A Roomful of Mieskas

Aug 25 would have been my Grandpa Mieska's 122nd birthday....

I know...anything for a party.

The metro area Mieska cousins gathered at my

sister Sue's lake place for a pot luck lunch

and of course, photos...

 Cousin Jay (Berge), me, Cousin Rynda (Neff)

and my sisters Ann and Sue in the back row.

Front row is Aunt Phyllis (Neff), mom and Aunt Darlene (Berge)

(my dad's sisters)

And peeking out from behind all of us

is my grandma and grandpa  on a poster photo.

 Cousin Jay and his youngest daughter, Lana

on the Jet Ski. 

 It was a very warm day so the water felt good.

My Cousin Rynda's husband provided great entertainment

for Everleigh and Briggs.

A Really Nice Weekend

If you check this blog from time to time you may get

the impression that all I do is take care of little ones.

That's not the whole picture.  Greg & I spend most

weekends on the Mississippi River at a camper

we have parked in Bay City.  We just spent

this past weekend enjoying some rest

and relaxation....

 Sundown on Friday eve looking out over the bay.

We took a bike ride over to Vino in the Valley for

a wonderful dinner al fresco.

 Saturday we headed out on Greg's Harley to points unknown.

We stopped in Spring Valley at a cheese factory.

 The scenery along the way was just wonderful.

I love this time of summer...gaudy color and deep

greens everywhere.  Like Mother Nature is

all dressed up in her finest attire.

 The moon on Saturday night wasn't full but nearly.

It was a perfect night for a campfire.

 Inside our camper...

 and outside...

We had company Sunday for brunch....my cousin Paula

and her husband Bob stopped by on their way home

from Red Wing.  That motorcycle looks good

on you guys!  No, it's not theirs....Bob just wanted

to see how it felt to get on Greg's.

Paula and I grew up together and spent

lots of time at birthday parties, sleepovers

and holiday dinners.  So good to be with

someone who has known you your whole life.

Moments

I hope 20 years from now I can remember these moments

with little ones:

Everleigh, Andrew and Ethan turning

a pop-up tent into a rocket ship.

 Four kids playing in the front yard...going in 4 directions.

The "bugs" Everleigh made

Briggs saying "howdy pardner" to Woody.  Florida Ketcher boys...

not to worry...Woody and Buzz get lots of "love".

their own rock band

(note Everleigh getting into it)

Ethan's smile and how he greets me every morning

with an enthusiastic "hi!"

Andrew practicing his "fishin'.

the squeals from the tree swing at the river

Sum, Sum, Summertime

We had a Mieska Family Gathering at my sister Sue's

the last Saturday in July.  It was cool but a good time.

 This is the kind of picture I get when I ask Greg

to take a picture of me with my mom and siblings but

at least you get to see the play house, too, right?

 This is the kind of picture you get when you

try to capture 4 toddlers.

blurry...

 This is the kind of picture I take with a bunch of

kids and their great grandma.  Believe it or not

6 of the greats were missing for this picture but

it was a good group anyway.

4 of my grandchildren:  Everleigh, Briggs, Andrew & Ethan

4 of brother Steve's grandsons:  Luke, Owen, Jude and Owen

5 of sister Ann's grandchildren:  Claire, Max, Brody, Maverick and Mara

Mom is holding Maverick and Ethan

 Prizes were given out after the pictures for cooperation.

Bribery works!

 Greg and I spent a few days on the road on our bike.

My brother, Steve and his wife, Peggy joined us.

We made a big loop of LaCrosse, Tomah,

Eau Claire and other points of interest.  Not

a lot of distance but a lot of miles.  We stopped for

lunch here in Prescott.  Weather was great,  roads were

dry and company was fun.  Always good to get

a change of scene.