Summer 2013 part 2

Summer is winding down. Though it has been different it has been a good one. Nice times with family and friends. Though routines will be good again we will miss the freedom that summer seems to have. Some picture highlights ...

Our critters on our street:

Baking:

Baxter begging as usual. ;)

Noah's new friend. (No he didn't come home with us)

Our new ride, a Dodge Dart

Noah's Saxophone for band camp week and 6th grade Band:

3 Amigos

To be continued...

Summer! Part 1

We had such a cold wet snowy spring (snow in May??!) that summer is much appreciated this year. We kind of got some spring like weather in summer too, but we will take what we can get for warmth. School is out and Noah has been enjoying a more relaxed pace. Not our typical summer, no beach days yet even. 

Sam is moving, so the boys spent some time together at the start while they could still ride bikes between houses etc. they are still in town (staying at a friends' house) til Aug so I am sure there will be more fun days. 

Noah had his first #3 talk on 6/18. Another nice spiritual milestone. He did do well. Lots of beaming faces in the audience. 

We are gearing up for a vacation week next week, so that will be refreshing. Staying in MN but not exactly a "staycation" either. After service Saturday  we are driving to Duluth for an overnight at The Edge water park/hotel, then onto Lutsen for 4 nights to chillax in the "mountains" by Lake Superior. We stayed there a couple if years ago and loved it. I am sure there will be lots of pics to post from there. Then 2 days at ValleyFair so we can take our time and do what we want without cramming. It will go fast I am sure, but looking forward to family time. 

Some random shots of fun times so far. Stay tuned for more...

Mini golf

Cottonwood "snow" after the real snow went away

The boys waiting for a wedding to start

The Strawns

Hirdlers (with Jane "photo bombing")

Donna Kim and Florence

Happy family!

3 amigos

Michael & Elena

Kate and Angelique

Lazy pup!

Noah's first #3 talk

Brent's cousin Seth's (and new wife Kristen) wedding

Us at the wedding

Aria -lovely venue!

Summer evening sky

Nina and Pinta replica ships visiting Hudson

ICe cream at Selma's with Grammy

Waiting for Rockin' Hollywoods at Walton Park

Concert in the park

Lots of people but good family friendly crowd

Enjoying quiet after work on Friday

Hospitality at Lewis'...fun stuff for the kids too!

Bubbles!

Today it rains!

More to come!!

Branson!

Catching up...towards the end of summer we took a road trip to Branson MO for a week in a timeshare resort. We didn't totally know what to expect since we weren't super into the shows but found it very family friendly there and we loved the resort (Palaceview by Spinnaker) with its many pools and friendly staff. We also liked the old historical downtown area and Branson Landing. We all said we would totally go back someday. Noah also got a special treat when we went to visit Stoops Manufacturing for service supplies since it was fairly close. He got to buy a one-of-a-kind prototype youth service bag. A fun memory!
Nice end to our summer!

A day of fun!

Today we had a fun day planned. Noah and I had plans with Jen Malm and Sam to go out in service in the morning and then go to hang out at a friends pool in the afternoon. Kim joined us in service for our group. Jen and I had plans to go on a study and Kim opted to keep the boys with her and then Noah ended up calling a neighbor he has been studying the Bible Story book with and the 3 of them went over there for a few minutes to study. So dual studies for the morning!

Quick change after service and drive thru lunch and headed for the pool for an afternoon of fun in the sun!

I only had a few pics on my phone, will have to get the others of the group from Jen. Thanks to Dez for the hospitality of sharing their community pool.

Good day, good friends, good times!