Over The River & Through The Woods

My Little Gus

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:40:00 +0000

Here's a photo I took of Gus this weekend. I love him. He's such a cute baby.

New Mounts...

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:34:00 +0000

It's that time of year again...the fall deer mounts are completed and up on the wall.....2 are new...but one is Tim's so my living room walls will only be home to 3 of these bucks. They won't be this close together normally. One of them is super naughty and sneaks up on the couch just like Gus.

Winter Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 04:59:00 +0000

This weekend we were hit hard with another snow storm. We really really thought we were on our way to Spring when we recieved 8" of snow from Friday night-Saturday night. We woke up Saturday morning just CRABBY because of the snow. We are so sick of it, and were really looking foward to a weekend of yardwork and planting. Maybe next weekend. Sean and his friend Dean went canoeing down the river and Gus decided he wasn't going to listen to me calling him home and instead followed the boys down the river. They hauled him into the canoe and it wasn't too long until Gus jumped around too much and tipped the canoe. Luckily for the guys, the river is only ankle to waist deep the whole way. After Gus dumped them in, they decided because of his bad behavior, he would have to swim the rest of the way...needless to say, he slept well when he got home. Sean and I went bowling last night too. I love bowling and showed off my PineRiver Leauge skills by beating him 2 of the 3 games. I even got a TURKEY! The last game Sean beat me when he bowled 4 strikes in a row. It was a fun date :) Today it was 60 degrees and sunny and Sean was in a archery tournament in Walker. He said he had a great time and can't wait for the next one. I photographed a senior in Pequot Lakes, and was really pleased with the outcome, despite (or maybe becasue of) the fast melting snow.

Have a great week everyone!

Maybe Spring will really arrive this week!

Our Driveway....8" of snow of April 26, 2008

Maggie LOVES the snow!

Robbin Hood

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 02:35:00 +0000

The other morning, before Sean started work, he was outside shooting his bow. He ran inside and said, "Goosey! Get your camera!" I couldn't imagine what was so important that I needed to start shooting at 7:30 am! I ran outside to see what he had done, and it turns out, he shot his 2nd "Robbin Hood". A robbin hood is when the arrow you're shooting hits the arrow already in the target and splits it down the middle!

Global Warming?

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:30:00 +0000

April 6, 2008

Funny how Al Gore isn't ranting and raving about Global Warming when the upper midwest is hammered with a snow storm in early April! I think it would be safe to say that Pine River received 24" of snow in the past 10 days... On April 5th I photographed my first wedding of 2008 shooting most of the photos outside on a lovely 55 degree day, and then 18 hours later, bam! 12" of snow! It's beautiful, especially since the river is open now, and the snow looks so fresh and picturesque! Needless to say, we are ready for spring, ready for our road to dry up, and ready to turn off the base board heater!

Shhhh!! Don't tell my dad!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:37:00 +0000

On March 31st I turned 2 years old! I heard my parent's talking the other night about how they are going to get through the "Terrible Two's"... I don't want to be naughty..I just can't help it! Remote Controls are my favorite thing to eat! Sometimes at night, when my parents are sleeping, I hop up on the couch and catch my Zzzzzzz's. My mom knows I do it but my dad is snoring and doesn't hear me! hee hee hee! During the day when my mom's inside with me and my sister Maggie, she pretends she doesn't see me on the couch! She just keep's telling me I'm so cute! Happy Birthday to Me!

April Yardwork!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:29:00 +0000

I couldn't believe my eyes on Wednesday when I looked out my office window and saw a blizzard of snowflakes the size of quarters! It only last a few hours and gave us a slushy coating, but it was a set back in the "drying-out" that has been taking place on our property. Last weekend, Sean fixed our lawn mower, and even bought a brand new seat. We were so excited about our new wheels that we rode it around the yard!

Puerto Vallarta!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 21:44:00 +0000

We had the greatest time on our Honeymoon to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The weather was in the mid 70's low 80's everyday. Molly extended our trip by one day on each side, so the 1st night and last night of our trip we stayed downtown, and the week in between we stayed in a condo in the more 'touristy' part of town. We spent time on the beach everyday, and ate our almost every night. I was a bit of a baby, and whined about all the Mexican food! We tried to go to an Italian restaurant one night but Sean wasn't wearing any pants....I mean, he was only wearing shorts, so we were asked to leave :0) We both agreed that one our favorite parts of the trip was the ADVENTURE TOUR we took. It's an excursion were to take an Army Vehicle out of town and into the mountains, then ride mules up to the top of the mountains, then take zip lines from plat-form to plat-form. Mix in a little free-falling, and waterfall repelling and you have yourself one heck of an adventure! I wanted to buy a few photos at the end so I could prove that I did repell down a waterfall but the photos were blurry and $17 bucks each. Not very impressive to a photographer. After the adventure, we were taken back to our hotel in a boat and skimmed across the ocean faster than I've ever been, except maybe in Uncle John's boat. We also went on a Dune Buggy ride compliments of Grandma Marilyn and Grandpa George. We had a fun time on that tour too. The other days we spent laying around on the beach and striking deals with the beach vendors. We had a fantastic time, but there is no place like Minnesota!

This is the view from our 7th floor condo

On our way to our Adventure Tour

Getting ready to leave on the dune buggy ride. It was super dusty!

Sean shouldn't be allowed to drive a dune buggy. Everytime we were going to drive through at river he sped up so I would be soaked.

Sean Para-Sailing....he said it was one of the coolest things he has ever done!

Pina Colada #87

Here's Sean, freeing Grandma and Grandpa from the hotel they were locked inside of.

Here, we're on the bus, and I'm very excited about our trip to a Mexican Wal-Mart

Tubing at Buck Hill

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 20:02:00 +0000

We celebrated Christmas with Molly, Kaitlin, Aaron, Brian and Beth by going tubing at Buck Hill again this year, then exchanging presents and feasting on Prime Rib. I also got to meet Rocky, Kaitlin and Aaron's vizsla. Oooh! I think he's such a cutie pie! I so love getting together with everyone in Eden Prairie. Living away from our family makes us love coming home so much more!

A Good 'Ol Fashioned Snowstorm

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:42:00 +0000

We woke up in Burnsville the day after Christmas to a winter wonderland. This made me miss my days growing up in Burnsville....I have so many great memories of snow days from school, sledding down our the hill in our big back yard, and shoveling neighbors driveways....These photos are taken in Burnsville on December 26th, 2007....about 8 inches of snow

Christmas in Burnsville

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 03:15:00 +0000

It's almost February, and I am finally getting around to posting our Christmas festivities! Sean and I spent our first 'married' Christmas, very busy and traveling far! We ventured to Eden Prairie, Menomonie, Red Wing and Burnsville. We enjoyed each and every celebration!

This photo is the same every year....a beautiful tree, a warm house, and gifts galore.

This year we also did 'white elephant' gifts. My mom's suggestion surely started a new tradition. Trading your own crap for others! How fun! In the above photo, Troy shows off his white elepant gift....a purple elephant!

Annie & Troy's Wedding 12.08.07

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 22:50:00 +0000

Annie and Troy were married in Hartford, South Dakota on Saturday December 8th, 2008.
Everything was perfect, beautiful, and memorable...

Rehersal Dinner...

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:41:00 +0000

The Rehersal Dinner/Groom's Dinner was so fun! Annie and Troy hosted a Pizza & Root Beer Float Party for their families at the Humboldt Community Center.

Rehersal...

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:29:00 +0000

We were glad we got the chance to reherse! Who knew a wedding ceremony could be so confusing :)

Ingredients for a Wedding Reception..

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 19:09:00 +0000

We spent Friday setting up the Humboldt Community Center for about 250 party goers.

The centerpiece for their tables was authentic South Dakota Wheat. Annie found jars from family member and antique shops to display on each table. Our brother Josh made 100 bread boards to serve the loaves of bread at each table too. It was BEAUTIFUL!

We found a great way of dispersing the chairs....Rather than carry them to each table, why not push them across the room?!

Only 1/2 the fun...

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 18:57:00 +0000

Annie and Troy's wedding and reception was only 1/2 the fun. Much of our family arrived days ahead of time to help get everything ready for the big day. It was so fun spending so much time together. There were a lot of laughs and lots of memories made.

This is Troy, saying his prayers before marrying my sister...
Sean and Maggie spent a great deal of time pheasant hunting while we were in South Dakota.

Annie made 2 cakes for their rehersal dinner.

A running shoe and a tractor!

The rollers that became stuck in Mackenzie's hair!

Bride's Night Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 17:52:00 +0000

Annie's bachelorette party was a fun night for a bunch of cousins and friends. We started the celebration at Stacie's house with gifts and lasanga then pushed onto some small town bars in Hastings, Prescott and Red Wing... Supposedly the movie, "High School Musical" is super hot right now, and a character's name happens to be Troy, so we showered Annie with "I LOVE TROY" paraphanalia!

Annie's Shower...

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 17:36:00 +0000

We had a nice shower for Annie is mid-November at Stacie's house. Hors Devours and gifts is a nice way to shower a bride to be. We enjoyed an afternoon party then broke out the real fun and games later that evening with her Bachelorette Party...

So Many Reasons to Give Thanks...

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 03:13:00 +0000

Happy Thanksgiving to Everyone!

This is what I have to be thankful for this year:

- My new husband, who I still consider the greatest blessing in my life. I look forward to seeing him everyday, just as I did when we first met. I ignore the nay-sayers who say, "you're newly weds....it'll change." I adore him and love every moment.

-Maggie & Gus, the little critters who fill my life with as much joy as they do frusteration. I feel blessed that just by switching their dog food back to a name brand, their little ailments and aches have subsided. Thank you IAMS.

-Our home. The little fixer-uper, that we're still fixing up. Sometimes when I'm sitting on the couch or putting away groceries, or making the bed, I still can't believe we own this place. Paying a mortage gives us a great sense of pride. We so love a phrase that our pastor said...."You must live like no one else now, so later you can live like no one else." We don't mind living in a tiny place with icky mice, and no storage, and little heat. We don't mind not keeping up with the Jones' because maybe later, the Jones' will wish they lived like us.

-Our families. The biggest fans of this silly little blog. We love our parents and siblings and grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins beyond words. Our families are big and our hearts are just full becasue of them.

-Our Jobs. Truly one of the greatest blessings of my year is the fact that my business has provided me with the realization that I can be a full time photographer. The dream of working from home became a reality and I have savored every single moment, knowing that this kind of lifestyle is not available to everyone. I feel so fortunate and I know this is becasue of my customers. Without them there would be no business. I am proud of Sean for all that he did to make AMI's first year a success as well. We are definitely on the right track. The best is yet to be.

-Our Friends. Since moving north about 18 month ago, we have missed our friends so badly. Seeing so many at the wedding reminded us of how truly blessed we are to have so many friends who have stayed near and dear to us. We enjoy getting together when our trips home allow. We also are finding pals in the northwoods too. I joined a bowling leauge, and am looking foward to joining Yoga after the holidays. We have great neighbors and feel like lucky to have people to wave to on our road.

A few other things we are thankful for:

-a freezer full of venison

-my sister's December 8th wedding

-the plan of attack for my dad's health

-well running vehicles

-a flawless wedding

-a winter honeymoon!

-living in a place where everyone vacations to

-Having grandparents so close by

-An outside garage office that stays warm

-working out at the gym again...it's all about will power

-Customers

Hunting Season 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Thu, 22 Nov 2007 03:02:00 +0000

2007 was another successful hunting season for Sean and Tim. They both enjoyed a trip to Grand Marais last weekend and came home with these impressive bucks. Last night Sean and I packaged 13 pounds of ground venison and we are just getting started. The boys had a GREAT time and can't wait to go back next year.

Good To Be Home...

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:08:00 +0000

Sean and Maggie were phesant hunting in North Dakota last week. Gus, who never likes to be alone, spent the 4 days as an 'only child' looking for his sister, Maggie. Finally when they arrived home on Halloween night, Gus was content.

Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 17:04:00 +0000

Happy Halloween!
Boo!

Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza 2007

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 01:47:00 +0000

We had our annual Pumpkin Carving Holiday in Red Wing last Sunday. In addition to carving, we emptied out Grandma's basement of items that had been there for YEARS! We enjoyed our time together and luckily the weather was perfecto`.

Bowling with the cousins....

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 02:50:00 +0000

I rolled into town yesterday for our annual pumpkin carving extravaganza at Grandma's. On Pumpkin Eve, we got together with Erin, Mike, and Garrett at Burnsville Bowl. A good time was had by all! I expected to be intimidating now that I am on a real bowling leauge, but my skills were not up to par.... gutter ball, gutter ball, gutter ball....

Sean is in North Dakota this week on a phesant hunting trip. I miss him a lot, but I know he's having a great time. Next weekend is deer opener..... This is his favorite time of year!

Our Trip to the North Shore & Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Chelsie & Sean) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 07:05:00 +0000

We left for our honeymoon on Sunday night. My parents were gracious enough to stay at our house and take care of their grand-dogs while we were away. Our first stop was the Bungalow in Emily. One of our favorite restaurants. We arrived at Teteegouche State park at midnight. The next day we drove to Grand Marais where we did a little shopping then decided to push onto Canada to see my Grandpa and Uncle who were unable to come to our wedding. We arrived at the fishing camp at 6:00 and enjoyed visiting with them for a bit. We set up our tent in the pouring rain and dined on beer and venison summer sausage by candle light....I mean flash light. Before leaving Canada we stopped at Kakabekah Falls. Back in Minnesota we decided that our luck was pretty good and played the slots at Grand Portage Casino. Gambling Sucks. we lost our 10 dollars right away. We toured the Grand Portage National Monument and headed for Temperance State Park where we camped for our last night.

Now how cool is this?

The old logging roads that take us to our fishing camp in Canada. The fall colors were amazing.

My dear Grandpa K

How romantic that Sean was willing to deface property at a provincial park to declare his love for me! He's called me Goosey forever.

Kahakebekah Falls

A little photographic fun.

Ingredients:

Night Time

Tripod

10 Second Exposure

Red Flash Light

Patience