Listening to music in the park

Pike Island (Pancake Island)

Just into our walk, water was covering the trail and there was a sign that said that the trail was closed. We just walked right through the water (waded, really) and ignored the sign. But we only got about 25 minutes in before we couldn’t go any farther. But, it turned out to be a nice hour and 20 minute walk including trying different paths and making mud pies (which the kids call pancakes).

This is where the trail sign was that told us to keep out.

Large tree

Throwing rocks into the Mississippi River

A little break. I was running around trying to keep the mosquitoes off me.

Helena in a tree. This is the same tree two years ago.Â I wished that I had taken the photo farther back so you could see the difference in the water level. The tree is currently right on the bank – not so two years ago.

Making pancakes under the Mendota Bridge

Someone was a little tired.

I’m not sure what was going on here, but it looks as if Ada is ready to hit me.

Ada at Liam’s Tournament in Blaine

Ada wasn’t too interested. But she’s never been a big fan of the sun.

Solstice Storm

Last night I was at Canterbury Downs and we watched the storms run through – more than once. Somehow they kept the races going after many, many delays.

Because it was dark when I got home, the damage wasn’t seen until morning. The Bubble Up sign that I liked so much across the street was gone.

As well as some very large trees.

Unfortunately, my car was in the shop. And since we didn’t have power for a few days and it was locked in a garage with electric doors, it was awhile before I got it back.

First Dip in the Pool at Bryant Square Park

with Megan and Abby who stayed overnight. Neither Abby nor Ada had their bathing suits since it was unplanned (for Abby) and I was doing the laundry (for Ada).

Here they all are dancing.

Looking at themselves on the blog.

With Ada’s bestie, Abby.

Best lunch ever!

Helena thought that we were going to Szechwan Spice when I told her that we’re going two blocks to eat lunch. Boy was she ever excited when she found out that lunch is at Painter Park!

“I’m Princess Leia”

Valleyfair

Liam and dad on The Wave

This is the last photo that I took (and the second overall) before I was told to put the camera away while on rides.

Still soaked on the Ferris Wheel. You can see the wet spots from the camera, unfortunately.

Still Ada’s favourite ride.

Ada’s first trip on a roller coaster.

Liam chatting with some girl. Well, she was chatting.

Helena held on to the camera while Liam and dad went on the Renegade roller coaster – Liam’s favourite ride today.

Ada and Helena on the merry-go-round while Liam finished his lunch.

Now Helena and Liam on The Wave. Ada refused.

Ada didn’t want to go on Thunder Canyon, but she finally relented, and ended up on it three times. Still, she was worried about the waterfalls.

The Scrambler. One of our favorites.

Still smiling after eight hours.

Father’s Day Bocce

Here’s one with Ada’s scratch from Neko.

Concentration

Not even close!

Neighborhood Walk

Helena wanted to go to ZRS Fossils, so we took a walk down there for a half hour or so. Then we went to the Ducati shop, Penn Cycle, Rusty Quarters, andÂ Moto-i to check out the roof.

Downtown Trip

Not much new here: bus ride, Candyland, fountains (turned off both in the Crystal Court and the “peeing bird”), escalators, the Wells Fargo Museum.

Clever Helena

I was moving my desk around and it happened to land on top of one of the tennis balls Rob used to quiet his furniture down. Helena felt bad for it but decided to make the scene all the more gruesome.