August 03, 2008

Trains and Camping

It has been a really busy summer for the Rolings. Here is a not-so-brief rundown of what we've been up to the past month.


Madeline20080712004.jpg

Madeline has begun to read chapter books. Madeline was teasing Daddy this day by calling and telling me that while I was at work, she was relaxing and reading a book at home under a tree.


Madeline20080712023.jpg

Lisa and Isaac give a big smile.


Madeline20080712031.jpg

Eric's parents came up to visit, so we took a trip to the Twin Cities' Model Railroad Museum.


Madeline20080712032.jpg

Maddie and Isaac check out the trains.


Madeline20080712037.jpg


Madeline20080712040.jpg


Madeline20080712047.jpg

The detail and design were quite impressive.


Madeline20080712050.jpg

Lisa always wanted a VW Bus Camper. This is probably not what she had in mind...

Madeline20080712051.jpg


Madeline20080712056.jpg

Twin Cities residents will recognize at least the Stone Arch Bridge, the Hennepin Avenue Bridge and the Mill District.


Madeline20080712061.jpg

Issac plays with the Thomas trains with his new engineer's hat that matches his overalls.


Madeline20080712065.jpg

A family portrait.


Madeline20080712067.jpg


Madeline20080712071.jpg


In late July, we packed up the whole family (including Bailey) and spent a week camping in north Minnesota at Camper's Paradise, an island in the middle of Lake Belle Taine. It is only reachable by causeway. The whole family had a wonderful time, and are looking forward to returning next year.


Madeline20080727006.jpg

Enjoying a gorgeous sunset over a completely still lake.


Madeline20080727008.jpg

Isaac and Madeline play by the beach in the evening.


Madeline20080727012.jpg


Madeline20080727015.jpg

Isaac helps to pound stakes.


Madeline20080727020.jpg

Relaxing on the lake.


Madeline20080727021.jpg

Isaac loved the water.


Madeline20080727028.jpg


Madeline20080727030.jpg

A family of ducks would visit every morning.


Madeline20080727031.jpg

Feeding the ducks.


Madeline20080727036.jpg

Isaac helps to cook the meal.


Madeline20080727040.jpg

Hanging out in the tent.


Madeline20080727043.jpg

Sand castles!


Madeline20080727044.jpg

The ducks check out the sand castles. One even floated in the moat.


Madeline20080727048.jpg

We hiked to Inspiration Point.


Madeline20080727054.jpg

Isaac and Lisa on the trail.


Madeline20080727055.jpg

Maddie was the leader.


Madeline20080727062.jpg

Isaac and Bailey on the beach.


Madeline20080727067.jpg

Isaac and his Dad.


Madeline20080727071.jpg

Feeding the ducks one last time.

We sure had a fun month. Hope you all have been having as much fun!

Posted by Eric at August 3, 2008 09:31 PM | Comments (4)
Comments

Eric, Lisa, Madeline & Isaac! What special photos! The train museum was so much fun. It is so good to see pictures and remember what a good trip we had in MN. The camping trip sounded so fun over the phone, but the photos tell it all! What a special place: sand, water, tents, and good weather. Are the loons still on the lake? The sunset was extraordinary! Absolutely beautiful!! What was the dawn like, sipping your cup of coffee, Lisa? Thanks for the update. It's so good to see you all this way. Hugs, Grandma Iowa

Posted by: Grandma Iowa on August 3, 2008 10:19 PM

What wonderful summer photos of your whole family! It looks like you had so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa Roling with the trains. Plus, such beautiful photos of your camping trip. Thanks for sharing!
Carol and Jim

Posted by: Carol and Jim on August 4, 2008 06:42 AM

Eric, Lisa, Madeline, Isaac, and Bailey,

Thank you for sharing these "treasures". They were a wonderful break between the boxes of unpacking. The evening lake view was gorgeous, and you certainly captured the 'spirit of camping' and all of its joys.

Blessings,
Maurita

Posted by: Maurita on August 4, 2008 03:50 PM

Sounds like fun! Kyler would like the tran museum! Camping looked like fun as well.We went on our annual trip to Pat's park,we didn't camp this time,it was too hot! We swam at the beach, hiked,Kyler rode his bike around the park, and we had a fire and did smores.Tim and Kyler went skating at the skating rink. Now it's off to Wasington DC. Grandma really enjoys seeing the children,Thanks for sharing!! Barb,Tim and Kyler

Posted by: Barb Soukup on August 5, 2008 07:44 PM
Post a comment