A Wilderness Experience

We decided to use our camper before the summer's gone. John found a really nice campground about 10 miles from our house, so we loaded up and headed out. (In case you were wondering, no, they don't make campers like this anymore! It's a 1965 Trailblazer.)

Joel and Clayton are always raring to go in the mornings. They were up and at 'em at 6:30 once again, even in the campground.

The kids wanted to have a fire, but we couldn't buy wood the night we got to the campground. In the morning we did get a bundle, but it would burn for awhile, puff a bunch of white smoke, and die. Oh, phooey. 

Clayton wants to push Joel on the swing but Joel isn't happy about it. "Fine then," he thinks. "I'll lick you." 

I just had to take a picture of Rebecca's shoes. We'd gone on a walk around the campground and as we went along, she found these treasures. We stopped to play on a jungle gym and she kept her things safe here on her shoes. 

The three up in Rebecca's bunk. 

A Date with Judy

Judy, my dear Mother(-in-law, although I think I could drop the last two words). We had an afternoon out, a few days before her cancer surgery. She's a very strong woman with a beautiful spirit. She's just beginning recovery now, but it's a long, hard road.

Nichole and Sabrina, enjoying their lattes and lemonades. 

My mom. I wonder, at the time this picture was taken, if she knew the trouble she would get us in out on Manitou Island?? Just look at her mischievious grin! (It's a private island that she used to nanny on...however, according to the security officer who stopped us, even former nannies aren't allowed on that very private island, and he could give us a $400 ticket for trespassing!! A word to the wise...when signs say "Residents and Visitors Only" and "Private Island, Absolutely No Trespassing" it's best to obey the signs!) 

Only Judy would notice this window full of bear butts! She's so silly! 

Mom models her new shoes. Whit-whew!! 

We ate at Olive Garden. Judy took this picture of Sabrina (my beautiful sister), me, and Pam (my beautiful mom). 

Never Fear, You're Safe With Clayton

Clayton in our old old boat.

Little Log Cabin Antique Tractor Show

We went to the Little Log Cabin Antique Tractor Show in Hastings, MN this month. It was one of the hottest days we've had, but we carried a huge water jug with us, we all wore hats, and applied sunscreen twice while we were there. All in all we did pretty well...no one suffered heat stroke.

Me and the kids by an old car 

Lee Chevrolet...I had to take a picture since my brother's name is Lee 

Joel...it's a hot, hot day. 

Kiddie Tractor Pull

Waiting his turn...

Joel's getting ready to ride...he went seven feet and couldn't go anymore. 

She almost can't pedal any further... 

Rebecca won the kiddie pedal tractor pull...she went 65 feet! 

A Day at Como Park

Como conservatory

Joel and Clayton wake up very early each morning and then like the little monkeys they are, get into everything. This particular morning, it was lotion. They rubbed it in each other's hair. 

After Mom and Dad dropped Jared and Brianna off at the airport, we went to Como Park. We saw all the animals and then ended the day with a tour through the conservatory. 

Grandpa Al and the kids looking at the fish in the pool. I was a bit nervous the someone would fall in face first, but either they got lucky or I underestimate my children.