Monthly Archives: August 2009

Steele County Fair

Last week we drove down to Owatonna for the highly anticipated Steele County Free Fair. We often heard about the event while we were living in Owatonna last year. My students were raving about it even before school was out for the summer! We knew there really was no choice but to check it out ourselves.

We arrived at the fairgrounds and quickly realized we had greatly underestimated the magnitude of what Steele County had to offer. There were tons of booths, an impressive assortment of rides, and endless people. Ella was prepared to take on the crowd in her carrier, which she’d never used before arriving at the fair. We shifted her around in it until we found a position that she seemed to like. Babies are supposed to face the parent while in this, but she was much happier being able to look around. As you can see, she folded her arms under her chin and enjoyed the ride! Later, to avoid the sun, she rode in her stroller.

We had a great time at the Steele County Fair and now feel even more prepared for our next big adventure: the Minnesota State Fair.

Ella’s ready!

all the excitement wore her out

Ella’s first cheese curd? (maybe we’ll wait till next summer)

Daddy makes due & changes Ella on a game counter

Sort of like a totem pole! with Verity (Dr. Jason’s daughter)
Yum! a giant pickle

family pic at the fair



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Apricot Scones

For the past couple weeks I’ve been dreaming of baking again, so I finally decided to choose a new recipe and give it a whirl during one of Ella’s naps. This return to baking called for something adventurous, something completely new. In the end, I stepped out to make something truly grand. I made scones.

Ok, so it wasn’t so grand or complicated, but it was something I had never made. I love scones, especially as a treat with coffee. I found a simple cherry scone recipe here on Martha Stewart’s website (video included!). I easily substituted dried apricots for the cherries.

in the process…


final product!

I enjoyed making the scones, which is why I made three different kinds. I attempted another recipe with whole wheat, oats, apricots and raspberries. I think it called for too much buttermilk, because the scones turned out looking like big cookies. The batter was far too wet. They tasted okay but I’m not going to be handing those ones out. The third batch used the same recipe as the first, but I used fresh raspberries from Erin’s garden and I shaped them into mini scones. They’re pretty cute.

Although I enjoy baking all kinds of goodies, eating them is off limits. Unfortunate, I know. Pete and I share one mini version of what has been created just to make sure the recipe is okay before giving them to friends, but no more than that. How else am I supposed to shed this baby weight?

I think I’ll try a new cookie recipe next…


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Mommy's Helper


Ella enjoyed doing laundry with me a few days ago.

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A Visit from Grandma & Grandpa

Ella was happy to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa Olsen this past weekend. Pete’s parents met us on Saturday for an afternoon tour of Minneapolis. (Pete is really good at those. I don’t know my way around yet.) Ella liked riding in the car. It always puts her right to sleep. We also enjoyed burgers and fries at Annie’s Parlour in Dinkytown. Yum! On Sunday we headed to the Loring Pasta Bar, also in Dinkytown, for their brunch buffet. It was amazing. Really, how often do you have live music while eating waffles, omelets, sushi, steamed mussels, mini burgers, and creme brulee all in one sitting? Ella seemed a bit bored by the brunch (oh, just wait till you have teeth, little one!) so Grandma Olsen took her on a walk and spent a good amount of time sitting on a bench outside the open doors of the restaurant. It was a lovely morning and I think both grandma and granddaughter thoroughly enjoyed their time together. We’re looking forward to their next visit!




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Two Little Girls

After a couple of very long delays due to road construction on Interstate 35, we made it to Duluth on Friday afternoon for a much anticipated visit to meet Ella’s new cousin Malena. Malena was born on August 4, just 5 1/2 weeks after Ella. Auntie Becky (Ang’s sister) got to meet Ella for the first time, too. The little girls were adorable together. Family gatherings will never be the same!

Ella & Malena

a pair of glow worms

Uncle Jake with the girls


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Garage Sale Princess

Ella’s adventure of the day: her first garage sale. At noon I drove up to see my mom, Grandma Scott, at her sister’s house in Coon Rapids. I needed to run to the store, so Grandma took Ella for a stroll through the neighborhood. Not surprisingly, there was a garage sale down the street (a common occurrence on a Thursday morning). Although our little bug didn’t buy anything this time, we’re proud to say she’s starting out as a thrifty shopper. Way to teach her how it’s done, Grandma!

Friday we’ll be making our first trek up to Duluth. We’re looking forward to introducing Ella to one of our very favorite cities and maybe even dipping her toes in the lake. Only if it’s not too cold. We’ll be making one very special visit while in Duluth. Ella will be meeting her brand new cousin, Malena, for the first time. Malena was born last Tuesday to happy parents, Becky (my sister) and Darell. We’ll definitely take lots of pictures of the first meeting. They’re sure to be adorable!

Also, we’ll be spending time with some very special guests in Minneapolis on Saturday and Sunday. Pete’s parents, Grandma & Grandpa Olsen, will be visiting.


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