Rugby & Fillmore

After driving halfway across ND, we stopped in Rugby to visit Greg and Deb. The kids played with cousin Addi on the backyard playset, then swam in the local pool in the evening.

Before that, we followed Papa Ken to Fillmore, visiting Uncles Red and Davey. The highlight for the kids was going for rides on the quad.

Back in ND

The kids ended their day in North Dakota watching a show in Auntie Karen's little cottage that is about 50 yards from their house.

Earlier, we had stopped at Rod and Carol's to visit, and the kids jumped with Cara on the new trampoline.

Then, we had dinner at Julie and Jay's, and the kids played on the swingset, where Tor learned to pump.

Granny's Pantry

Doug took the kids and their cousins (Mariah, Briar and Ariel) to the most popular spot in Battle Lake ... Granny's Pantry, an ice cream and candy shop. It was surrounded by dozens of people when we got there. All the kids (and adults) got ice cream. It was delicious!

More Afternoon Fun at the Lake

The kids spent almost the entire day in the water, getting out only to eat and go to a parade in the evening.

Water Fun at Battle Lake

It was a beautiful, sunny day, so the kids got right into their swim suits. The water is really shallow out over 50 feet from shore. All of the kids went out on the ski boat, and only Bridget dared the tube (though even that was short-lived).

Minnesota at Last

It took a while to get here, but we finally arrived at Doug and Doreen's cabin at Battle Lake for the Peterson family reunion. We are staying in the large loft above the garage. It didn't take long for the kids to stake out their beds.


Amtrak ended up being 9 hours delayed, so we didn't arrive in Minot until 5:30 am. With so little sleep, we had to take naps at cousin Jenny's before driving the rental car across North Dakota.

Getting There

Here's a pic of the kids in Havre, Montana. It's been a long train ride, and it's ended up about 6 hours behind schedule.

The kids occupied themselves with playing games in the tablet, reading, or exploring the different cars.