Grandpa Coughlin

Almost the whole crew!

Grandma and Grandpa Coughlin 

Today we said good bye to Brian's grandpa Coughlin.  He was diagnosed with cancer only a month ago.  This summer we didn't get to visit like we normally do because of COVID.  We never thought he was sick or that our time would have been this limited.  He was always happy to see us and our boys.  He was one of my biggest blog followers!   Charlies Coughlin was married to his wife, Loretta for 69 years!  Wow,  how amazing is that!  Talk about goals.  The Coughlin's had 12 children.   I always thought it was fun to have another family as big as my moms.  Most people can't understand the fun chaos of large families but Brian always has because of the Coughlin's.   Things I remember of Grandpa.  Helping in his yard and his garden or when him and Brian walked through the garage or the basement B would always end up bringing something home.  And my favorite memory is that he used the word "Love" as a noun.  He called all of us "Love".  It was strange to have a funeral with masks on and with a limited crowd. He was in the Navy so they did the Tap's at his funeral.  I think that is so cool to hear and see the guns fired.   I'm honored to have known you Grandpa Coughlin.  

Cross Country

I love watching Axel run in Cross Country! Today he ran 1.5 miles. So nice having something that feels kinda normal. 

First day of school 2020

 First day of school 2020

Axel 7th grade.  He is doing hybrid learning this year.  He will be in person every other week with distance learning on Fridays. He didn't want to show me a smile :) He was so ready to go back!  He also started Cross Country a couple of weeks ago.  It's nice to have some type of 'norms' back.

Ansel 1st grade.  He will be starting in person Monday- Thursday with distance learning on Fridays.  It was a rough morning getting up but when I picked him up today he was really happy to be back in school.  

Abel 4th grade.  He will be in personal Monday- Thursday and distance learning on Friday.  He was ready to go back!  

I'm so nervous and excited about school starting.  It's been a long 6 months with out school.  I hope the boys get back on track and every one stays healthy.  Good luck to all the kids and teachers out there!  

Itasca State Park

 Last weekend of the summer..boo.  We spent the weekend with yet another RV adventure.  Itasca State Park.  It was FULL of mosquito's.  The worst campsite yet for bugs that's for sure.  We were very glad we had a screen tent but still it wasn't enough.   

We spent Saturday on the lake.  The pontoon was fun but still didn't catch any fish :(

Ansel wanted to take a few pictures of us :)

My new book.  Continuing to learning how to bring awareness and have hard conversations with myself and others.  

A whole day on the boat is exhausting

I love little hikes

Standing at the head waters.  This is another first for me.  The start of the Mississippi River.  Very cool!  

Had to get his feet in the water. 

Hugging trees :)  The giant white pines. 

By Sunday we were sick of the bugs instead of heading home early we went to my parent's cabin for a night.   I always love spending time at the cabin.  

Had to stop at the Zorbaz's!  

Stella and Ansel cruising in the RV.  

Summer comes to an end.  It seems like a long time since we have talked about school and having a pattern.  We are ready to get back to new norms and hope the school year goes well.  Wish summer was a little longer.