canoeing

We headed out on a family canoeing adventure Saturday morning. We have been talking about renting a canoe and going out for quite awhile and finally got around to doing it. It was a beautiful morning and we all had a wonderful time. Both boys helped paddle some and had a blast "helping." We went out as a family and then Daddy did a short time out with each boy.

Daddy and Ethan
Daddy and Micah

Grandpa and Grandma's house

We headed to Rochester this past weekend to visit Grandpa and Grandma and enjoy some time in the swimming pool. Ethan really had a blast and was our little fish. Always the last one out of the pool and so enjoying his time. Micah on the other hand liked spending his time in the swing or sitting with Grandma. Maybe next year he won't be as scared.

A splash war with Daddy and Grandpa.

Mr. Joe Cool enjoying some relaxing time

Micah and Grandma after deciding he didn't like being in the pool.

Micah helping Grandma make potatoes for dinner

The river

We hadn't been out to the spillway for a few weeks so decided to check it out on Saturday. They have the flow open at 160 but say they will cut it back in a few weeks. It is crazy how much water and current is out there. A park we've played at in the past is totally surrounded by water. Where Dave launched from for his canoe trip is way out in the water now and where the boys and I stood and watched him go you can't even see because it is underwater. While taking these pictures we were getting sprayed with mist and watching the water rush by almost makes you dizzy.

We did at one point this year sit lower down on these rocks and throw some in the water. They now have it roped off for safety.

Raspberries

We have yummy raspberries in our backyard. The three boys have been going out every couple of days to check on them and eat the ready ones. They love them!

Summer kids zone

Our church has some summer activities that Ethan has been a part of. These are his animal cupcakes he made, well most are animals. He had a blast and did a very good job. He was even nice enough to share them with all of us.

two peas in a pod

Nothing quite as peaceful as two sleeping boys. We've put them together in the same room and they are loving it. I was not looking forward to the transition because I didn't know how they would do but they are doing very well. They usually wait for the other to wake up, or wake the other up, and come out together in the morning and at nap.

bbq with friends

We enjoyed a bbq with friends last weekend. It was HOT outside but still a fun time. Thank you Aaron and Barbie for hosting us all.

The line up of kids. Ethan is in the blue chair with a hat on.

Ethan and friend, Nathan, swinging away.
Micah and his favorite toy of the evening.

Heath's wedding weekend

We headed to Brandon last weekend to celebrate with Heath and his marriage to Janelle. Welcome to the family, Janelle! The hotel had a very cool waterpark that Ethan and Daddy enjoyed. Micah was terrified of it so he hung out with Papa. It was a warm weekend but still beautiful weather for the outdoor wedding and reception. Mommy and quite a few other girls got a nice sunburn. We are home now and done traveling for awhile. You know you have been gone alot when your 4 year old asks if we can be done being on vacation and just stay home.

Enjoying the pool with Daddy and Andy.

All dressed up for rehersal. Uncle Heath would have worn a shirt like this for his wedding if Aunt Janelle would have let him so as kind of a joke we got them for the boys to wear.

The happy couple, Mr. and Mrs. Heath Daum
Off to the reception
Siblings

ALASKA!

We have traveled to and from Alaska and now have many memories. We were able to celebrate with Dave's sister, Deborah, and her marriage to Joe. Welcome to the family Joe! We took the week after the wedding to do some sightseeing in the Alaskan wilderness with Dave's family, minus the bride and groom. The boys experienced many firsts...plane, boat, train and bus. It was a wonderful trip and we'll share a few highlights with you here. We flew from Sioux Falls to Minneapolis and then to Anchorage. The boys did great on the flights. We helped with wedding prep and wedding things for three days and then the Alaska adventures began. We spent a day on a boat trip seeing glaciers, and lots of wildlife. Took a train ride to Denali National Park and spent time hiking and seeing wildlife in the park. A bus took us back to Anchorage and while on a stop for more passengers we were able to see Mt. McKinley. It was too cloudy the day we were in the park to see it but we had a clear day the next day and got to see the summit between clouds. We have over 3200 pictures with all the cameras so getting it down to just a few for the blog was very hard. Enjoy!

6:00 am ready to fly on their first airplane from Sioux Falls.
Two cute ringbears.The happy couple, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hughes
Family picture by a glacier on our boat trip.

Watching the train pull into the station. Ethan got to say "All Aboard" when it was time.
A view from our train car toward the engine.
Sea lions.
Mom Grizzly and two cubs from the bus in Denali Nationl Park.
Mt. McKinley