While I was in Sisseton this July, I had the privilege to go to the reservation for the Grand Entry.
The colors, the designs, the pageantry. It was all so stunning and fascinating. It would be incredible to be able to sit down with some of the Native Americans to learn the meaning and story behind the designs and dress pieces!
This little guy didn’t seem to be part of the Grand Entry, but he was out on the field for most of it!
Category Archives: Light
Where God Sits
Storms can bring up a variety of emotions ranging from delight to terror. This was one storm where I stayed outside to watch the twirl and swirl of the clouds and listen to the thunder and distant hail pounding the earth. God put on quite a show for us!
Where God Sits, The Bugs
{South Dakota} Sisseton Days Tour
I went to South Dakota just because. I was taken on a tour of local farmland.
The town of Sisseton from a few miles away.
Trying to stay cool on a boiling hot day.
Worship
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February and Birthdays
Yesterday our family gathered to celebrate three important birthdays. This week TJ is turning 2 and J3 turns 4, and (aunt/grandma) Judy turned 60 yesterday! It was a busy, loud, fun, hilarious, joyful afternoon.
We wanted a {nice} picture of the two birthday boys together, but either one or the other was picking his nose. Finally in exasperation, Katie said, “Fine. You both pick your nose!” To which both boys obliged (not pictured)…
Instead of a party for Judy, we all brought her flowers or a plant. By the time everyone’s plants had arrived, the kitchen smelled like a warm summer day out in the sun!
There were plenty of gifts for the two boys, a tasty cake, and lots of fun games! J4 slept through much of the party, sleeping through all his snuggles! 
J3 nicely shared his pop with TJ, and J2 was a hoot as he made faces and started building a car with grapes for wheels and pretzels for everything else.
When it was cake time, TJ enjoyed his cake fully and J3 went after J2’s ice cream. He LOVES his ice cream!!
There were so many fun games for the kids (and adults) to play. The party theme was Paw Patrol, and each game was paired with one of the characters.
TJ was super enthusiastic and cheered for everyone who completed moving the cotton ball rocks from one end of the room to the other. Everyone there couldn’t help but cheer along!
In between playing games and eating, gifts were opened (J3, “YOU bought this. For ME?! It is for me?!) and played with by all.
And, as with every family gathering, not only is there tons of food and laughter, but tons of love. And baby snuggles. And cousin hugs while watching videos. And coordinating outfits.
Happy valentine’s day!
{Springbrook} Sunny Sunday
I love seeing little love notes from God.
Leaves in the shape of hearts.
Golden light and my favorite bench.
Waving fields of gold.
Tunnels of green leading to light.
Peek-a-boo with deer in the forest.
Yellow trees clapping in the breeze.
Sunbeams lighting up fall flowers.
Shadow art and water.
Wide open fields of autumn.
{Road Trip} Kandiyohi
This trip could also be titled Tour of Kandiyohi Parks…
It was early on that fateful Friday afternoon in July. April and I loaded up her car and set out on an adventure. Our only plan: to have fun. Our destination: Kandiyohi, MN, home of the Miron clan.
We arrived at Miron’s doorstep two hours later to spend July 4th weekend with Heather, Cole, and Ada. Mark was in the Cities working.
We filled our time with visiting parks (6), good food, eating fresh picked strawberries (over cake), chasing down firework shows (we saw 10), late night girl talks, and much laughter. 
Also on the agenda was hoping the sky would clear so we could see Nature’s Light Show, the aurora borealis.
We may not have seen those elusive lights, but as we chased the sun home early Sunday morning, April and I agreed:
The trip was a success.
{Springbrook} Dragonflies
{Springbrook} Forest Magic
Evenings are my favorite time to take a walk through Springbrook Nature Center. The forest comes alive and is like a whole new world.
Colors are brighter and around every corner a new creature can be found. Anything can happen. The forest is like magic, full of color in a black and white world.
Surprise
Last year when this tree blossomed in our back yard, the blossoms lasted less than a week and the leaves withered up soon after.
This year we didn’t expect anything. One day the leaves started poking out. The next week buds had formed and soon after we had blossoms all over.
What rejoicing!
The storms and wind brought down the blossoms quickly this year, but the leaves are still there!
Happy Fourth of July! I pray you have a blessed and safe celebrations.