Summer Lovin' ...

Decided to head to Valley Fair this evening to catch a few rides ... it was a perfect evening with my girls!

Breakfast with Granny B

Granny decided to treat us to breakfast today since we treated her yesterday.  The girls loved the waffles just like Granny said they would!

Visiting Granny B with Daddy!!!

Daddy was finally home on for a few days in a row and we took advantage to visit with Granny B who hasn't seen him for a while.  We had her out to Hungry Peddler for breakfast and even hit the Olive Garden for dinner.

Breakfast with my Girls

Just because we felt like ... breakfast with my girls ... love these kiddos to pieces ...

Another Day at the Fair

The girls and I met up with the Hokanson's for some summer fun again today at Soak City.  The kids had a great time as usual ... we are definitely getting our money out of these annual passes!!

Alyssa also decided to finally try the big, nearly straight down water slide ... once was enough for her!

After we got back home, the girls relaxed and did a little reading ...

Stocking up for School

The girls decided no snack cart this year at school ... so that means I need to have a snack cart at home to make selections from ... Thank goodness for Costco!

Valley Fair with the Dauer's

Suzi, Paige and Erin joined us today to hang out at Valley Fair.  We hit he water rides right away and then the water park.

Our overcast day turned into long early afternoon showers.  We decided to head back to our house to dry all our clothes and order a pizza for dinner and watch a movie.  The sun eventually came back out and we headed back to the park for some more fun.

We finished the day with the four girls all getting their pictures drawn ... they had a great time together!!

Funny that the girls pictures look identical almost ...

Hot Cocoa on the Porch

Just one of those beautiful summer mornings ... the girls joined me and my tea on the front porch with some hot cocoa.  Love these sweeties ...

Clay Storytelling

Please meet Ugg Twinkletoes ... she is a little gnome that now lives in our home.  The girls and I were invited to Clay Storytelling with Maureen Carlson today.  We invited the Hokason boys to join us and we had a lot of fun.  Maureen basically tells a story and has the kiddos fill in the details and based on their answers she builds the character.  We were lucky enough to have her sent home to live with us ... and we love her ...

Trying Mussels for the First Time

Having dinner lake side at Cov with the girls.  I am so glad they are always willing to try a new food ... today they tried some of our mussels and they both really liked them.  They want to come back so they can order their own!

First Time Horseback Riding at River Valley Ranch

Today was finally the BIG day!  We surprised the girls with a trail ride at River Valley Ranch.  They were so excited to finally get to ride a big horse solo.  They caught onto the handling instructions quickly and loved every second of the one hour ride through the woods and along the river.  We will definitely be back to do this again!

A Little Ben & Jerry's Please

We found ourselves having a little ice cream at our favorite Wayzata ice cream shop ... Ben & Jerry's.  It was a beautiful afternoon and we loved sitting by the lake while we enjoyed our yummy treats!

Doing a Little Fishing

Although Grandma isn't in the pictures, she is sitting with me while I take them ... they came and picked up the girls and I for a little fishing in the park.  The girls caught a few sunfish and always enjoy this time with Grandma and Grandpa.