Minneapolis

After a fun day at the lake we headed for Minneapolis. First stop, The Como Zoo.

Part of our group at the seal show!

James really enjoyed watching the seals. Poor guy takes after his Mom and gets a really red face when he gets hot.

After the zoo we headed to eat at Big Bowl to celebrate Todd, Justin and Ashley's birthdays. They all have birthdays within 1 week of each other. Akane tried to teach Todd how to use chopsticks!

We couldn't fit the whole group into the picture so we took two pictures. Pic #1

Pic #2

I love this picture of Todd and James. James really liked Big Bowl and ate a lot of chicken and noodles. After dinner we all headed to Valley Fair amusement park. James loved all the rides he got to do. The train, the cars, and the horses. All these rides kept him entertained for a very long time!!

Lake Minnewaska

We had a wonderful day on lake Minnewaska. I could live here, but only in the summer!

Grandma Rose holding Blake.

James spent most of the day in the water.

Nina, Maya, and Ana visiting from Sweden.

We all took turns going on boat rides. Thanks Steve Wandersee.

Playing cards with Justin, Susan and Grandpa Warren

The perfect end to a great day!

3 Papaws!

On our way to the lake on Friday we visited Todd's dad. Even though James hadn't seen him since November he still ran up and gave him a big hug like he sees him all the time! James enjoyed running outside and riding on the 4 wheeler. We have always referred to Todd's dad as Grandpa Brad, but James insisted on calling him Papaw too. When we were pulling out of his driveway he said, "3 Papaws". He realized that he has 3 Papaws. What a lucky little boy!

South Dakota

After spending 4 days in North Dakota we headed to South Dakota to visit Todd's family for a couple nights. They are currently hosting a Japanese foreign exchange student for a month named Akane. She is 12 and such a sweetie. She is studying English in school but is still learning so she didn't understand much. We enjoyed getting to meet her.

Blake always had a big smile when Grandma Robin came around.

James and Grandpa Steve reading books. He started calling him Papaw when we were there.

At the Stockholm park.

Walking through town.

Akane and Tatiana rode their bikes while we walked

Crossing the railroad tracks in Stockholm(population 105).

Stuck behind a train

When we were driving through North Dakota we got stuck behind a train. James gets so excited when he sees a train!

North Dakota

We recently got home from a 10 day trip to North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. We had a great time visiting family and friends. My friend Ashlee's parents graciously hosted us at their cabin near Garrison, ND. They were wonderful hosts and lots of fun to be around. They have a pontoon boat and a speed boat. James loved both boats and was always asking for "more boat" and specifically the "noisy boat"!

Here is the beautiful cabin! Ashlee's mom Penny has done such a great job decorating it!

Ashlee and I went tubing with Corinne and James. They both loved it!

Just happy to be on the boat

Todd went skiing, tubing, knee-boarding, and wake-boarding. Whew! He was busy and sore!


Blake and I on the boat. He only went out one of the days due to the heat. Our warmest day was in the 90's.

Just chilling out!

Look at that big smile! He is giving us smiles all the time now!

Ice Cream!!

This is our favorite place to get ice cream when we are in Lexington. Isn't this parlor so cute? James loves his ice cream as you can see!

Blake meets Great Grandma Helen

The Beach

James loved the beach this summer in Michigan! He had so much fun and could play for hours.

In the grass acting silly!

James discovered that he loved kayaking.

He really enjoyed going out with his daddy.

Just splashing around.

Swimming with Gigi!

Building sandcastles

Ponies

4th of July!