The 80

This last Sunday after Sunday school, church and then watching the Vikings winning yet another game and Knut’s parent’s house, and before our evening Bible study, we squeezed in one more fun activity. We headed out for a big extended family picnic out at the 80.

I know it’s called the 80 for “80 acres” but I’m not sure if the park is 80 acres, the field next to it is 80 acres, or if them combined is 80 acres. You know when you meet someone for the 6th time, and you can’t remember their name, but you’re way beyond asking what their name is, so you just pretend that you know? It’s like that with me and the 80.

The 80 isn’t accessible by road. We drive on a dirt road known only to the family as “that dirt road past Ruth and Jerry’s old place.” (And yes, if you come to visit our farm, those are the directions you will be given.) And we park on the side of the gravel, and the farm’s 3 pickups were waiting on the field to shuttle people over the the park.

The kids really liked this mode of transportation! Uncle Lars’ girlfriend, Molly was able to come, and the kids always like that!

Here they are, holding their camping chairs, and ready to go!

The 80 is situated beautifully under some old oak trees and overlooks a lake.

We were bundled up, but really, it wasn’t too cold.

All of Knut’s cousins who were in town came, and we really make quite a group. It’s amazing to see his grandparents who are now in their 90s walking around with their walking sticks like it was no big deal. I have a great picture of Knut’s grandma, but she has forbidden me to show it to anyone.

Knut’s aunt has a sister-in-law who has a severe form of down syndrome. Her name is Dorothy. As Dorothy’s mom is getting older, she’s spending more time at her brother’s family’s house, and coming to family functions like this. At 50 years old, she doesn’t speak, but at the beginning of this picnic, she picked me to stand and sway with in a hug for 5 minutes or so. It was so sweet, and I’ll have to admit, maybe my favorite part of the day.

Knut’s cousin, Daniel, found a forgotten decoy, and gave it to David. David has enjoyed it so much, and doesn’t understand why we won’t let him sleep with it.

Elias’ buddy and second cousin, Trygvie was there, looking all big and 1.

His baby look seems to be disappearing as “toddler” seems to be taken over.

We had hot chocolate, (although some preferred milk;) ) and roasted hot dogs over the campfire.

“Mommy, I think my s’more could use, well some more. I think something is missing.”