Mark's 31st Birthday
You can read all about Mark's 31st Birthday here. We spent the day in Mankato, picked up some plants, ate at Buffalo Wild Wings, then went to Vikings' Training Camp. Afterwards, we had some yummy (albeit ugly) cake, and then even MORE cake when Mark's Mom brought over an entire other sheet cake.
Vikings' Training Camp
Part of Mark's birthday celebration included a stop by the Vikings' Training Camp in Mankato for the official introduction of the players for the year. (Well, all except Favre haha) It was a beautiful night, which ended with a great fireworks' display!
Deck Rennovation
In the spring, when things were all flooded, we happened to notice that our upper deck was pulling away from the house. Not good! So Mark used his skills to fix the deck (a.k.a. re-adhere it PROPERLY this time) and then we decided to stain the upper and lower decks.Before:
Upper Deck:
Lower Deck:
After:
Upper Deck:
Lower Deck:
Gardening
If you remember from June, we planted a small garden over at Mark's Mom's house. It was probably planted a little too late, and we didn't end up with much yield from it, but we still tended to it occasionally and found a zucchini or tomato on occasion. 
Mark also ripped apart the back of his Mom's rotting garage and repaired it with all new boards for her - what a handy guy!
Tiffany's Baby Shower
We headed down to Humboldt the second weekend in December for Tiffany's baby shower, in preparation for her new little one :) It was a great time (thanks, Lisa!), and so much fun to see the kiddos, and the soon-to-be (again) Mama's :)
TN Johnsons' Visit
We were so excited to hear that my aunt and cousins from Tennessee were going to come up for an overnight visit on their midwest summer adventure! We had such a great time visiting with Aunt Gayle, Cousins Asher and Rachel, my younger brother, Jason and my Mama! Between good food, conversation, a little "Rage", exploration and a few first for tubing, it was an overall success :)
Mark and Meghan Holden's Fiesta Reception (Ole!)
We were excited to celebrate with Mark's cousin, Mark, and his wife, Meghan at their home as a be-lated wedding reception. It was SUCH a fun afternoon/evening, as we enjoyed some great mexican food, music and what was (for August) an unseasonably mild temperature! Congrats, Mark and Meghan! 
Frisbee Golf with the Simons
The Saturday before our big trip, we got together with our friends, Todd and Rachel Simon (and, of course, adorable little Lucy) for some frisbee golf in Springfield. Afterwards, we went to a local steakhouse for supper. It was so great to see them, since they had just recently moved back to the area, after a couple years spent over in Pennsylvania.
