1st Ever Kvenild Family Vacation!!!

It's been a long time since the Kvenild's went on vacation - there were just six of us then! Now, we've added a few people and our numbers are up to 15 and include some Larsen's and Totushek's as well. Since Larsen's are home for six months, what better opportunity to take a trip then now. So, we loaded up four vehicles and headed for Duluth where we enjoyed 3 days of family-time and relaxing. Here's a bit of our trip, including this shot that could be a Christmas card!












I am attempting to teach my nephew, Isaak, how to skip rocks into Lake Superior. Notice the position of the fingers, perfect for skipping. He's still learning, he'll be skilled in no time.















Even Kathryn & Joey got in on the rock throwing. They seemed to enjoy it as much as the big kids.


Which big kids? See below . . .














These big kids. About 50 yards (give or take) away from shore were some large rocks that could be seen over the water. Kyle, Andy & I were attempting to throw small rocks over these rocks while sitting. Kyle was successful!








Later at the Hotel, we caught Dad sneaking some of my Strongbow cider - looks like he had a few too many (not really, but it's funny to think so).











Mini-golfing at Barker's Island in Superior, Wisconsin is a family tradition. Here we see that, as usual, Tom is waiting for Kim.
















Here we see Kathryn starting her training for Olympic Hurtles at a very young age.

















Kris is training Ike to be the next Tiger Woods. Just look at that swing!!!

















My Mom & Dad were in their glory as they had all 5 of their grand kids together. This is the first ever picture they've had with all the grand kids (and they're all cooperating which is amazing!).















Saturday morning in Duluth was windy and in the 60's. The men got kid duty as the ladies went for coffee. We strolled out to the light house in Canal Park. I opened the covers on Quin's stroller to get a pic of him on his first walk on the pier. He's so bundled up and I think this pic is very cute.





What you don't see is that Ike & Elle are watching the lift bridge go up and a boat go under it. Also very cute pic.








Joey was also enjoying the blustery day.


















Ike & Elle get a tour around the lighthouse as only Uncle Kyle can give.

Quin's Baptism

Sorry I'm really late in posting these. We had Quin baptized on August 17th. It was a great day filled with joy and laughs. The ceremony itself was filled with both as we watched Quin be baptized by a great friend of my family's, Rev. Dr. Gaylan Mathiesen. It was a joy to have somebody so close to our family bring Quin to the Lord in baptism - it was also hard trying not to laugh has the Rev baptized him "Quintin Irving Kittelson" which is my mom's maiden name and Irving Kittelson was my grandfather. Oh well, it didn't dampen the mood a bit - it was actually very funny. Anyway, here's a few shots from the day.

Our little family

With Uncle Jason

With Quin's Godparents, Kyle & Ellen

With Grandma & Grandpa K

Both sets of Quin's Grandparents


Kyle is doing his best Brando impression since he's Godfather - haha!

Controlled chaos as the Kvenild Clan takes a pic!

Even more controlled Chaos

Iverson Clan is a lot less chaos with pics - haha!

Surgeon's Advice

Well, we met with the surgeon this past Monday about Quin's herniated belly-button. First let me say that when the doc stuck his finger into Quin's BB past his fingernail, it was hilarious to see Michelle's reaction (ewww-ewww-ewww!!!). Beyond that part, it was a relief to meet with somebody who sees this type of thing all the time and could give us clear answers to our questions. Is it normal? Yes - Quin's is actually a normal, average size - nothing out of the ordinary. Does it hurt him? The only thing that may irritate him is the skin stretching, but otherwise it does not hurt him. Does it need surgery? The only reason to have surgery right now is if your tired of looking at it. Is the hole getting bigger or is it just the skin? The hole is not getting bigger, it's getting smaller - the skin is the only thing growing or stretching. Is it going to explode? His belly-button will not rupture with blood-n-guts or aliens popping out. No kidding, that was his exact words - I liked this guy. Anyway, we don't have to worry about it. If we want to have it fixed they'll do it anytime - in 3 weeks, 3 months or 3 years. They did say that if it's not better in a year to bring Quin in and have it fixed sooner than later. So, for now we'll keep an eye on it and see what happens. We keep praying it will fix itself, but we'll know we're supposed to fix it if that's where God leads it. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and concerns.

Our Smiley Little-guy (he's getting big!)

Escape from Cribcatraz!

Quin didn't like how he was laying in his crib at Grandma & Grandpa I's house - so he adjusted. We're bad parents.

Michelle's Birthday!

Well, we did a little day-early celebrating of Michelle's birthday. We met our good friends Tim & Jenny at the Centennial Lakes Putting Course. It's not mini-golf; it's a putting course with manicured greens, sand traps and water hazards. It's incredibly challenging too (sorry, no loop-de-loops or windmills). Anyway, that's what Michelle wanted to do, so that's what we did! Here are some highlights!

Michelle & Jenny holding their balls (insert childish snicker here!)


The Professionals (yeah right!)


Jenny in search of her lost golf-ball (insert hysterical laughter here!)

Update on The Belly

Just wanted to give everybody a quick update on Quin's herniated belly-button. On August 18th, we're taking him in for a consultation with a surgeon as it appears that his belly is getting worse. It's still not causing him any problems other than it's huge and making his parents nervous. His doctor said that if he's eating, pooping and if his belly is not turning red then Quin is fine - and he's eating, pooping and not turning red so we're sure he's OK. It just needs to be looked at a little closer. Please keep us all, but especially Quin, in your prayers as we try to figure out the best course of action to take with this situation. Also for Quin's doctor/s so that they can give us the best advice possible. Thanks!