Independence Day 2017

This year we spent time celebrating the fourth of July with two parades, two fireworks events and a fun carnival!

The first parade was the Appleseed Montessori parade. The kids bring in white shirts and decorate them in red, white and blue with the help of the teachers. They then make some sort of crown and streamers or something to wave. I love this tradition and both girls had a great time this year!

Bloomington does their fireworks display on the evening of July 3. We weren't sure about going this year but one of Emily's preschool friends was going to be there so we decided to just take Emily and let Aubrey get some sleep before the big day.





The morning of the fourth came and we headed straight to 50th St in Edina for the parade. We claimed our spots the day before and were ready for a fun parade. Like every year the girls got plenty of candy and we had a good time kicking off the day.

We wrapped up the day with a trip to the Delano carnival with uncle Greg. We had fun going on rides and playing games. We had dinner at a fun drive in restaurant with a playground that the kids loved and were so close to the fireworks that it felt like they were falling all around us. We were even treated to a lightning show behind the fireworks!

Watching Fireworks <3 

It was a great time this year and we're looking forward to more fun this summer!

Summer: first three weeks

What have the girls and been up to in our first few weeks of summer break? The better question may be what haven't we been up to?

We have been swimming, started gymnastics, gone to the park many times, began swimming lessons, restained the deck (thank you Patrick!) and have been to the zoo. With next week forecasted to be even warmer, we're looking forward to getting in more beach and water park time!

That's a wrap!

Emily spent the last 8 weeks on her first t-ball team. Her skills improved dramatically over the course of those eight weeks. She is no longer winding up with each throw, her bat is held correctly and the league started ditching the t and pitching to the kids. It was a little rocky at first but the kids rose to the challenge and improved greatly over the weeks.

One thing that needed no improvement: Emily's sportsmanship. She loves being part of a group and the t-ball league was no exception. Great season girls!

Grand View

We enjoyed a lovely summer weekend at Grand View Lodge in Nisswa with the Nolbys in the middle of June. We had a great time swimming, playing, wandering downtown Nisswa and just hanging out. We are very lucky to have friends that we and the girls get along with so well! :)

Happy Father's Day, Patrick!

Tiny dancer: year 2

Emily completed her second year of dance with the recital capping it all off on June 10. She had a great year full of fun and is looking forward to starting back up in the fall!

Teacher Grace

Teacher Amy

Thanks to everyone who came to support Emily...we filled up an entire row of 13!

The whole group

Congratulations, Herrons!

Patrick's sister, Laura, married our new brother in law, Steve on June 2. Patrick did a great job performing the ceremony and the celebration was beautiful and fun!

Congrats to the newlyweds. We wish you many years of wedded bliss!