Heidi and Marshall Are Here!

I have been having lots of fun since yesterday! It started off with meeting up with Heidi, Chad and Marshall & Peder, Sarah, Aurelia, Felix and Leo at the Great Minnesota Get-together known as the Minnesota State Fair. While we weren't able to do everything together, we did a number of things, including riding the sky ride (I shared a car with Sarah and Felix), a boat ride in Ye Old Mill (this ride dates back to 1919 - seriously), witnessing a parade, which included the University of Minnesota marching band, watching a professional baker whip up an Irish bundt cake, and lots of eating. The only food on a stick for me was a corn dog (I know, I'm a boring eater.).

Heidi and Marshall came home with me after the fair and we're having a wonderful time! Last night and again today we spent some time in my swimming pool. How refreshing it was in this heat we're having! This morning we took Marshall to the Shoots and Ladders playground. Talk about a popular place! There were kids and parents everywhere. What impresses me at places such as this is how kind Heidi is to others' children. As I sat on a bench in the shade, she was up with Marshall and a bunch of other kids, pushing them in a tire swing. I witnessed her waiting to push so another little girl could join them, helping her onto the tire and then carefully starting the motion. She is patient and watchful for all the children. 

Keeping our tradition alive, every time Heidi comes for a visit, we go to Redstone, a wonderful restaurant in Eden Prairie. Our entree choices vary, but we ALWAYS share a piece of their amazing banana cream pie - which isn't like a traditional piece of pie. Rather, it is a toasted nut crust, banana custard, fresh bananas and whipped cream. Yum!

After lunch we drove south of Jordon to an apple orchard where we tasted a couple of types of apples and bought 5# of the newer varieties, the Zestar. It's really good. Try one, if possible.