Twin Cities fun...

This past weekend was time for what is turning out to be our annual end of summer pilgrimage to the hub of Minnesota. As usual, we began our voyage at Valleyfair. The weather couldn't have been better, the kids were terrifically behaved and I think it is safe to say, a wonderful time was had by all.

Unfortunately Austin was feeling quite up to snuff and had to depart early. But not before he and Lily enjoyed each other's company...
The rest of us continued our day and rode ride after ride...
And even soaked up the sun in the waterpark... One final spin around and around on the carousel and my tired, achy legs were ready for some relaxation time at Jeremy and Sheila's... Saturday was spent celebrating the birth of Mr. Austin Jordan Carter. Lots of hanging out...
And a Bocce Ball tournament of epic proportions...

Our clan takes bocce to a whole new level, a level that requires the precise measuring skills of a certified carpenter.

That's how real it gets in Minnesota.

After we had worked up our appetites, it was time for a cake...

Following the party, Mom, Dad and Kim packed up the children and headed out for a night of swimming and movie viewing at a local hotel. Once the littles had departed, it was time for state fair corn dogs and Tim.

I attempted a few shots of the city scape to pass the time on our drive to St. Paul...

And before we knew it, we were pulling into our parking spot near the porta-potties in the gas station parking lot and hightailing to the plentiful food stands within the state fair grounds. Our faces sufficiently fed, we set off in search of our seats and of course, the beer stand.

Settling into our seats, we enjoyed the vocal stylings of Julianne Hough. Not my favorite performance of all time, to say the least, but amusing background music for drinking a few beers on a perfect summer evening in Minnesota...

Following Julianne's set, the anticipation was mounting as we anxiously awaited Tim's arrival on stage...

The place was packed and humming with excitement...

And finally, there he was. Resplendent in his white t-shirt (absent a BBQ stain, from my vantage point anyway)...

He simultaneously crooned and charmed the crowd. It was fantastic.

We could not have enjoyed ourselves more...

Sadly, all good things must come to an end. We hustled on out of the concert bowl and back into the land of 10,000 food on a stick stands. With people everywhere and crowds as thick as mosquitoes on a humid, summer night, it was of utmost importance that we stick together so as to not lose each other. Jason held tight to both myself and Sheila to ensure our safe delivery home...

Taking advantage of some wonderful photo worthy moments on our lengthy walk back to the car made the trek more appealing...

And, in true Carter style, because apparently all the gut bomb treats offered at the fair just weren't quite enough, we decided a stop at Wendy's was in order...

Another weekend. Another reminder of the great family I have. Another memory to add to my list of best times ever. Thanks to Jeremy and Sheila for their hospitality. Thanks to whoever invented the Tilt-A-Whirl because the laughs that came from Lily were priceless. Thanks to Mom, Dad and Kim for taking charge over the kids so we could have a night out. Thanks to Tim for wearing that t-shirt. Thanks to Austin for being born and creating another occasion for us all to get together. Thanks to Josh for being Josh and making me laugh so hard that I don't need to do crunches for two weeks. Thanks to Wendy's for being open late and making the best bacon and cheese baked potato I've ever had the pleasure of consuming. Thanks to Jason just because he is so great.

The list could go on and on but would never even come close to properly expressing my thankfulness for all the blessings in my life. So, a simple "thank you" will have to do.