have a beer.

Sophie's 2nd high kick competition

 I was privileged to go to Sophie's second (of three) competitions this past Sunday at Bloomington Kennedy School.  Her team took 1st place! YAY girls! Bonnie took a video of it...apparently, I didn't press the record button hard or long enough so I got nothing...Bonnie had a little problem too so only got the last half.  You can see their kicks are perfectly timed, they are high and they are all in line.  They did an outstanding job. Click on this link:  Sophie's dance 32011
remember these are 4th graders dancing so well!

Her next and final competition will be April 9th in Rochester!

Love you Sophie!

Sophie's Dance Competition!

Sophie's 4th grade "Just For Kix" team participated in a competition this morning in Apple Valley. They took home 2nd place ribbons! YAY Sophie (and all the other girls who helped!) :)

here are some pics and a video (I hope I'm smart enough to get the video uploaded!) --still working on the video..I'm getting an error message

Love ya Sophie-girl!





Sophie and one of her "besties", Brooke Beissel.

Jamie got a promotion...

I'm a little late getting this out but wanted to share in a promotion announcement for Jamie (AKA Jim)...I'm not sure what a PSSR Manager is but it's worthy of sharing on the family blog.

Congrats to Jamie...we love you!

From: Washburn, Steve
Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 4:32 PM
To: #All Managers; #All PSSR; #All Parts; #Credit Staff All; #Machine Sales Staff All; #Machine Sales Supervisors All; #Executive
Subject: Announcement - PSSR Manager named for New York

I am pleased to announce that Jim Norstad has accepted the position of PSSR Manager for New York. Jim has been instrumental in supporting our Ag business in various capacities for over five years, based out of our Syracuse, New York operation. His background in service management as well as successful sales performance make him a good fit for this position. To ensure a seamless transition out of his current role, Jim will take on his new responsibilities over the next several weeks.

Please join me in congratulating Jim and wishing him much success in his new po

wanted to share.....

Noah Daniel Scheffler in the Norstad baptismal gown last year...I forgot to post it.
that gown is so beautiful -- my dad's mom, Rachel, wore that at her own baptism.












Sophie was an angel in the church Christmas program Dec 2010.

a few more Christmas 2010

Chris and Martha; chilling watching A Christmas Story (which ran for 24 hours)

that little electric fireplace heater is what Gregg got me...I love it; it's sooo cute and it heats the bedroom so amazingly.











My tree
















Some serious cribbage playing going on right there!

Publish Post

Happy faces after the meal...Bonnie loving the Rummegrot! YUM!