Garden Dinner!

Despite the overgrowth of weeds, the garden is starting to produce. Tonight's dinner included some tasty root veggies. The kids get so excited when they can pick their dinner, something that I think is really cool. I like that they make the connection between plants growing, tending the garden, and the freshest produce you can consume.

The girls helped me pick the veggies and very excited to help prepare it.


They couldn't wait and they each had a freshly peeled carrot. Tastes great and good for you.


Mmm mmm, taters, carrots, and onions.


It doesn't get any fresher than this.


Yukon gold and red potatoes.


LJ showing of the carrot she picked.


Yeah carrots! Anna REALLY likes the fresh carrot. She gobbled it right up and then asked for more.


One of the occupational hazards of gardening is insects. Yesterday after gardening, I walked into the house and washed my hands and then noticed a stowaway on my shoulder. The biggest hornet I've even seen! So I casually walked back to the door, but he saw a window and flew to it. I caught him in the window and sprayed him with some hornet spray. 12 hours later he was still twitching, but I managed to get this picture before Emily gave me the ultimatum to destroy the insect.

Beach Fun

With the summer in full swing, we spend most of the weekend out at Prior Lake enjoying the beach and the water.

Daddy, this playset is fun and all, but I want to go to the BEACH!


"We going to the beach! We're going to the beach!" I can't stress how excited Anna was to go to the beach.


Laura practicing her jumps with her mommy.


Laura's gotten so much more comfortable with her swimming. Now that she is armed with her little lifejacket, she is sure she could swim across the lake.


She even swam out to the buoy in front of Grandma Becky's house. It is at least 50 yards past the dock. Anna was so impressed, she kicked he floaty out to join us.


That's a girl who is pretty proud of herself.


Anna loved the water too, but she got hungry and needed a snack.


Once the snack got in her tummy, she came out for more. Not before a silly pose or two.


Laura showing off a flower from her garden. Our kitchen table has had a steady steam of flowers thanks to Laura & Anna's garden.

Hot summer days

It was a hot summer day today. Temps hit 90 and it was pretty muggy, so we got out the wading pools and let them warm up in the midday sun. After nap, they got to play!

There was 1 small baby pool with a dark bottom which got pretty warm, and another bigger pool that didn't soak up as much sun. It worked out great, since they decided they had a "hot tub" and a "cool pool" to play in.

During all this, Emily and I managed to sit in the shade drinking a Mai Tai. The good life.

Anna relaxing in the hot tub.


The girls kickin it in the hot tub together.


When you get warm, run to the cool pool!


And when you get cool, it is back to the hot tub.


Time for Laura to cool off.


Dancing helps, especially when the dance includes throwing water in the air.


Anna's chillin.


Time to CANNONBALL!


Laura's turn!


SPLASH! A great way to cool off.

Happy Independence Day

Happy Birthday USA.

We celebrated by visiting Lake Chip and Mimi and Bumpa.

The loons came out to visit, they even brought out their little baby. Here the baby eats a little breakfast.


The loons swam right in front of the dock, which made it easy to get a close up.


The girls took a turn fishing, but we got skunked again.


Nothing beats a nice watermelon snack on a boat ride.


Even more watermelon.


Mimi and Bumpa took us out on a boat ride. Anna caught some zzz's.


Laura took a turn in the captain's chair. She ordered dad to walk the plank.


If a four year old big sister can drive, then a 2 year old sister can certainly drive too!


They practiced some 'log rolls' down the ditch.


Anna and Laura love their new swing set. They love it so much, they even help keep it clean.