Family Time

Although today is not a weekend day, it sure did feel like it with Joel and I both off of work and Bethany, Michaela, and Samuel visiting for lunch and fun family time. Only a few times before had I been able to spend time with Michaela, Joel's sister. Before her visit to South Dakota this summer, the only other times I had seen her were during hectic family weddings. The first, Bethany and Joe's, when Joel and I had only been dating six months and most of my focus was on him or old friends I was reconnecting with. The second was mine and Joel's, and had little time to make memories with out-of-town family. I was told my Joel and several of his other siblings that I reminded them of Michaela, and was excited to actually sit down and talk to her and get to know her. At least in my eyes, we were able to fall right into place as if I had known her as long as Joel's other sisters and brothers. 

Lunch was yummy and full of the typical cook-out menu, and one of my favorite veggies cooked on the grill: cabbage. Afterwards, we all loaded up in the truck and headed to the Historic Fish Hatchery or as Bethany shared with Michaela , "we are going to watch fish mate." Previously, I received an amazing gift from my mother, a new camera lens, and was so excited to try it out. I had thought it didn't work for my particular camera, but to my surprise, it was compatible! I am so pleased with the few photos I got of Samuel, Joel and Michaela. I only wish I had the lens sooner!

Silly Samuel was Sleeping a lot today

and very comfy with Aunt Michaela

Joel and Michaela at the Fish Hatchery

Samuel and Uncle Joely hanging out at the city park

Smiling at Joel

See why I love my lens?

None of the pictures were edited in any way!

To finish off our day's adventure, we stopped at the second hand store so Bethany could find some things for Samuel. And guess what! Everything was 50% percent off! Woo hoo! We came home with a carload of things Bethany was able to find, an Old English china set for Michaela that was worth so much more than what she paid, and a bread maker worth $70 more than what I paid (only $5)!