Whatever that means… Echo turned 7 in August. And summer continued to happen.
The twins did the Splash and Dash at the YMCA. This was the last year they could register and the first I had heard of it. It was just a fun thing and they did enjoy it. I think this year Ken will do a fun run with them. The other three with the rest of the clubY kids who were there were around to cheer them on.
We spent a lot of time at the YMCA in August. Lots of walking in the sunshine to do what we could do there. Zander chose to do schoolwork over club as he really does get bored. They are so quickly aging out of the program really.
It was quite the trick to get this daycare art with its paint home!
Don’t forget karate!
We did try to see the total (well mostly here) solar eclipse. We went so far as to make viewing boxes… but weather conspired against us. So we went from an eclipse viewing to playing in the warm rain! Not a bad trade off!
With our viewing boxes early in the morning when we could see some clear sky.
So much for that!
How we had to watch it
Our revised rain party
Of course we worked on getting used to our newest member of the family. She is so fun to photograph (if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you would be well aware of this already!).
Emanuel took a week off the family and went to a camp with his friend Aidan. It was so odd to only have 4 kids!
We made as many beach trips as we could on our sunny free days. Sometimes including friends like the Schwartz boys and their mom Renee.
We went to a neighborhood community event hosted by friends we made at the YMCA who were also instrumental in getting me off my butt and into the R.I.P.P.E.D. classes!
Bike parade
Had school in our classroom AND in the sunroom.
We did our part and sent some of our useful items to the YMCA collection for the YMCA in Houston after the hurricanes. It was so amazing to be part of a very successful drive where the two YMCAs worked together to fulfill a requested need.
Miss Echo lost her first teeth!
And I sewed up a storm.
A purse!
We visited the Pixar exhibit at the science museum with out homeschool buds.
Echo and Nate
Ken and I visited the local soda shop.
And visited with Cousin Robbie. As well as baby Karissia when we were over at the Novaks. You will remember pictures of her baby shower HERE (her mom is Sophia).
Snoopy!
We had lovely fancy ice cream out at a place near the Novak’s as well.
Snuck in some Canadian pride time at Canada Days in Little Canada. Though it was less exciting than we expected.
It was a great month in retrospect. I love that these moments flash back into my mind as I look at the pictures. I hope you enjoy them too! 
Squirrel
We made sure to show them a little bit of the state – our favourite beach of course.
Karyn and I ducked out for our usual extensive Mall of America shopping – sadly one of my favourite stores is gone now BUT we did manage to find some hidden gems, spend a little cash and walk ourselves into the ground. SO – good day!
Karyn drove us to the YMCA a few times and spoiled us horribly. So workouts and playing did not falter. Seriously, this has to be the healthiest summer EVER for this family – 2 miles either way, lots to do while there. ALL GOOD!
Trinity snuck off with her god mommy and Lauralee for ice cream and Mommy snuck off with Karyn and Lauralee for frozen yogurt. So there was even some sneaking around! 
