Grandparents' Camp

Last week, my amazing, brave in-laws had five of the cousins over to their house for a few days, no parents allowed. Millie got to create wonderful memories with her family, like fishing, swimming, museums, and lots of quality Barbie time with cousin Kate. It was hard to send her off, but I am so glad we did. She is already talking about the next "Grandparents' Camp."

A little goofy the first night.

Lunch on the deck. 

Creating their family flag, which then got placed, with much pomp and circumstance, on the island across the river from the house. 

Five little artists at work. Millie included the Israeli flag on her part, with help from her dad. 

Arriving at the island, snacks in hand. 

Ta da!

Watching bootleg DVDs that Grandpa brought back from China. 

At the Waverly pool. Four, ok, three out of five kids looking in the general direction on the camera isn't bad. 

Learning all about liquid nitrogen at the Imaginarium Museum in Waterloo.

Brave girl. 

You can do it Kate, go after the pink one. 

Inflating a hot air ballloon. 

Pretending to be a meteorologist. It's good to have a dream. What other job do you know that pays you to be wrong 80% of the time? 

Punch drunk tired, but happy. 

New friends

On the 4th of July, we were invited to a BBQ, where Millie met her new BFF Ben. Ben is six days younger than Millie, so she taught him the ropes on stickers, and he taught her a thing or two about berry picking. Here they are in all their cuteness.

Ever feel like you're being watched? 

Shhh, don't look now, but I think there is someone in the bushes. 

Ahh, it's just Colleen. Anyway, as I was saying about these stickers... 

Yeah, I'm pretty sure these are safe to eat. 

Tony takes yard games very seriously. 

Happy belated 4th of July

As we've done for the last couple of years, this 4th was celebrated at the St. Anthony Park "parade", which includes Dentist Paul, the boyscouts, two pre-schools, and approximately 30 citizens of the retirement home, all dressed up in their Sunday best and rolled down Como avenue in their wheelchairs with wool blankets on their laps.

After the parade ends, the crowd joins in and we all walk down to Langford Park for a picnic. It's all very Norman Rockwell, or Stepford Wives, depending on your mood.

Bad news and good news

The bad news is that our precious summer is half over. The good news is we've been having a blast enjoying the sun, our neighborhood, the company of good friends, and as always, a few desserts.

A little snack at the "Secret" pool in Roseville with G-Joe and Zach.  

Entertaining the crowd at one of our bon fires. Check out Lucy's hipster cool 'tude. 

Kids and firey things. Love it. 

Mmmmm, s'mores!

A s'more this good requires a second photo. 

Going to Book and Cook camp with Zach.  

She's gotten over her fear of heights.