Busy Fall Weekend!!

Weekdays:

• Monday: Clint had a day off golfing that benefited the Wayzata schools.  I had a bit of a cold and felt like pooh.  After work I was the city bus - picking kids up from school, driving maci to soccer practice by 530, then taking Connor to soccer practice by 6p, then coming back and getting Maci and our neighbor Emily from their 630 soccer pick up.  Then heading home, eating a salad and going to bed!!
• Tuesday: Feeling a bit better and heading to a team happy hour after work to welcome our new CIO.  That was fun and the kids hung at home with Clint - Maci is excited to be back into Girls on the Run Tues and Thurs after school.
• Wednesday- Had a great lunch at work with a new mentor.  After work, I picked up Maci and ran her to practice.  I worked in the car while I waited on her and then afterward she and I enjoyed Punch Pizza date while the boys had already eaten at home.

Pizza Dinner Date w. My Big Girl 

• Thursday: Maci had an ortho apt in the morning and all is looking good, she now has light blue rubber bands.  I presented on a panel for our agility summit on the topic of coaching.  We also had a quick farewell for one of my fav HR leaders who is going on to be a CHRO of a company.  I picked up the kids and Clint made us Chili for dinner.  We then enjoyed watching Thursday night football before heading to bed.

Best Wishes Janelle!!

Friday :

• Started the day with a 2 hour finance meeting but had a super productive day and made an offer for a key role on my team - progress!
• The kids got off the bus in the rain, it was a fall but cold rainy day!
• Around 430p I was off to COV to meet up with Jean and Lisa (former co-worker friends) for happy hour.  Clint and the kids chilled at home and I met back up around 8p.
• Maci and I crashed pretty quickly b/c we had an early wake up time!

 Saturday :

• What a busy day!!
• Maci and I were up at 6a and off to Blaine by 7a for her 8a soccer game.
• Unfortunately the girls weren't quite awake and they suffered a 0-5 loss.  However, they played way better than that score would reflect.  After the game ended, Maci and I headed to brunch with many members of the team while Clint was with Connor at his game back home.  Connor had 2 goals in his game and they won by a ton - per usual!
• After eating and spending an hour wandering Target, Maci and I were back to the fields for game 2 - Clint and Connor headed out for this one and the girls had a nail biter of back and forth but ultimately pulled off the W with a 5-4 win.
• We headed home and I squeezed in a nap before our busy evening plans!
• Our sitter Kristy came around 530p and then we were off to Kristy's 40th birthday party (Kristy is Lucy's mom on Maci's soccer team) we were able to hang for a little over an hour before heading to River Inn to meet up with the Cassem's and Fike's for a date night we planned some time ago.  We enjoyed drinks, good food and then headed to Stanchions to end the night.  We had some drinks and listened to karaoke while we danced the night away

Maci & Charley playing with my phone at Brunch

Ladies at the Bar

Sunday:

• We got up and started attacking the to do lists as had gotten nothing done on Friday evening or Saturday with all the running.
• By 1130a Clint was off with Connor to his flag football game at 12p and I was running Maci out to her semi final tournament game.  Unfortunately even with an amazing goal by Maci, the girls couldn't get the win and lost 2-3 to a team they beat in the regular season just last Friday.  On the other hand, Connor did get the job done and the Titans won their football game.  While we were disappointed in the loss it sure helped with our Sunday plans.
• Maci and I got home, I saw the 2nd half of the Bengals win (finally!) and was able to get going on laundry, groceries and all the things that would have been hard to accomplish had we played in the finals at 330p.
• Now we are getting ready for dinner, preparing for the week ahead, enjoying the turn of the weather to true fall and excited for our deck to get finished this week and driveway to be re-done the following week!!!  YAY!

Love them!

We hope you are also enjoying the start of Fall!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

Awesome Soccer Weekend & Maci Crushes a 5k!!

Weekdays :

• Monday - Busy evening with Maci having soccer practice at 530p and Connor having his soccer practice at 6p.    I was able to take Maci to hers and Clint took Connor to his.  I then got some email cleaned up after finally making my way home.
• Tuesday - Maci had her first girls on the run after school for the season.  I had to go downtown for a work offsite and then had a team event/dinner afterward.  While I was at my work dinner, Clint took the kids to the Wayzata girls high school soccer game.  Fusion soccer players (like Maci) got to get in for free, watched a 4-0 win, got to do drills on the field at half time and then got a poster with autographs afterward!

Autographs with the big girls

• Wednesday - I had another day downtown but this time we wrapped by about 530p.  Maci had her soccer practice again at 530p but Clint managed the drop off for us since I was on my way home.  I did get there in time to pick her back up and run her home for a late dinner.
• Thursday - Maci had another Girls on the Run practice after school.  I picked them up after school and Clint made us some chicken and rice for dinner.  We had a pretty nice chill night and enjoyed watching some Thursday night football in the hot tub.

Friday : 

• We both had productive days at home again
• Kids got home on the bus and it was so nice to be able to go out and great them when they got off the bus!
• A little after 5p we left the house for a Maci soccer game vs the usually strong Minnetonka soccer team.  We won 3-1 and the girls once again looked awesome!!!!
• Afterward about half the team went to dinner to celebrate the win as a team.  We sure do love this crew!

This crew loves to WIN together!

Saturday :

• Started the day with our Church Fall 5k that Maci decided to run
• She came in 3rd place with 3.3 Miles completed in 28 Minutes and only finished behind two high school cross country runners!  AMAZING!!!!  
• We grabbed some breakfast and then were off to Connor's 1130a soccer game.  They won by a land slide again and Connor played some awesome D with at least 1 goal, sometimes it is hard to see who scored HAHA
• We got home a little after lunch and took some afternoon naps
• Once we were back up and rolling we were off to our church festival for some drinks, food and games galore.
• The kids had a blast playing games and hanging on the play ground.
• We cut out of there around 730p and realized the Toledo and OSU game wasn't anything worth watching as it was an OSU blow out.
• Shortly after getting home, we invited the neighbors over for a fire at our place - Harty's, Herness and Jonas were all able to make it!

Post 3rd place finish!

Ran into her friend Isla at the Festival

Sunday : 

• Got some things done this morning like groceries, laundry etc then were off to Connor's flag football practice and game at 1p
• They lost by 4 points and came within 6 inches of having a TD to win the game!  Tough loss
• We got home in time for the Bengals kick off and well that was just as tough of a loss - UGH!
• At least Clint's Dolphins are doing great right now!!
• We are now wrapping up all the weekend to dos before another busy week of school and work ahead.

We hope you are having a wonderful change of seasons!!

Lots of Love

C, K, M & C

1st Week of School - 4th Grade and 1st Grade!!

Weekdays : 

• Monday - Love a good Labor Day holiday!  We finished up any final prep for the week and then hosted Connor's buddy Brooks' and his family for some drinks and snacks in the afternoon.  They left around 4p, we had pulled pork from the smoker for dinner and then got to bed in time to kick off a new school year!
• Tuesday - Happy 1st Day of School!  Maci is off to 4th grade with Ms Sowada and Connor is in 1st grade with Mr Meyer.  We made it to the bus on time and were all super excited to see Mr Mike back as the bus driver again!  Rosie got a nice grooming during the day.  We all had a restful evening with lots of 1st day stories.

Our Crew

• Wednesday - Another great day at school and work followed by some Maci soccer practice in the evening.
• Thursday - After school and work, Clint attended an NFL Flag Football coaches meeting online.  He dropped in time to watch the kick off to the NFL season.  He and I even went in the hot tub for a bit with a cocktail to enjoy the almost end of a big school week.

Friday : 

• We both had productive days working at home
• The kids were so pumped for their new routine of riding the bus home on Fridays since one of us is almost always there!  Also nice to get home at 230p on a Friday vs say 5p.
• Shortly after the kids got home, I was off to a 3p happy hour with my former leader and friend Lori Riley.  We enjoyed some wine, apps and convo while Clint ran Connor to a haircut and Maci to her Friday night soccer practice.
• We came home and had pizza as a family for dinner and then crashed with college football.

Saturday : 

• Clint started the day with a massage.
• I ran both kids to Connor's 1st soccer game and Clint joined at half time.  Unfortunately, Clint missed Connor's 2 goals which were both pretty sick!  His team won by a lot and Connor hustled all over the field!!
• We enjoyed the "piggy place" for lunch - also officially known as Hams Sandwich shop.  It was a beautiful Saturday weather wise!
• We came home and rested for a bit before we had to head to Maci's soccer game in Prior Lake at 415p - the girls played great and won 2-0!
• We enjoyed dinner and drinks with the Hintze family afterward and all the kids had a blast playing with these little soccer fidgets from the vending machines.

Sunday :

• We started the morning by selling our current patio furniture to a gal I work with so recently moved into a new home.  We are waiting on our new deck and then new table to arrive shortly after the deck is complete.
• I then started watching the Bengals game which would be one huge disappointment!
• While I watched an ugly football game, Clint and Connor headed to his first flag football practice.
• The game ticked me off more than it should of and then I was just in a funk mood the rest of the night while watching other games.

At least our kiddos sports are going well!  We hope you are having a great transition to back to school and fall fun!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C

A Week w. Grandma!!!

Weekdays:

• Monday : I went into the office while Clint worked from home and my mom had the kiddos.  We had some quick burgers for dinner.  Clint hauled Maci to Soccer Practice at 530p and then my mom and I took Connor to his 6p Baseball game.
• Tuesday : We had a yummy dinner of chicken and rice before my mom and I took Maci to her 7p haircut - need to look fresh for back to school!

Before & After of Her Snazzy Cut

• Wednesday : I worked from home while Clint swapped and headed into the office.  We had a busy evening with open house starting at 4p, we met Clint there.  Connor has Mr Meyer this year for 1st grade and Mr Meyer is a Baseball Coach!!  Maci has Ms Sowada for 4th grade and she still plays soccer which made Maci love her, that and she let them pick their seat!!  Then we had to split up and Clint headed to Connor's final baseball game at 5p and my mom and I were off to Maci's 530 soccer practice in the heat - after grabbing some McD's for dinner on the way there.

The Mondell Crew Outside Our School

So Sweet!!  Leading Connor to Mr Meyer's Room

• Thursday : I wrapped the day around 3p and decided to start the long weekend fun!  We hung out for a bit, ate dinner, watched Toledo play their 1st game and made cocktails all before we started the family fantasy draft fun!  I feel pretty good about my team and scored Evan McPherson as my kicker so my team name is now "$ McFEARson" with the leg lamp as the image HAHA can't wait for a fun season!

Goof Ball

Friday : 

• MN State Fair Day!!!!
• We were up and at 'em and at the bus lot by 9a.
• We were in the fair grounds enjoying our first bites of food by 930a.
• The kids loved the rides, games and sweet foods.
• My mom and I loved the pickle items
• Clint and I loved the cold beer and shade!
• It was another long day and this time SUPER HOT!  We started at 930a and were on our way out of the fairgrounds around 530p - I just love this every year!
• We all got home, wanted to shower the sweet and sunscreen off and shortly after doing so we were all dropping like flies.  I think I fell asleep by 830p.  What a FUN but EXHAUSTING day!

Start of a great day!

They love them some Grandma

Pickle Dogs!

Outside the Butterfly House

Vikings Fun!

MN United - Loons

Chilling while mom & dad look at patio furniture 

Ran into my pal and former leader Scott who snapped this sweet pic!

Always like one of the kids :)

Good Sports

It was so good!

The last purchase at the end of a long hot fair - M loves her Pickles!

Saturday :

• Grandma's last morning :(
• We ordered Peg's Countryside Cafe for a pick up breakfast
• Enjoyed food on the deck along with coffee before starting to pack. up my mom in the car for the airport
• We dropped her off with tons of hugs around 1030a and then we were off to get my car cleaned, pick up hot tub chemicals and order our By the Yard new outdoor furniture.  
• I was so productive yesterday!  I started to clean Connor's room, got the kids new bedroom sheets/comforters ordered, got everything ready for the first day of school, crushed laundry and many other items on the to do list all while having College Football on in the background - Ahhhhh!
• Come evening, I enjoyed the OSU game with Clint and then wrapped the evening in our hot tub b/c it was the perfect night for it with a good beer!

Sweet Room Message from Maci

Sunday :

• Love Long Weekends!!!!
• We got up early to take the dogs for a walk - we are watching Fred while the Harty's are in Iowa.
• Got home and I kept laundry rolling before snoozing on the couch.
• Connor had his pal Chuck come over at 11a, repayment since they had him over for a bit last night.
• I fed them lunch and they ran all over the house, mostly outside!
• Around 2p Connor got picked up with Chuck to go to an indoor ninja place with Chuck's dad. 
• Clint did a lot of yard work and I continued to tick things off the to do list!
• Now both kids are home and we are about to head to Kobe for dinner - some hibachi on our Labor Day Weekend!

Tomorrow will be a little more relaxing since so much is checked off the list!  We are smoking some pork and getting the kids down to bed before the first day of school the next day - wahoo!!!  We hope you all are having a good back to school season!  We wish all the kiddos a happy and healthy year ahead!

Lots of Love, 

C, K, M & C

Mini Hops Gymnastics Camp + Grandma Arrived!!

Weekdays:

• Monday - Day 1 of the kids at a Mini Hops gymnastics camp for the week together.  In the evening, Connor had a baseball game and then we got to his first soccer practice about 1/2 way through but wanted to say hi to the coach and pick up his jersey.

• Tuesday - Another day of Mini Hops camp and Clint had some coworkers in town so he had a team dinner in the evening while I had the kiddos solo.
• Wednesday - I worked from home b/c Clint was going to have a happy hour at our house for his team and I was on kid duty.  After picking them up from camp, we were off to Maci's soccer practice at 530p and then Connor's baseball game at 7p.
• Thursday - I was still the take and pick up for camp but Clint took over in the evening so I could head to my pal Sara Idle's home as she hosted many of us former coworkers for a fun happy hour.

Friday : 

• I had a few meetings in the morning on and off but by lunch we were heading to the airport to pick up my mom!
• She had a smooth on time flight and the kids were so excited to see her - along with Clint and me!
• We got home, chatted a bit, did a bit more work and then we both took some late afternoon naps on the couch.
• We then all headed to Maci's soccer practice at 530p followed by a quick fall parents meeting
• Then we were off to River Inn for a Yummy night one dinner!

Saturday :

• Maci had a birthday party in the morning at Urban Air for her teammate Quinn
• Afterward, Connor, Maci, my mom and I all went to Dick's for some new soccer cleats for Maci, Pretzels for a snack and Claire's for some fun grandma spoiling.  After the mall we were off to The General Store to get my mom a few gifts for friends back home and I picked up a puzzle, candle, pumpkin hand soap and some small new decor items.
• That night we did Pappa John's pizza for dinner, rum and cokes for our beverage and enjoyed the Rams vs Bengals pre-season game for evening entertainment

Puzzles run in the family :)

Sunday :

• 1030a Mass as a family followed by brunch at Birch's on the Lake - the kids were being pretty big turds - fun!
• We got a lot of stuff done around the house and many of us took some naps
• We wrapped the day with me preparing for the next week at work and taking an evening stroll just the adults!

We hope you are having a wonderful wrap up to your summer fun!

Lots of Love,

C, K, M & C