As the world turns.....

1. Seriously, is it really the end of July? Come on summer, hang in there!
2. Swimming lessons have been completed for Emma and Logan. They both did great and are now on to the next level.
3. Emma is on her last tball game of the season. She sure looks cute in her oversized tshirt and blonde hair sticking out from under her hat. 
4. Tyler is done with his Monticello baseball team and has 3 more games left with his Rush City team.  He also did his yearly trip to St. Johns baskeball camp and won a defensive player award as well as having a good time being on his own in the college setting.  Acceleration is coming to an end next week, he's been working hard and lifting more and more weight each week.  
5. Logan is officially signed up for 2 days of preschool for next fall!  I think I'm more excited than he is.... When I told him he gets to go to school his reply was, "Yeah, I already know my ABC's"
6.  I received a 5/5 on my performance review and I'm lucky enough to receive a raise and more vacation hours.
7. Kirby had a successful fishing trip to Canada and is gearing up for the football season to start soon...ugh.
8. Next weekend is the Kirby family reunion! We are excited to travel some new roads and see family we haven't seen in awhile. 
9. Gunner isn't a big fan of summer...there are thunderstorms, lightning and it's hot. He's ready for winter.
10. We are truly blessed to be able to do all the activities we do throughout the summer and we are thankful for the time together as a family just hanging out and being together. 

The Older Man.

Once upon a time there was a boy from the Northern Country that fell in love with a City Gal.

They got married, had children, got a dog and started a life together.

Then one day, the City Gal woke up to realize that her Country Boy was getting old, for today was his 35th birthday.   But despite the gradual loss of hearing, forgetfulness and grumpiness, the City Gal continued to love her Country Boy and gave him a wonderful birthday.

It started out with a treasure hunt for presents!

First stop was the dinning room table for a hand picked lure by Emma.

Second stop was the bathroom for some new, hip, young shorts.

Then it was up to the boys room for a new fishing line holder box.

Off to Emma's room for some new bobbers!

On the way down, a stop to enjoy the art created by his daughter the artist-Emma

Then off to the kitchen for a new Led Zeppelin t-shirt! Now he has something to match the tattoo!

Then it was time for a little deliberation....

It was agreed that the map was to lead them outside to the back shed to find a.........

New bike for Daddy!

How cool and hip does he look now?!?!?!

Then off to Applebee's for a little dinner and singing.

Back home for some birthday cake!

Yes, your eyes are not tricking you...the cake says 35!

Coolest cake ever made I might add....Rainbow made with love by Mommy and the kids.

Logan enjoying a piece

Emma wearing her piece...

Happy Birthday Kirby!

We love you!

Does it get any better?

Don't tell my husband but....I really love Warroad in the summertime.  Not enough to move there year round, but enough to spend time there when we are old and retired.

There are many things that I love about spending time there in the summertime. I tend to lose track of what time it is. My kids spend all day outside playing and fishing and swimming.  We have multiple babysitters. The kids get to spend quality time with Kirby's family. I get to work on my tan, Kirby gets to work on his fishing. I could go on and on but let's get to some pictures...

Here we are hanging out down at the point. Emma and Logan got candy necklaces at the hardware store. Don't they just look all surfer like?

This year we invited Tyler's friend Ryan.  The boys had many bets on fishing and spent most of their time sitting on the wall. Don't they look tough for 13?

One of the highlights of Warroad 4th of July..is the paper plate drop. Fuzzy the pilot flies over the point park and drops paper plates with prized on them.  It's crazy!  Tyler, Ryan, Kirby and Emma got involved while Logan and I just watched the madness.  Here is a starting picture....

There is Fuzzy flying the plane and Emma getting ready to run!

Success! Kirby said Emma was a cross country runner and he had a hard time keeping up with her.  The boys had their own stories to tell about how they got their plates.

Here we are checking the minnow cage down on Grandma Judy's dock....Don't ask me why I have a red balloon in my hand.

The boys fishing off the wall........

And me fishing off the wall....The wall is on the Warroad River which leads into Lake of the Woods. Grandpa Tom's house is right on the river so we can pretty much fish 24 hours a day if we wanted too.

 Along with a paper plate toss...they also have kid races. Each age group lines up at one end and runs as fast as they can with peers of their same age. First prize gets $1, Second get $.75 and Third gets $.50. Everyone who finishes, gets a quarter. 

Here is Logan running!  (red shirt on left)

Emma roo taking off........she got first for 5 year old girls! (she gets her speed from her mother)

After the races it was time to play a few games...here are the kids playing penny pitch.

Then it was time for the parade!  Which means time to collect some candy!

Here's my Krew waiting....

Emma and Logan waiting for the candy....

Along with good fishing from the wall...the kids can also jump and swim off the wall. Logan was the first child to be daring and jump...Yes, the 3 year old jumped off a 6 foot wall into 6 feet of water and yes I couldn't watch.  Then Emma gathered up the courage and finally Tyler and Ryan.

This is  the view I saw the most of Tyler and Ryan...sitting on the wall...waiting for a bite.  They lucked out the last day and caught upwards of 25+ perch and rock bass.

Kirby and I got out on the lake one afternoon....This was my MONSTER fish....

Again, more fish...the boys each caught a perch at the same time and Logan had to show off his muscles.

It was another relaxing vacation had by all.  As an extra bonus, Papa Tom and Grandma Rose agreed to keep Logan and Emma for a few more days.  So, they have been up in Warroad getting spoiled and having a good time still while the rest of us came home, back to work. 

Thank you Grandma Judy and Papa Joe for another great stay at your bed and breakfast. We are so thankful for you letting us invade your quiet space for a few days.  We love ya!

Papa Tom and Grandma Rose, thanks for the meals, letting us use your fishing space and for taking such good care of Emma and Logan. We love ya!

Happy 4th of July!