Strawberry Festival

While Dave and Betsy were still in town this summer, we made a family plan to go out to the Strawberry Festival in Aspen. A little disappointed at the lack of Strawberries at the Strawberry Festival, we did our best to stay entertained. Instead of eating strawberries, we had GF corn dogs and GF mini donuts from a Gluten-Free food truck! Brianna and Carl were very excited to be able to partake in the fine dining at the Festival. I mean, who knew there was a gluten-free food truck - not me, but the donuts were awesome!

Anyway, besides food, they had music, vendors, and a little tractor you could pay for "train rides" around the festival. Carl was SUPER excited about riding on the train. Brianna almost went on the train but I think she was still a little emotional about being "lost". (side-note: she was following her cousin who was following the train right before we took our ride, but when the train doubled back, quicker than what she could keep up, she lost sight of her cousin and the train. I saw it all happening and lost sight of her and quickened my step to catch up. She came into view as I got closer but you could see her little face turn from happy, to sad, to scared and that's when we both started crying. Oh, how my heart dropped. She just couldn't keep up then didn't know where we were. Ugh.. I felt like a horrible parent at that moment... ugh).  

On to brighter things! Carl was so proud of his train ride. Despite what I thought he would do, he sat quite still the entire ride, with his hands on the steering wheel and not trying to get out of the buckle. Brianna and I followed a few yards behind the train just in case he needed to get out, but turns out, he didn't need me at all. He was so happy! Then you should have seen his face when the driver stuck his hand out and turned so close he could give high-fives. How I wish I had my camera rolling then!!

After we all grabbed enough food, we continued our adventure over to Como Zoo. We weren't sure we'd even find a spot to park and had decided just to meet everyone back at our place for dessert, but then we found one and parked. It was a ways a way, but it was a spot! We enjoyed seeing the animals and the Sparky show.

Did I mention dessert? Since we were all craving strawberries after the festival, we thought a Strawberry Shortcake was in order! 

 After all was said and done, two little ones really needed a bath. What a great day spent with family!

Complete Happenstance

The kids and I were eager to get out of the house one morning, so I packed up my bike and the burley and headed to my parents house. Not sure where our day would take us, I figured I'd be prepared with anything and everything I might have needed. 

I finally landed on a little bike ride down to the local wading pool for a refreshing dip and water play time. We had fun, but I could tell the kids were getting a little chilled as the sun declined to peak through the clouds long enough to warm up the water. Not wanting to leave quite so soon after arriving I noticed a commotion only a few yards away. The City's puppet wagon was setting up for a show and we thought we'd warm up and enjoy the entertainment! We didn't realized this was on the regular rotation but we're glad it worked out that way. The kids were enthralled with the show and sat so still soaking in the story. 

After the show was over, you could take turns going in the wagon and pretend to give your own show for a few minutes. We were the last ones in line but they were grateful to be able to go in the truck and see how many puppets they had. Carl just barely managed to peak his head over the side, I think one of the puppeteers gave him a boost!

Ahh, summer fun! We loaded back in the burley and made our way back to our car at my parents house. Arriving home just in time to get in a nap. Gotta love when things work out in your favor!

A Night Out

Our summer has flown by. We haven't made it to as many Twins games as we would have liked but we've been able to really enjoy the ones we've made it to. Mid-June (yes, I'm that far behind in my blog posts!), Jon and I were invited to attend a game with another couple. It was a beautiful evening and we had great time with our friends. We're so thankful to be able to get away for an evening and enjoy one of our favorite summer past-times - plus great company!

Story Time in the Shade

We loved sitting outside on the deck this summer. Frequently, Brianna would ask to go out and just sit in her chair, watch the world (creek, ducks, geese, squirrels, foxes, herons) go by; always, with her little brother only a few short steps behind. Many times she would bring a few books along to read, usually sharing at least one story with Carl. I love watching these two together and I cherish our time together!