These past two weekends have provided a couple of trips to spend time with family on trips. Two weeks ago, we went to Fargo and the Brainerd area. We went up to see our niece's baptism up in Fargo. We were asked to be one of the godparents, which was a great blessing. Madison Sandra Alberty, Betsy and Chris's first child was really fun to see and spend time with. We spent the rest of the weekend and a few days of the next week at Patty's grandparent's cabin near Brainerd. It was fun to relax after getting the house sold. We spent some time on the lake swimming, canoeing, and paddleboating, but the weather was quite warm. Because of this weather, we spent a day up at the North Shore enjoying Duluth, Two Harbors, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Gooseberry Falls. It was wonderful to see all of the lighthouses and of course Patty was in her element.

Since that time, we have been living at my mother's house out on the farm. Tip likes being able to go run around and chase cats (we're working on that). He is a natural watchdog, so he has a watchtower up on our bed and warns everyone when anyone comes. It is very different not being in our own house though.

This last weekend, we went camping with my sisters, Racheal and Sara, and their husbands Matt and Bill. We went over by Lanesboro and had a great time!! We went biking, made food over the campfire, spent lots of time talking and went tubing. Tubing held lots of laughs for everyone and mom came to watch Isaac, which was very nice. It was great to get together just the six of us before we leave. We are now down to less than 3 weeks before we leave for China (ahh!!).