Swim Lessons

This past week we have been spending our time at the YMCA for swim lessons.  The kids have always been little fish, but had no awareness of solid swim strokes, experts at doggy paddle.  After four lessons, Elyse is now doing front and back strokes as well as treading water for up to a minute.  Unfortunately the boys have not progressed as well due to a lack of being challenged by their teacher.  Overall, we are so proud of them; and hopeful that next summer when we go into deep pools we will be able to leave life jackets at home.

Ham Lake Community Event

While Grandpa and Grandma were in town, we decided to stop by the annual "Ham Lake Community Event" put on by the Ham Lake Fire Department.  I didn't have any high expectations going into it, but overall was very pleased with the event.  Some highlights were the free inflatables, a fireman dunk tank, and shooting water out of the hose to knock down the pretend fires.  

Como Zoo

Last week we joined some of our best friends at Como Zoo where the kiddos saw a newborn gorilla.  They were obsessed with him and have talked about going to see him constantly.  I told them we could go when Grandpa and Grandma were in town, unfortunately the weather was too unpredictable to be outside so that was a no-go.  Therefore since we had no plans this morning, weather was beautiful and the kids were thrilled to go back, it was a easy decision when they asked to go.  

Grandpa and Grandma Visit

This past weekend we had the honor to host Grandpa and Grandma.  We were beyond thrilled when they told us they could stay all day Sunday this time.  That gave us another day of complete busyness and fun.  We spent our weekend doing lots of successful shopping, watching the kiddos play soccer, going out to eat, playing with the kids, and riding rides at MOA.  A super memorable weekend for sure.

Special thanks to Grandpa and Grandma for coming up to visit and for everything else, we are beyond grateful.  Love you both.

Night to Unite

Last night was "National Night Out", meaning neighborhoods all over get together to meet their neighbors, eat some yummy food, and get a visit from their local firemen.  For the past few years our neighborhood did not participate because they throw a huge adult only party in September.  This year however we put on one awesome Night to Unite.   Our neighborhood is full of children who ride the same bus to school so the kids were having non-stop fun.  Sadly I only captured a few pics of the kids eating and in the firetruck.  I will do better next year because the turnout was so good it sounds like it's going to become more annual.  Love our neighborhood!

Elm Creek Park Reserve

Today we finally played at a park I have wanted to take the kiddos to for about a year now.  With the clouds, low humidity and wind it was a perfect day to go.  Elm Creek Park in Maple Grove is only about a twenty minute drive but worth every mile to get there.  The playground is like nothing I have ever seen.  So many fun, challenging and creative things to do; not just the normal up the ladder, down the slide and through the tunnels we are use to.  As we were leaving Caleb asked if we could make that our everyday park, probably not I told him, but we will for sure go back.

Circus Fun

This past Saturday, a traveling circus made a stop in our county.  When we found out about the times, ticket prices and location, we knew we wanted to take the kiddos; and so glad it worked out, because they loved it!  Minus the heat and uncomfortable bench seating for two hours, the circus was completely worth it.  There was juggling, magic, elephants, dogs, horses, acrobatics, and motorcycles in a big cylinder of death.