Adam & John

If I could give only one bit of advice to any new home-owner-ladies out there it would be this: Let your man get WHATEVER lawn equipment he wants. Overlook the expense because you won't have to mow the lawn ever again. (Seems like this strategy works for snow-blowers too). Adam is really into his new John Deere. If only we could figure out how to grow some grass...

Nina & Pinta

Last Sunday it was sweltering in MN... about 91 degrees and a 70-something degree dew point. That almost kicks an AZ summer day's butt. It was also sweltering across the river in Hudson, Wisconsin however, I have been looking forward to August 8th for a few weeks now and what we saw was worth the "swass".

We went to Hudson to see the "Nina & Pinta". For those of you that are not nerds like Adam and I, those are two of Columbus' ships (the Santa Maria sunk halfway through the first voyage).  These were not the actual ships Columbus sailed, but the Nina we saw is believed to be the most accurate replica ever built. It was built entirely by hand with the same tools and techniques from Columbus' time. 

Enough of my ramblings, here are the pictures. 

Costa Rica

Two of our best friends got married last week in Costa Rica and we were lucky enough to be able to be there to celebrate with them.

We did so many fun things I don't even know where to start- I guess I should begin at the beginning.

Day 1 (Saturday): We started off at Hotel La Pradera near La Fortuna which is adjacent to Arenal Volcano.

Day 2 (Sunday): Canyoning and Rapelling tour

Day 3 (Monday): EcoGlide Zipline tour, Hiking at Arenal and Baldi Hot Springs

Day 4 (Tuesday): Made our way to Hotel La Finesterra at Playa Hermosa

Day 5 (Wednesday): Check in at Hilton Papagayo and relax

Day 6 (Thursday): Christina and Simon tie the knot!

Spicer Surprise Part Two from Anne Merrill on Vimeo.

Day 7 (Friday): Snorkeling and more relaxation

Day 8 (Saturday): Time to head back home. What a great trip!!!

Congratulations Jeff and Kati!

Rockwell 4th

Adam and I spent the 4th of July in Okoboji, Iowa this year with his family. Seems a little odd since Minnesota is supposed to be the "Land of 10,000 lakes". Why would we go to Iowa of all places? Okoboji is, hands down, the best place on the planet to spend this holiday. From boat rides, to spending time with the whole family, barbecuing, Arnold's Park and perfect fireworks over the lake it really feels like you just walked into a Norman Rockwell painting. I tried to take a few photos and videos this year to capture how awesome it is, but of course, nothing does it justice. So if you ever get a chance- go to Boji on the 4th and see it for yourself!

Fireflies and fireworks from Anne Merrill on Vimeo.

What happens in Vegas...

Christina Spicer is a very fun girl, so in order to celebrate her last month of single-ladihood her sister planned a very fun weekend in Las Vegas.

Highlights:

Adam vs. Buckthorn

We have an alien invader in our backyard and Adam has declared war. It's actually an alien species of plant called "European Buckthorn" and is taking over the woods behind our house. This nasty plant will grow completely out of control, choking out your trees and other plants. Adam's goal this summer is to completely eradicate it from our property and I have to hand it to him, he has made quite the dent. Here is some information on Buckthorn eradication in case anyone is interested:

Identify the enemy:

The female plants have these distinct berries. Unfortunately many birds find them tasty and poop out the seeds spreading more of these bastard plants.

Safety First!

Protect your eyes (and look cool):

Protect your ears:

Keep your toes safe:

Buy yourself a fancy new man-toy.

Try to rip the stumps out by the roots.

This will ensure they will never grow back and it also scares the other buckthorn plants.

If they won't come up by the roots, use that handy new chainsaw to cut them down.

Just make sure to paint poison on the stumps or 20 new plants will pop up at the base.

Before:

After (there really is a big difference!):

ps: check out my new wheel barrel below.

We found it on Craig's List for $60-- Best $60 I have ever spent!!!