Adventureland

When I asked Jason what he wanted for Fathers Day, he immediately replied "A trip to Adventureland". Okay...not really. We had tickets that we had to use by the end of the month, so he graciously allowed us to spend Fathers Day at the amusement park (for the record, I would have been so kind as to do so on Mothers Day). 

We spent a full 5 hours riding rides, with a quick magic show during lunch. The kids loved every minute of the day!

 Kate's favorite ride of the day...

 After going full-speed, for 5 hours, we barely made it out of the parking lot before someone was asleep.

 With as much fun as we had, I am sure this is a summer tradition in the making!

And We're Off!

Summer is officially here and we had a fantastic first full week of summer vacation. We went swimming at the pool (4 times in 3 days!), spent time at the library, had a playdate with friends, and worked on an art project for Fathers Day. 

 A rare quiet moment in the morning. 

 On Saturday Andrew really wanted to take the kayak out, so we headed to a lake nearby. The weather was threatening rain, but we managed to squeeze in a quick paddle.

 Along with some sandcastle building. 

So happy that summer is here!

Date Night with the Boys

On Friday evening I had the privilege of spending a rainy evening with my two favorite boys, while Kate was at grandma's. 

Our night started with getting caught in a downpour under an awning while we were running an errand for Daddy. It was fun to watch the rain coming down, and Andrew thought covering his ears with every roll of thunder was hilarious.  

 We then picked up Jason and heading to a burger place downtown. 

 Never a dull dinner with this one...

 After dinner I told Andrew that we needed to go on a walk to get all of his energy out. The next morning {at 6:30, I may add}, he said "Mama, I not get all my energy out" as he was being crazy once again. 

 Love him. 

Safety City

During the first week of summer, Kate took a Safety City class at her school through our city police department. She was so excited that her best friend from preschool was also in the class and they had a ton of fun. The highlight of the week was taking a school bus to visit both the fire station & the police department. 

On the last day of class they had a ceremony to show off the songs they had learned and to receive their certificate of safety.  

Preschool Interview

An interview with Kate:

*What is the best part of the school day? 
reading & rest

*Who are your friends?
Willow & Jose

*What is something you learned in science? 
There's lots of things to recycle. But just four: glass, metal, paper, and plastic.

*What is something you wrote? 
Write papers and in our journal

*What was your favorite art project?
When we made sculptures. I made a flower garden.

* What is your favorite book?
First Day of School Blues & Last Day of School Blues they have the same characters

*What food do you like to eat at lunch?
Breakfast. You get this triangle thing that's like cornbread. You can just call it cornbread.

*What is your favorite game to play at recess?
"What Day is It?"

*What is your favorite thing to do after school?
Color with Willow or play with the Spooky House

*What did you like best about your teacher?
She taught us lots of new stuff.

*What are you excited about for summer?
Going to the cabin and spending time with my family.

Grownup Getaway

Jason & I just returned from an amazing extended weekend full of kayaking, biking, exploring and good times with some old friends in Decorah, Iowa & Lansboro, Minnesota. 

We arrived in Decorah early Friday afternoon and decided to check out a new 11 mile bike trail that we could jump on a few blocks from our hotel. The loop took us through farmland...

 ...and up some steep & winding hills. I mistakingly challenged Jason up the first hill, realizing much too late that it was gigantic. Needless to say, he won, and I was left panting behind him. The view at the top was worth it, though!

 We liked the trail so much that we went back the next morning with our friends who had joined us the evening before and did it again...this time I kept my fool-mouth shut and took the hills at my own pace. 

 We then headed to the Upper-Iowa River for the maiden voyage of our new kayaks. We have been wanting them for years and are SO excited to finally have some! The weather was pretty cool and we got rained on a bit, but the scenery was excellent. 

 The take-out was quite muddy at the end...check out my mud-boots!

That evening we headed to Lansboro where stayed at a cute bed & breakfast. The next morning we got up for a bike ride along the popular trails. 

 We also took another quick kayak ride, which was peaceful and rain-free despite the clouds. An eagle flying over our heads completed the trip. 

 Our trip was the best way to begin the summer: adventure, relaxation, good food & friends. But it's even better when you get to come home to a sweet note like this, left on the counter!

Thanks to all of the grandparents for watching the kids. Vacation is even better when you know your kids are getting spoiled rotten at home!

Lately

Here's what we have been up to lately...

Out to breakfast in a rare morning with just Andrew. He always enjoys when he gets to hang out by himself with mom & dad. 

A Memorial Day wedding of one of our college friends. 

 Walking around downtown after a trip to the Science Center. 

 Flying kites in a neighborhood park while dad was out of town for work. 

 And what happens when mom is in charge of monitoring two kites...

 The start of the Dam to Dam 20k race last weekend that Jason and I both ran. 

 Enjoying some chocolate milk and water (beer not pictured) after the race. 

 Andrew would live at the park if we let him. We go at least once a day. This trip happened to be at 7:30 in the morning, the day after I ran 12.4 miles. Let's just say the walk to the park was more of a hobble. 

 And finally, what happens when there are two kids and only one adult on a roadtrip to drop the kids off with grandma & grandpa...someone thinks he needs a sucker in both hands.