Papa and Nana Speckman Visit

This past week we had the priviledge of having my dad and stepmother (the kids' Papa and Nana S) visit from Las Vegas.  It's been a few years since they've been able to come visit but it felt like we saw them yesterday.  Once they arrived it was non-stop playing, laughing and creating some long-lasting memories.  The weather was hot so we spent much of our time doing things indoors.  The highlight for the kids besides seeing them was when my stepbrother, Bronson joined us at Mall of America for a day of riding rides, eating, attending the Children's Museum and seeing other fun attractions.  Bronson and Elyse hit up the adult rides and hence I don't have any pictures, just know she was one daredevil full of smiles.  

Special thanks to Papa and Nana S for coming.  We loved having you here and hope to see you both again real soon.  Love and miss you already.

Doing All the Hardwork

I know he wanted to, but it just doesn't seem right that the littlest is pushing the biggest two? As you can tell by Elyse's annoyed expression, he can't move them too quickly.  

Squirt Bottles

With higher temps again we quickly went from sweating outside while playing to soaking wet and dirty thanks to grass, the rock pit, some sand and spraying one another with squirt bottles.  Love summer fun, I just wish it wasn't ending so soon!

"Nite to Unite"

Tonight was "Nite to Unite" also known as "National Night Out".  The soul purpose is for neighborhoods to have dinner together, meet one another and build healthy relationships.  We have participated every year and it's something the kids get excited about when they see the signs come up in the yards.  As in the previous years, the kids went home with smiles on their faces and sugar in their stomachs.  Although I believe Ian went home with the biggest smile; largely thanks to being naked while eating a rice-crispie treat.

Minnehaha Park

Today's weather left us no choice but to be outdoors!  We randomly decided to adventure south to Minnehaha Park in Minneapolis.  None of us had ever been to more than just the park; and I personally don't know how since I grew up in Minnesota.  It was beyond beautiful with the creek, nature, trails, park and the obvious, the waterfall.  The kids had a blast and we look forward to going many more times, especially in the winter when the water freezes.

VBS

This entire week has been a wonderful and much needed break for all of us.  Elyse, Caleb and Kallen spent their mornings from 9-12 at Vacation Bible School (VBS).  The theme this year was, "Cave Quest", with messages on courage, direction, hope, love and strength.  The entire church was transformed into dark caves and it was awesome.  Just like in the past, the kids had a fabulous time and were yelling, "VBS" every morning as they were loading up into the van.  They then had songs to sing, great stories to share and crafts to show when they got home.  Love, love, love VBS!

Morning Date

I spent my entire morning with this handsome boy.  We spent much of our time running errands; but it was a must that we stopped somewhere to have a little treat. Love him to the moon and back!