Apple Orchard

On Sunday we went to the apple orchard with Mimi and Papa (Wilder's parents). We had fun looking at and petting the animals at the petting zoo and also picking apples.

Making Banana Bread

The Big 6-0!

This last Friday was my mom's (April) 60th birthday. Dad contacted all of us "kids" a while ago with an idea to surprise her for it. He took Mom to Okoboji on Friday night and surprised her by staying there the night. The rest of the family met in Okoboji at a marina where Dad had rented a big pontoon for all of us to ride around the lake on. We went and picked up Mom and Dad where they were staying. Mom looked so surprised. It was a lot of fun to see her reaction. She loves being around water so she loved the surprise. We rode around and then at lunch back at the resort Mom and Dad had stayed at and then went swimming for the afternoon. Then that night we had a Wenell family (with extended family) birthday party to celebrate four birthdays. It was a really fun weekend a great to surprise Mom in that way.

He's in the Pool!

No, Wilder didn't go swimming but we recently found out that he is in the USA National team pool for team handball. This means that when the national team plays games he has the opportunity to be selected to play with them. We're so excited for him (and proud). He's put a lot of time and energy into improving and it has finally paid off. The team was thinking about going to Poland at the end of October but that trip has been cancelled. We're hoping he'll get an opportunity sometime soon to travel with the team somewhere overseas.

Team Handball For A Day

Minnesota Team Handball hosted a scrimmage this weekend with a team from Air Force (here with their football team) and two teams from Winnipeg here to play each other. It was fun to get to watch the games and to watch Wilder playing/coaching. They played pretty well in the last game of the day. The guys are really starting to figure out the sport.

A future photographer?

The Minnesota Team

A Fun Weekend Away

Wilder was in Chicago this weekend to try out for the national team handball team so Riley and I headed south to Des Moines to visit my family. We had a really great time as you can see below.

Riley and Amy enjoying the farmer's market.
Trying to fall asleep on Amy's shoulders.

Finally asleep at the farmer's market.
Hanging out with Grandma.
Riley chased after Bella all weekend and roared at her.
Playing with Cousin Madi.
Riley's first four wheeler ride.
Golfing at Amy's free course on Monday morning (Riley stayed at Brian's!)

Happy Birthday Old Man

It was Wilder's birthday on Monday. We didn't have a big celebration, partially because Wilder had a meeting at church that night but we went out for dinner the next night. Wilder chose Famous Dave's (great choice). We had fun talking and relaxing and watching Riley eat barbecue food and try to get to the baby at the next table over. I'm excited to see what is in store for Wilder in the coming year. I know that God has big plans for him so I'm sure it will be another exciting year.

Riley eating her corn.









Wilder post meal.