Ruttgers Bay Lake Lodge

Brad had a Minnesota Chamber Board retreat at Ruttgers Bay Lake Lodge. When he got there and found out he had a full cabin, he called Heidi who was at the Twins game with the kids and Brad's family, and told said she should drive up. They did and while dad was in meetings, Heidi and the kids enjoyed the lake.

Go Kart Bump Draft

Braeden had his first Go Kart lessons in August. You must be 8 yrs old to go kart. Since he has Nascar aspirations, this was his first step. You'll notice it's tough driving out there as Braeden (car 29) gets bumped from behind.

Action City

There is a new fun spot in Eau Claire called Action City. We decided to venture down there to have a day of fun with Bean, Madeline, Nama, Grandpa, Riley and Calia. It was a blast. Here are some pictures of mini golf. But, the most fun was had on the indoor go-carts and the bumper cars. I never laughed so hard. It was pure childhood/pure enjoyment! We can't wait to go back!

Preston's 5th BDay

This year marked Preston's Golden Birthday, 5 on August 5th. He had a combination Thomas/Speed Racer/Star Wars themed birthday. We painted, although, only a handful participated in this activity. There was quite a bit of lightsabering action. Preston opened his gifts, which proved to be mass chaos with everyone scrambling to have him open their gift and then the giver wanting to open the toy immediately. We had a pinata, which was loads of fun and finally, cake, a homemade Star Wars one. Preston was delighted to have Nama and Grandpa, Madeline, Calia and Riley in attendance for his kid's party this year!

Neighborhood Talent Show

Braeden featured his new magic tricks with props provided from both sets of grandparents. This was a break in the action from the American Idol singing from the girls in the neighborhood.

It was a very entertaining event!

Cowgirl Chrissy Birthday

Brad's sister Chrissy celebrated her 25th Birthday in LaCrosse, WI, back to her college roots. Dick, Judy and Mike were there partaking in the celebration as well as Brad and Heidi.

Grandpa Dick was sucking down $2 Pabst Blue Ribbons and Chrissy had a 'fish bowl'. Heidi was pleased to coax the Meiers to a country bar 'The Longhorn Saloon".

Chrissy did the same dance at every bar--run in place!

A Very Shimek Visit

Our friends Dan & Sarah Shimek and their kids, Issac, Simon and May moved to a new home in Appleton, WI. They are an all american family in a great new home!

Sween Wedding in Shawno/Gresham, WI

The Zach & Jenny Sween wedding brought the Hinckly side of the family together for a big celebration. The outdoor wedding at a lake home was a beautiful setting. The dancing heated up that evening. Once the boys worked up the courage, they tore up the dance floor.

Cousins & Cabin Time

The cousins from California-Riley & Calia Hinckley came back for several weeks this summer.

We stayed at a cabin for the wedding of Heidi's cousin Zach near Shawno, WI. The kids loved playing with their cousins.

Putt Putt (Dad Wins!)

Two free rounds of golf at Kesslers campground brought us back to Waseca, MN for fun on the mini course.

Laken sunk a few shots, Braeden was big time and said, 'No cameras please', Preston enjoyed the rabbit, and Heidi just wanted people to keep moving! Did I mention Dad won?

Day at the Cabin

We were invited to the Otterson's cabin on Beaver Lake (just 25 min. from Owatonna). As you can see Preston rode on the pull behind tube for the first time and loved it.

The Ottersons have all the toys, including a paddle boat which was Braeden's favorite!

Blooming Prairie 4th of July Parade

We celebrated the 4th of July with a parade in Blooming Prairie. Every politician in the area was present, including Congressman Tim Walz who had a heated discussion with our friend, Tom Nirk, about drilling for oil-happy birthday America!

Heidi's Surprise Birthday Party!

My Surprise Party!

Brad threw me a surprise 35th Birthday Party (I know it is hard to believe I'm that old). I was a bit suspicious that he was organizing it for a variety of reasons: 1. My Mom, Sis and Brad were conferencing a lot at my Grandpa Feine's Birthday Bash, 2. I needed to bring Laken on my day of shopping and hair coloring, Now I Love my daughter, but two year olds aren't the best shoppers. 3. Brad called me while shopping and told me I needed to be home by 6:30 to grill out with the Jacobson's. Now while my neighbors are awesome, how often do I have the opportunity to hit the mall, plus I was on a mission to find a dress for a wedding. 3. And the biggest tip off of all my in-laws did not email me, call me or send me a birthday card and birthdays are a big deal in the Meier Family. I couldn't believe the lenghts Brad went to for this party. It was an 80s theme and everyone participated by wearing 80s garb! He invited the neighborhood, friends (including, two college hockey team mates) and family. He put up a nice collage of photos of me from the 80s (Thanks for bringing back those pics)! We had great food, and drank beer and Boone's Farm. He had a TV that you could play 80s video games, including Pacman on, 80s tunes cranked, and a karaoke machine with 80s karaoke. It rocked! Brad and My fam outfitted me in Jellies, an acid wash mini skirt and banana clip, other random 80s jewelry and a Poison tee! We stayed up until 3 am and fried the keg and drank all 8 bottles of Boones. The next morning the kids and neighbor children asked if we were having another party that night! Complete Success, Honey!!! Thanks for all the hard work!!
Posted by Brad & Heidi Meier at 1:33 PM 0 comments

Backyard Camping

Over the fourth of July weekend, we decided to give tent camping in our backyard a try. We figured if it didn't work out, it wasn't too far to our own beds. Everyone (even Laken) participated. We had a fire and made smores and checked out the stars. We decided we needed a bigger tent as once we got everyone's air mattress inside there was barely enough room to crawl in. Brad and I didn't sleep so well as Preston kept moving around and I was sure he would wake Lake. We finally ended up putting him in between us. Laken woke up shortly after 5 am, so her and I headed in to some real beds. I forgot how bright the sun is in a tent. All and all it was fun and we'll probably do the backyard camp out, again. If we purchased a new tent, we'd may be even consider a nearby campground.