The latter half of summer was glorious....a few trips, but otherwise no schedule, staying up late, sleeping in, playing, swimming, riding! Here is a collection of our highlights.
We took a trip to Minneapolis to see Auntie and Grant. It's so fun to go to the city to see them!
We started the day at the delicious Birchwood Cafe, which is practically in their backyard. Audrey patiently waited for her breakfast.
Next up was the Walker Art Center.
A family photo in front of the Spoonbridge and Cherry is a must!
This man was carving wooden spoons. He captured our attention for a very long time, and the Husband and William came home inspired to be wood carvers.
Grant and Nora walking through Cowles Conservatory.
Audrey admiring the Standing Glass Fish.
After refueling with Izzy's Ice Cream, we stopped at Choo Choo Bob's Train Store in St. Paul. This was a toy store and more...electric trains to watch, train tables for the kids to play with, and super friendly staff, very impressive!
Even the grown ups had fun at Choo Choo Bobs!
The kids loved Auntie and Grant's neighborhood park!
Brave children on this web rope climber!
Audrey Girl had no fear of heights, here she is hanging at the top of the structure.
Auntie and the kids took a dip in the wading pool.
And the men relaxed.
Auntie and Grant's neighbors have kids and a really cool yard with an awesome tree fort. The husband came home not only with dreams of becoming a wood carver, but of making the kids a tree fort (that will be a post for another day, the tree fort is *almost* done!!).
Auntie and Grant with William, Audrey, and Nora.
We decided it was time Nora get out of her crib and up into the girls' room, where she had a bed (and a big sister) waiting for her. The girls have beautiful beds the Husband built for them, but often the sleep "slumber party style" on the floor. I love that they share a room!
It was a big summer for these girls. They also learned to ride their bikes (no training wheels)!! We are so proud of them!
The girls are so happy!!
Awesome Audrey!
Electric Eleanor!
We went with Grandpa Jeff and Mummi Alice to Grandpa's annual Mining Picnic at the Minnesota Discovery Center. It was fun to learn about how the mines work, get a tour of a mine, and spend the day with Mummi and Grandpa!
Audrey didn't want to sit in the fire truck, but she was glad to pose outside of it.
We took a trolley ride through former mining communities and around the mine pits. It was a fun and informative day!!
We got to spend time with sweet Mummi Sylvia.
We were on the boat a lot. Here are William and Nora with Buzz (Mimi and Grandpa Bob's hound dog).
Nora and Mimi.
We were witness to some magical sunsets.
Nora...just hanging around!
Nora engaging Martha in deep conversation.
William and Nora out fishing one cool morning.
Little Nora. You're growing too fast, little girl!
We got to spend a hot afternoon with Cousin Ashley and Aunt Barb swimming and hanging out before Ashley left for college.
When we were home, we spent nearly every afternoon swimming.
Audrey
William (and Martha)
Nora
It was a glorious summer.
