Our Long 4th of July Holiday Weekend

We were able to spend a lot of time as a family over the holiday.  Rachel took a few days off work and we were action packed.  On the 4th we headed over to Amma's for a great (very, very hot) picnic and then watched the fireworks from the parking lot in our neighborhood church.  Shay, Millie and Olive were more interested in playing tag and picking flowers, but everyone did have fun.
On Thursday we headed out early for our day at the lake.  A first for Shay there: jumping off the dock and swimming back all by herselk (with a lifejacket on of course).  Good job!  We were all very proud of her.
Friday we were able to head up to the Duluth and visit with the Burns family.  Friday night we went to a minor league baseball game, Saturday we had a picnic lunch in the park and swam in the lake, bought a car Saturday night (a big thanks to Elicia and Shawn who watched our girls while we signed paperwork) and just hung out.  We all had such a great time-- Thx Burns family-- we look forward to our mini vacation in August together!
Sunday we headed down to join the Sturm family for a big get together at Marylou's house.  Although the weather was still hot, we had a great time visiting, eating tasty food and playing yard games.  Sunday night we came home very tired, but very happy.

Alyssa and Millie

Bec and Gus

Holiday Dinner

Shay swimming by herself

Great job ski tubing Shay!

Oh, it is so hot!

Alyssa and Cullen not sure of the mascot

 the clan

 Enjoying their 1st root-beer floats on the deck

One of the many reasons why we love Duluth