As you can probably tell, it has been a very busy summer for us.

In June, Maddie finished Kindergarten. Here she is on her last day with her friends Tenley and Taylor.

This was actually a complete double rainbow.

We went for a hike at Crosby Farm Park, where the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers join. A great spot for a long hike right in the middle of St. Paul. Who knew??




For the Fourth of July, we went to the Chanhassen parade. Isaac got a Batman painted on his arm!

Madeline opted for fireworks.

BOOM!


After a slow start, Isaac is doing great on his tricycle.

Breaks are always fun though!

For a kid that is mortally afraid of spiders, he sure does like pretend ones.

Once again, we spent a week at Camper's Paradise on Lake Belle Taine near Nevis, MN. It's a big island in the middle of the lake that you drive on a low causeway to get there. The whole island is for camping, so it's quiet, family-friendly, and very peaceful. This year the weather wasn't so nice, mostly 60s and very low 70s with wind and rain. But the kids still had fun!

The sunsets are gorgeous from our campsite.

Maddie is a great camper!

Our campsite. Don't miss Bailey under the table - she was a great dog all week!

Maddie prepares for bed.

Isaac's in bed, but not sleeping anytime soon!

View of an eagle's nest from our campsite.

There was a parent and three babies. They were all quite big and already flying. And you could hear them vocalizing at night, which was an interesting sound.

Out for some boating.

Isaac was the navigator.

Maddie in the Middle...

Never been this close to a loon before...

A baby loon.


Isaac guides us out.

One of the eagles is having a good day. And the fish in its talons is not!

Lisa just plain rocks!

Charger!

View of our campsite from offshore.

Maddie catches a bass! There really are fish in this lake!

Isaac gets a little one, too.

The screech owl living near our campsite. His screech at night was something else!

Isaac claimed he found some dinosaur fossils.

Isaac and Lisa do a little shore fishing.
We had a great time and can;t wait to go back next year, when it will be warmer, we hope! Hope your summers are fun- and friend-filled.

Minnesota Family: What great photos and memories! With the eagles and owl, plus Isaac, did you sleep at night? Beautiful sunsets again this year. I see the double rainbow -- is it a promise of more rain for all of you up north? The kids seem taller. Miss you all, Hugs, Grandma Iowa
We enjoyed these so much. Grandma Mary watched these in her bed and sends her love to each of you. In gratitude, Maurita, Juanita & Grandma Mary
You have a beautiful family! Glad you get opportunities to explore nature! We need to get together!
Tamara
Hi there,just happened on an old entry and found the pictures. What a good camping trip. Love the pics of the owl,rainbows and sunset!! Looks like everyone had fun. How is school going this year? Barb,Tim and Kyler