Well, moving right along! August is a few things – Echo’s birthday (HERE), full on summer, this year a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Mike (HERE). Sunshine and walks to the YMCA with a little school mixed in. August is always a balance of sunshine and activity.

We had full on track and field fun for Zander. I was lucky enough to make it to one of his meets. He may not be fast but he really has some stamina. And he LOVED it.

We spent as much time, if not more, at the YMCA. I am amazed at our ability to do that 2 mile one way walk, 3 hours at the YMCA and then walk back. There is some grumbling and arguments, but we did it and for the most part we ENJOYED it.

We visited the beach.

Hung out at parks.

We tried out the new YMCA facilities at Forest Lake, which included a lazy river!

Went to ANOTHER YMCA in Shoreview with our YMCA buddies who live down the road from us to try out the outdoor pool complete with diving board.

Zander

Gavin

We continued our swimming lessons AND our time at our local YMCA pool, of course.

We had the Schwartz family over to celebrate Echo’s birthday.

Spent time in the pool in our own yard.

I snuck in crafting time as much as I could.

And Echo played in the rain.

We learned about the Summer Olympics.

And FINALLY moved our large and gorgeous Narnia cabinet into the classroom.

Cousin Robbie came for a visit on his new bike.

We gamed with Aunty Shandai and Uncle Ravyn.

And I tried my hand at some baking.

Even our garden… well the cucumbers… are flourishing.

Some schooling AND school planning even occurred. Sometimes in fancy dress!

We made this summer COUNT and I am so proud of us for it! So enjoy our August while I ready September. The year is coming to a close and I am ACTUALLY catching up!!

Post workout

July 13-14

First Saturday back with Nana and Baba… time to play on the playset. Especially since Nana was feeling under the weather.

Hot and humid.

Sunday started off quite nicely with a trip to Forest Lake (where I visited with Shandai and friends before my birthday). It was lovely out, the water was not too cold and kids over the moon. Since Nana was still feeling off it was just our family and Baba. Two cars and a handful of VERY excited kids!

The day was lovely sunny and the water not too wild for Miss Echo.

We also brought BUBBLES to go with our beach time.

There was also a park in the location. So it was rather nice to be able to take a little break from water and hang out with some new instant friends.

The water was absolutely perfect and the kids had a blast… what more could I ask for?

And then… Ken left for his soccer game and came home limping. He popped his kneecap off and back on… OUCH! No soccer for at least a week and definitely a slow week coming up!