Our Biker

Out of nowhere, Andrew learned to ride without training wheels this weekend!

And like any good athlete, this is what he did afterwards. 

So proud of our little guy!

Clive Festival

Yesterday we spent the afternoon at the Clive Festival. There was so much to see & do!

The kids got to stand in a helicopter. Since Andrew wants to be a helicopter pilot when he grows up, he especially loved this!

 Watching it take off. 

 Next up: the slip & slide. Andrew was a bit nervous at first, so they started on the littler one, 

 which lasted one time before they were ready for the GIANT one. 

 Kate then took on the rock climbing wall. 

 Because she is so little she didn't have enough weight to lower herself down, so she wasn't allowed to go above the helper's head. I think she could have made it to the top though!

 The kids spent the rest of the afternoon doing crafts, which was really fun. The city does a great job with this day and we love it every year!

Swimming Lessons

The kids just finished a week of swimming lessons at the YMCA, and we were so proud of them!

Kate's first jump of the starting blocks in the 13 feet section of the lap pool. She was nervous...

 ...but took the leap!

She also swam LOTS of laps! Here she is doing the back stroke, which I think was her best.

 And on the last day: her first time off a diving board. Again, she was really nervous going into it, 

but marched right up and jumped off. I got a little teary-eyed seeing her doing it!

 And then she did a ton more!

 And this little fish did an awesome job too! He can swim on his own and loves the water.

 Back floating!

It was so great seeing both of their confidence grow as they improved throughout the week!

Cabin Adventures

Another successful week at the Minnesota cabin! This was the 10th year we have been there and it is always our favorite week of the summer. This year was no exception, despite the cold and rainy weather. 

Below are {lots} of photos from our week. Feel free to skip if you don't have an hour to spare! :)

Andrew driving Grandpa's boat. Alone. (let's just say mama-aka the voice of reason-was not in attendance for this joy ride)

 Because of the less than ideal weather, it was very lucky that the kids took up a new hobby that did not involve jumping in the lake: fishing. As both kids are loud and can hardly sit still for more than 30 seconds, I had my doubts about their success in this venture. However, the fish literally jumped onto their hook (sometimes even without worms), and they ended up catching more than 100 during the week!

 Andrew's "Oh Yeah!" face.

 The weather was not all bad: we did have some fun on the water!

On the tube.

 Kayaking.

 Grandpa's new toy: the paddleboard.

And the water trampoline. 

A favorite tradition: a trip into town for the candy store. 

 And a new addition to the cabin: cousin Knoxley! The kids loved having him there. They were getting over being sick the first couple of days and it killed them to stay away from him. The first thing Kate said on Tuesday was "we get to hold Knox today!"

 Fun on the boat. 

And more fishing. They went twice a day each day. 

 Campfire s'mores.

And shenanigans. 

 Always shenanigans. 

The annual 4th of July photos. {not pictured: Kate falling off the dock. We had to do round #2 after her dress dried. Good thing our photographer is patient!)

 

4th of July parade. Kate made flags that they brought to hold up and wave. 

 It was adorable. 

And finally, the yearly photo by the bear. 

Thanks to grandma & grandpa for another amazing week. 

We are already counting the days until next year!