it doesn't get much better than summer in minnesota

Surprise!  An update!  We have had such a great summer.  We couldn't have asked for better weather in July.  We spent so much time on the lake.  I love Minnesota in the summer. I was looking through pictures on the computer tonight and there are so many good ones.  I hardly know where to start sharing so I'll start with Ava and her best friend Hannah.  They are just too cute -

paddleboating adventures

This week we had a couple of sunny and warm, gorgeous days so the kids and I took the paddle boat out and took it through a channel they have wanted to explore for a long time. 

It goes under the highway into another lake. 

They wanted to swim even though the water is still super cold. Well, really just the girls wanted to swim.  Thomas just posed for the picture to make his mother happy.  :)

This girl is the adventurous one in the family!

And swim, they did!

She even found a flower to pick for me.  She's keeping me in a steady supply of flower bouquets this spring.  Love it!  Did you see Elle in the background of that picture?  :)

 Eventually, we talked Thomas into getting in.

 The lake is so clear.

Heading home.  This channel leads to the little lake we live on.  It was a good day.

thomas's big catch

Thomas went fishing with his friend, Sam, on the Mississippi River this week.  They were fishing specifically for Northern Pike.  Thomas was thrilled when he got this one, as you can tell by his big smile!  He's got a new blog in the works right now and his first post is going to be all about this catch.  I will update my blog when it is online.

no training wheels required

Now she can keep up with the big kids! 

summer through the lense of my phone

We are savoring every hot, sunny summer day.  It is my favorite season.  Hope you are enjoying it too! 

summer highlights

We had to wait a long time for summer to finally get here but July's sun and heat has definately made up for the cloudy, rainy June.  We have had a blast getting out on the lake any chance we can.  Here are some pictures of our summer so far.

Watching fireworks on the lake. 

Scott ran the Firecracker 10K race again.  There's a slip and slide to go on after you cross the finish line.  The kids loved watching him go on that.

And he beat his time last year by 3 minutes!

Trac Ball in the lake is the favorite game this summer.

And she still loves to play Polly Pockets.

Sporting the sunglasses Elle found in the lake and gave to him.  A very nice early birthday present for him and one that was much appreciated after he jumped in the lake last month in the deep water with his pair on and lost them. 

She is reading through A Series of Unfortunate Events this summer. 

Scott tried wakesurfing with a friend this weekend and was hooked.  We bought a board the next day and both he and Thomas can just pop right up on it and go. 

This is me wakesurfing.  After about 20 attempts I still have yet to make it up.  :)

This is a short video of Thomas.

skatepark

Elle Marie is one brave girl!  She bought a skateboard this summer and Thomas has been teaching her how to ride it.  We went to a skate park yesterday and she learned how to 'drop in' on a ramp.  She took a few hard hits learning but was happy when she got it.  All I can say is that I am thankful for helmets and pads!

Thomas was trying to master a trick called 'Rock to Fakie'.  I have no idea what that means.  I do not get skateboarding lingo.  He met some boys there and it sounded like they were speaking a foreign language when they talked skateboarding. 

Ava just had fun sliding down the ramps like a slide.  Her shorts were black by the time we left. 

summer in pics

We have been soaking up the summer here in Minnesota.  Can it really almost be the end of July already?!  Here are just a few things that we have been up to -

Working

Playing

Working

Meeting the kids first cousin!  Sweet Baby Kate.

Boating

Napping.

Parading

Getting glittered!

Road Tripping

Working

Treating a case of swimmer's ear.  I think she shed more tears about being told she couldn't swim for 7 days than she did about the pain.

Playing.  52 Card Pick Up.  No kidding.  She thinks it's a real game after Scott 'played' it with her once. 

Hope you are all having a great summer too!