Summer Wrap-Up

Time to wrap up our summer with a few more activities.  On the 26th we went to Hutchinson to visit our friends the Schweim's, a family we had met at KNMS 2 years ago.  It was fun to hang out and catch up with them.  Thanks guys for a fun afternoon!  

Then on the 28th, Caitlin and I went to the Twins game.  The kids who are alter servers at mass get treated to a night out thanks to the Knights of Columbus.  Even though the Twins stink, it was a beautiful night for outdoor baseball.  It was my first time at the new stadium and I had a great time, not only with Caitlin but with the other adults who went.

On Thursday, the 30th, Brian took Caitlin and Emily for their annual trip to Valleyfair.  They had a great time and rode lots of rides.  They had perfect weather and not alot of people to contend with or long wait lines for the rides.  Next year Rachel gets to go!!  She's excited!!  While they were at VF, Rachel, Natalie and I went  to Mankato, got some new fingernail polish, ate at Culver's, got some groceries and spent the evening painting our toes and watching Cake Boss.  

We also went to John Ireland's back to school get together where we enjoyed treats and a movie outside.  The kids had fun playing and reconnecting with a few classmates that they hadn't seen this summer.

We were able to get all our school shopping done, tennis shoes bought (which is a nightmare usually) spent some time with Grandma Elaine who came up to shop with us.  

The girls started band lessons and it's become quite the musical place around here.  Piano, clarinet and trumpet!

Then we decided on Sunday to take the girls to the MN Zoo.  This weekend we spent cleaning up the house, working on the house, doing some laundry and the girls spent alot of time hanging out by themselves.  So we needed a good family activity before school starts.  We hadn't been to the zoo in 3 years, not since Natalie was 4mo old.  The weather was great, the kids behaved and we some the dolphins and dinosaurs for the last time.  In the evening, we went to our friends the Gilbertsons for a potluck that all the religious ed teachers were invited to.  Heather is the Youth Minister for grades 7-12.  We had a nice time visiting with the adults (until 11:30pm) and the kids had a great time making up small skits to perform for us.