Happy 4th of July!

What a terrific day. We knew it would be hitting 100 degrees, so we planned a trip where we could spend it in the water. We drove to Willow River State Park in Wisconsin. We planned to park near Willow River Falls, but that parking lot was full so we needed to do over two miles of hiking for the round trip. It was worth it! Jia was a fantastic hiker. She normally wilts in the heat, but she was a trooper and we were so proud of her. Willa rode on Joe's shoulders most of the way, so that worked out as well.

It was so beautiful there!

We climbed up into the falls to enjoy the refreshing water. There were warm spots and icy cold spots. Jia found a warm one.

Willa showed us her surfer moves.

We even went under the falls!

View downstream.

We ended the day at my parents' condo, where we had first-rate seats at their 11th story picture windows to view their city's fireworks in the next block. Here, the girls are decked-out and ready to go to the party.

Happy Independence Day!

Duluth, part 2

We spent our time walking along the shore looking for agates.

Playing in a fountain:

Looking at old cars:

And eating at restaurants. This place gave the girls dough balls to play with while we waited for our food. What a great idea! They loved them!

They did, however, necessitate a bath afterward. (Notice that Willa is wearing hers as a bracelet.)

  

We have been doing theme weeks this summer and the theme for this week was, appropriately, ships.

 

We saw three huge ones, including the biggest one on the lakes, a 1,013 footer. 

 

We had a fun time pedaling along on our surrey bike:

And had a boys against girls race. There was much cheering and excitement (and some cheating by the boys)!

We swam in the pool, and relaxed and did an agate puzzle:

But everyone's favorite was walking along the lake.

 

Thanks, family, for a great trip!

Duluth, part 1

Last weekend, we traveled to Duluth on Lake Superior for a family trip to celebrate my parents' 45th wedding anniversary. The city had just suffered horrible flooding. We weren't sure we'd be able to make it up there, but the main route reopened just a couple of days before we left. Duluth also announced it wanted tourist dollars, so we went, and had a great time!

We watched many ships pass under the lift bridge. The water was high and brown!

We had a special anniversary dinner:

 We played many silly games of "telephone" at dinner.

 

 

We played on the rocks by the shore:

Mermaid Willa:

 

View from our balcony overlooking the lake:

More pics to come!

Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day started with chocolate banana pancakes in bed.

 

Joe liked his presents: a corgi shirt (as he is also a corgi dad), to add to his goofy shirt collection;

 

And a custom phone wrap with our family picture on it.

 

We hosted Father's Day at our house. The girls were excited to wish Grandpa a "Happy Father's Day" as well!  Thankfully, the weather really cooperated! We had a great time outside all morning. The kids learned how to play croquet. (And there were no injuries!)

We ate a yummy meal on the deck.

The moment we finished, it started to pour! It rained all afternoon. Then, it cleared up and Joe spent the rest of the day gardening with the girls.

 

I asked the girls to tell me their favorite thing about their baba.

Willa: He's caring!

Jia: He's nice. Actually, he's awesome. Actually, actually, he's cool, nice and awesome!

So true! We love you, Baba!