Farmers Park Morning

We did not spend as many days at Farmer's Park this year as I would have liked, but most of the days that we DID spend there were really good. We spent time splashing, catching sculpins, bugs and frogs in the creek, walking on the rocks and through the water, and climbing everything. That applied to Peter, Emelia and Elena. All of them have turned into climbers- Emi being a little more hesitant than the others. Pete has gotten into the show Ninja Warrior and watches the competitors for ideas on how to get himself around and has gotten pretty good at monkey bars, sliding long distances etc..

Winona County Fair

When Peter and Emi came back from their school trip and I asked Emelia what her favorite part was, she answered "The MONKEY!" I looked at Peter and he said that yeah that was his favorite part too. The random animal petting zoo was back again complete with said monkeys, camels, fainting goats etc... When they went with their classes, they got to ride on a bus to get there, go on a ride of their choice (Emi "said" that she got to do two), and see many of the animals and have a snack!

We went back that evening as a family and pretty much did the same thing over again. But added in a long visit to the row of tractors AND saw the llamas attempting the obstacle course. Llamas can be pretty stubborn animals so when a few of the young girls we trying to jerk their llamas over the steps or under the hoops Peter would start giggling and I had to bite my cheeks so I didn't laugh as well! You could see the kids glaring at their animals and thinking "You did this yesterday!! Come ON"

 After we went to the fair, we went to our friend Susan's house to play on her trampoline and tree fort, have dessert and hang out. That night when we went to bed, I asked Emi what her favorite part of the day was... her answer: "Petting Susan's cat Nali". Sometimes I just don't know what to say!

Nuggets from summertime

Just a few fun photos from my phone from the month of July. We spent a lot of time with friends and biking because of the mild weather that we had.

 A friend gave us a HUGE blowup water slide. We couldn't believe how large and fun it was- trust me we have all taken many trips down the slide- and we have hauled it out for many events.

 

 The kids have also realized that an easy way to get an extra ten minutes is to ask whatever guest is over to read a few bedtime stories. A few of our regular guests have now started to ASK the kids to get them bedtime stories which they are all too willing to do!

 Peter also got a fishing pole this summer, we have taken it a few times to the lake to fish with grandpa, but occassionally I find him fishing off of the deck, with Emi and one time hoping to catch a chicken with it!