Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Summer fun


In between all our trips we've had a little time for some other stuff...

The kids are doing Soccer Shots again.  It's a neat program of learning how to play, learning some life lessons and getting to scrimmage at the end so you get real play experience.  And they can both be in the same class so we jump on that when we can!


In June Comcast has their Hershey Park day.  Unfortunately Max was too sick to go so Aliyah and I used the tickets.  We did find out later that the tickets can be used anytime so Nate and Max will get to go and we'll know for next year not to go on "the" Saturday if we can help it.

She loves rides!

This adorable boy climbed in there with her and they chatted for a few minutes till the ride started:)




Max's last game and he got a trophy.  He was too sick to play but came out to cheer on his team at the end.  What an awesome experience.  Nate helping coach and Max playing, they both had so much fun.  Their team (while they don't keep score) was by far the best in the league and the kids just improved so much.  In fact, Max got most improved player.  We're looking forward to next spring!

Mom-mom's Birthday Rita's!

We went into Lebanon to swim with Noah and Mary!

We manage to hit Star Wars night with the church group at the Senators game, kids LOVE it of course!







My little gardeners.  We didn't have work gloves for them so winter ones seemed fitting...

We always enjoy the fire engines at the river.  This year we met friends so Giuseppe got to see it too.  It was a nice morning and they had fun!

Poor Aliyah, her hair just won't grow long down the back (just grows out).  All she wants is braids like in Frozen.  I finally realized I could probably braid her hair when it's wet.  She was in heaven:)

MN Family Reunion 2014

We had another wonderful trip to MN for a big Swanson Family reunion and to celebrate the life of Grandpa Harold.  What a wonderful experience it is for the kids to get to spend every few years on the lake in MN.  It's such a beautiful place with such wonderful family, we truly enjoyed every moment (minus the tiredness of the kids:)).

Kitty enjoyed her plane ride too!


First stop, LEGOLAND!
 Enjoying some rides at Mall of America

 Lunch at Rainforest Cafe

 Then we arrived at Aunt Katy's where we were graciously housed for the long weekend in our beautiful downstairs suite.  The kids also enjoyed her gardens outside.


 First thing at the lake that evening, a boat ride!

 We have a picture of him doing this at about 9 months and when you can only see his little face he looks just the same:)

Aliyah entertaining us


After a beautiful burial ceremony for Grandpa Harold we gathered back at the lake the next day.

Costumes for why?!?!


Aunt Barb let Aliyah take the baby back to Aunt Katy's to sleep with her:)
 Happy 4th, time to catch some fish with a net...


Bike parade

At the end, face painting, fire hoses, races, water balloon tosses and a playground.  What a great way to spend your 4th of July morning.














Aliyah and her new buddy, cousin Mike's doggy.

Crazy kids' table...

 Water boat wars!








Waiting for fireworks


The next day Aliyah wasn't done with water balloons yet.
 Got some nice floating time in!


 Max loved this standing rope swing



Really enjoyed reading time with Aunt Katy, we well as her "Magic Room" where Aliyah got to do her arts and crafts!

More crafts with Aunt Barb, what better place to color!

He did it!








Flights home got delayed, tired kids, late night but they're still pretty cute:)