Some very nice friends invited us to their cabin up near Fergus Falls last weekend. We had a great time relaxing and playing around on the lake.
On Saturday afternoon, my husband and I drove from the cabin over to Battle Lake to pick up some marshmallows for s’mores later that night. On our way there, we realized that Henning — the small town where my Dad grew up — was just 15 miles past our marshmallow stop.
After we got our goods, we headed on to Henning (a thank you to my husband for coming up with the idea to go and for being game to do it). I called my Dad on our way and told him we were headed to his childhood hometown. I asked him how long it had been since he had visited the town and he said, “About 40 years.” His parents and siblings have all passed away, so he is the only one left to remember the family’s stomping ground.
Once we got into town, he guided me (via my cell phone) to his family’s old house. Then to the house where his baby sister was born. To the large Baptist church in town. And to the small Lutheran Church — now closed and deteriorating — where his family attended.

I snapped as many pictures as I could.
It was neat listening to my Dad tell me where to go, what to look for, and what I was seeing. Maybe we can go up and visit the town together next time. I think that would be very nice.
A couple of weeks ago, I took some empty Spaghettios and Dora Noodle Soup cans, filled them with potting soil, and planted herb seeds in them.
My husband kindly poked a hole in the bottom of each can, I watered them, set them all on an IKEA candle tray, and put them in the window.
And hey look!… they’ve started to grow.

That dill looks like it’s on a mission. The thyme and cilantro are just starting to make an appearance. The chives are a no-show so far.
And I have a feeling that once the cat notices what’s happening on the window sill, I am going to regret this particular herb choice:

I promised myself I’d take a picture of my kids’ End-of-Summer freckles before the season was over.

I’m so thankful they inherited perfect, freckly noses from their Dad.
It makes me happy.
Okay, I am loving this little 3-year-old in her deep purple dress.

And those beautiful eyes…

I can see where she gets her good looks, though…

This family has good genes for sure.

Such a handsome devil:

Cute kids all-around.


I had a fun time visiting this family’s cabin for some summer pics. It’s great to spend time with kids in a place where they feel really comfortable. Everyone can relax and if the kids need a break, it’s no problem for mom and dad to jump inside and grab a snack for them.
It really makes for an easy-going session.
And before I go, I’m going to post one more of the 3-year-old because she was such a sweetie for me and I have way too many favorites of her…

by Katharine
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