Weekend With the Petersons

This past weekend, Denise and I made one of our few trips of the summer. We both took Friday off from work and headed on down to the Twin Cities. The trip had two goals, one was to see the Star Wars Exhibit at the Science Museum in St. Paul, and the second was to spend time with my sister and her family in White Bear Township.

The Star Wars Exhibit was nice, but I realized I was not as much of a Star Wars geek as many of the other people there. Even with it being a Friday, the crowd was fairly large. But one of my pet peeves was very prevelant there. I just hate it when Denise and I were at an exhibit reading the cards with the display, and someone feels the need to just butt in front of you to read and/or take pictures. Just wait your turn!!!

After Star Wars, we made the trip north on 35E out to the Petersons. My sister Stacy and her husband Dave, along with twins Abby and Maddy, always make for a fun weekend. Friday night was nice as we just vegged out and talked about the upcoming arrival of Libby. But Denise and I were "party poopers" as we went to bed at 9:30. Something about that 5:30 AM alarm all week that just wore me out.

Saturday, we decided to pile everyone into our minivan and make the trip down to Canterbury Park in Shakopee to watch the horses. The van worked out nice with us being able to get all six of us in there and I got some practice at installing child seats! For a place that has gambling and beer, it was very family friendly. They had a huge playground constructed on the grounds, and a lot of kids were present. Abby and Maddy did very well for being a little over two years old. The playground did not interest them a whole lot, but the plywood platform set up for watching the races did. They really enjoyed watching the horses go by and even got to pet a couple of them. But the half hour between races did make it a little trying at times. But we all made it through and only had to miss the final two races.

The Starting Gate

The Horses go racing by!

The Finish

Maddy (left) and Abby enjoying the viewing platform more than the playground!

Maddy found someone to play with!

Stacy and Abby watching the horses go back to the stables!

Denise and Maddy watching the horses!

Maddy petting one of the horses with Troy's help.

On Sunday, it was back home to Garfield as we had some yard work to get caught up on. This next weekend Denise and I will venture to Glenwood for a family reunion on Denise's father's side. It should be a fun weekend on Lake Minnewaska!!!

Have a great end of the week and a great weekend everyone!

Troy and Denise