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!!!

Me, Mabel & My Meat

Minnesota is a great place to live. We have over 10,000 lakes, the boundary waters, Joe Mauer, the Minnesota State Fair (home of the deep fried cheese curd) and meat raffles. Last weekend I learned that the meat raffle may be Minnesota's secret weapon. It is a very simple process and very fun.

Step 1. Meet Mabel

Step 2. Buy your ticket

Step 3. When Mabel shouts "I'm spinnin' the wheel" you yell

"SPIN THE WHEEL MABEL!"

(This is the key to success)

Step 4. Win and enjoy 9 pounds of hamburger, 9 pounds of chicken or both.

Step 5. Have a celebratory beer.

Adam and Miley

Shhhhhhhh...