Happy 7th

Seven years ago today, Linds said "yes"... and it's been quite the ride ever since!

Here's to many more, LMB! 

E, S & O

The girls enjoyed a little bonding time in pool with their Arizonan "cousin" Owen during his (and his mom, Danelle's) quick Twin Cities pit stop last week.  

Valleyfair

Evie & Sawyer, and their "cousins" (technically first, once-removed, I believe?), Maddie & Tanner, tore up Valleyfair for eight solid hours on Saturday evening... sprinting from ride-to-ride, only occasionally looking back to see if us adults were nearby.

All four kids (amusement park first-timers, I might add) pushed the limits of speed, jerkiness, and g-forces, and even got a few to-remain-nameless adults to "tap out" with quesy stomachs and dizzy heads.  [Hint: Note exhibits 9716 & 9714]

(Not so) secret admirers

Lots of mutual admiration between E, S and cousin L.  

5th of July

 And, like last year, we spent the back half of the holiday weekend in New Ulm with G'Pa Tom & company.

New wrinkles to the NU "5th of July" routine included a trip to Flandrau State Park's beach... and, spending some time with a new friend at the Shell's Brewery (who was happy to puff his chest and pop his feathers for the girls).

Family Fun Run

The weekend wasn't all relaxing, however.  Uncle Joe, training for the Chicago Marathon, made the family take shifts running with him during his long run Friday morning.  Even E and S joined in the fun during the "cool down" lap.

Well, fun until crazy Carter (the "snuffleupagus" dog in pic #2) nearly killed poor little Sawyer!

Captain E

Like last year, our crew headed south to catch the fireworks and spend a few days on Fairmont's "chain of lakes" at Nana's house.  

Pretty much a carbon copy of our 2012 weekend, actually (tubing, fireworks, Channel burgers, Dairy Freeze, et cetera), except instead of Nana or Greg driving the boat, there was a new captain in town!