Summer snapshots

Here are some pictures from our summer thus far.  I think about blogging often because I enjoy it, but when time is available, it does not make the cut.

This summer our parenting has shifted focus from caretaking and providing the basic needs to actual parenting: breaking up fights, teaching life lessons and manners, explaining endlessly how anything and everything works.  We are professional negotiators and liars.  Thankfully the kids haven't picked up on our trickery.  Yet.

Snuggled around the iPad watching something on Netflix.

Playing their version of bags at Grandma Linda's.

Allison and Sydnee posing at Grandma and Papa's.

Kayaking on Pike Lake.

Girls' boat ride.

Our neighbors gave us their swing set this summer.  We replaced the swings and the boys taught the girls to swing this summer.

Baseball this year.  We were the Hermantown Twins again this year.

The Goodwill bag.  Where neglected toys go.

Sleeping beauties.  The girls still napped this summer.  They often curled up on the couch together and conked out.

This summer, Mikey and Jamie were in town from Alaska with their twin girls

The girls took swim lessons this summer.  They were so excited to have their own teacher.

The Children's Museum of Duluth was one of our stops this summer.

Grandma Linda and Papa had several bears this summer pass through their yard. 
We had to wake the kids to see this cub.

On our way to the park, we had to stop for this sign.

We traveled near Hill City this summer to see the Andersons
and the Codys on a beautiful summer day.

I was the only one truly excited for strawberry picking.

Best buds.

Rock climbers.

The Great Lakes Aquarium.

Helmets on the dock.  Why not?

Our first hiking trip this summer.  The trail was dense with foliage and mosquitos.  Despite being heavily armed, we were no match for Minnesota's state nuisance.

The Last Days of Summer

Every Minnesotan knows to take advantage of every warm and sunny day as they are longed for throughout the cold days of winter, especially those of us who live in the Northland.  We left the house in disarray on these days and pressed our cheeks to the sun.

The start of our hike on the Superior Hiking Trail.

Moose making hiking sticks for everyone.

Brunch on the rocks.  Donuts on a Sunday morning.

This path was less traveled for a reason.  The base was loose rock. 
One else seemed to mind except me.  Weird.

Lunch on the rocks. 
We are going through a mass weapons phase.  We are constantly armed.

Moose was field testing for senior pictures.

Moose ascended the hillside.  He did great until he looked down.

On a rare 70 plus day, we headed to my favorite place in Duluth, Park Point Beach.  Swords were the weapon of choice for this outing.

Making our way to the sand.

Checking out the ships.  We spotted five large barges that day.

Another rare sighting, a Moose reading.

Yep, still in love.

They actually played well together for a long time.

Sisters united!

Digging their trench for the castle.

I love this girl.