Memorial Day Weekend in Mandan

We went to Mandan for Memorial Day weekend!

It was the most beautiful weekend!

We got there Saturday early afternoon and left Monday evening! 

Everyone was quick to look and talk to little Sorraya!

 Matthew said may times "I better check on that little girl." He clearly very much loves her too.

 Pictures after church all dressed up!

Aren't they just sweet?

 Playing in the sand box together!

 We went to the Zoo.  

Feeding the goats, who clearly had far to much to eat already this weekend - they weren't interested!

 Siting on an old tractor!

 Sorraya's first trip to the Zoo! She was happy most of the time! Gave a little squawk and then she would give a big sigh and just be content again!

 The animals were very active when we went. It was a beautiful day and they knew it!

The tigers were chasing each other around and playing with the ball.

 The bears were running around as well...

 ...and swimming!

 The boys loved picking the dandelions that were all around!

I love this picture of Ryken!!

 Daddy showing Ryken how to blow the dandelion seeds off!

 Ryken giving it a shot!

 Sorraya was snuggling a lot at the end of the trip!

 She loved being up against Papa's beard! A familiar feel from when Daddy holds her, we thought!

 She just cuddled in! We are pretty sure Papa enjoyed it very much!

 I had never seen this boy so dirty! Dirt all over his hands, face and legs! A sign of a good time!

 We didn't ride the train this time, but Ryken was excited to get a picture on it!

 A much needed bath afterwards! 

Matthew shared his bath crayons and toys!

 Sorraya was the centerpiece at the dinner table again, just like Ryken was when he was about her age!

 Nana made Ryken a car like she had made one for Matthew!

A frisbee steering wheel that turns, a key hole with real keys you can take in and out, head and tail lights, a gas tank spot, and a door handle. And some sweet pin stripes! She is so creative!

 The men were burring some tree branches in the fire pit. The flames got pretty big at some points! Ryken thought it was pretty cool!

 The boys had a picnic!

 Sorraya woke up and snuggled some more with Nana!

 Ryken helped out by mowing the lawn!

 Since the fire was hot, we cooked some sausage for Lunch!

 Riding together! 

They took turns sitting in the back and the front!

 We flew some kites too!

It was not very windy, but the men got them up for a little bit and the boys enjoyed it!

 Matthew and Uncle Christer (as Matthew says) kicking around the soccer ball!

 Nana and Papa got Sorraya her first doll! 

What fun she will have with it when she is old enough!!

It was a wonderful time! The weather made it all the more enjoyable than just the enjoyment of being with family!