Monday, August 29, 2011

State Fair/Milk Run 2011

Yesterday we resumed our Milk Run tradition (last year we had to miss it because I had to work), and it was extra-special because Karl ran in his first official 5k race! It went very well, with Karl keeping a very steady pace until his nice hard kick in the final stretch, finishing with a time of 31:14. He beat 20 people in the "men under 20" age group. Not bad for a 7-year-old first-timer!

Angie came with Colin to run too. Unfortunately Jason had to stay home with the other two boys because Justin was sick. Here were are before the race.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6089652437_74070243ce_z.jpg

While we were running, Laura and Colin hung out with Matt. Apparently it was very mellow.http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6090197326_6c32c91bc5_z.jpg

And here we are after the race. Usually Karl (and Angie) chat the whole time he runs, but yesterday was serious business. He didn't talk very much, except to comment on how fun the downhills are, and how cool it is to grab a cup of water, drink while running, and then slam the cup on the ground.http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6090197856_c61bf06d85_z.jpg

With the race out of the way, it was time for some fair fun! The kids always wait on these rocks while Matt runs back to the car with the jackets and sweatpants, and Angie goes to change clothes. I just wear my sweaty running clothes all day. I figure if I can't shower, why bother changing?http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6089655755_3bf3a8b140_z.jpg

First stop: Giant Slide! Laura RAN up those stairs like a shot. She'd been waiting a YEAR for this.http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6089656129_ba7ae089b8_z.jpg

Karl was not far behind.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6090201564_b0d93419a5_z.jpg

Matt and Colinhttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6090202264_fec3907047_z.jpg

On to the Kidway! The kids were much braver this year, and Laura rode her newfound wave of bravery as she tried all the rides she was too scared to go on before.http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6089658393_25c7af9e08_z.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6089658867_b8116554b6_z.jpg

The kids lost steam pretty quickly, though, and soon the toll of the early morning became very clear. Suddenly our sweet children were exhausted. And they showed it.http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6089659391_461d55c672_z.jpg

Our happy family right before we left. I don't even think we made it to noon. The day peaked quite early, but it was worth it. Congratulations on your first race Karl!http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6090204054_5d512bc2e9_z.jpg

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Bunker Beach

We teamed up with the Elliotts to go to yet another water park, this time at Bunker Beach in Coon Rapids. It was a gorgeous day to be outside, and I soon realized that I've reached another parenting milestone: I no longer have to go down water slides with either of my kids. It is so nice to just sit on the side and watch without freezing in between rides, but I've given up the right to complain about all the stairs I'm forced to climb.

As soon as we got there, Laura found this group of water slides and just started running up stairs. No hesitation from this girl anymore.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6077977941_da88944606_z.jpg

Karl and Colin were water park buddies for the day.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6078519804_bd72bce001_z.jpg

Bunker Beach has a HUGE wave pool that ranges from 0 to 6 feet. Each kid found an appropriate location according to their height, and rode those waves. Laura and Karl said their experience in the Gulf of Mexico was very helpful.http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6078520156_4687140730_z.jpg

Aqua kids on a break: Laura, Karl, Colin, and Justinhttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6077978983_a8de81dd92_z.jpg

Angie and her boys.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6078520788_933d18e318_z.jpg

At one point in the day, while Laura was doing this…http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6078521042_ec029313da_z.jpg

The boys were doing this:http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6078521244_cc472b8e7c_z.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6077980043_0bbb3fbab6_z.jpg

And what should you do when you've been playing in water for 3 ½ hours? Why, you dance of course!http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6078521832_2c3b89377a_z.jpg

The three of us were exhausted by the time we left (although I have no idea why I was so tired; I did nothing but sit and coo at Baby Adam). Laura referred to this excursion as the "appetizer," because next week we're going to the Dells!

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Cousin Fun at the Rush City Pool

Aly and Emily were in Rush City for the weekend, so they took advantage of Rush City's shining attraction, the water center!

We talked Aly into going off the diving board, and she found out how fun it is! She also became a pretty good diver.
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6071373289_2534ccc608_z.jpg

Since Laura has become a swimmer, the pool has become even more fun than it was in the past.http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6071372663_1c877741bd_z.jpg

Here's a picture of the bottom half of Karl.http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6071916604_0d9b5dfff9_z.jpg

And here's his top half! (That curly blond beach hair just makes me want to squeeze him!) http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6071373619_1a08e95c5b_z.jpg

Later, the kids went to Pam and Fred's for a cookout. It wasn't so easy though, because they had to gather the materials to build a fire. Good thing they turned out to be willing workers. Look at this teamwork!
Image

Supper Club!

Last week everyone who could make it met at Mom and Dad's for some tasty pizza (thanks Angie and Jason!). Here are some highlights (or, here's when I remembered to take some pictures):

Dad and Angie
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6071906868_5a2c9f0dfb_z.jpg

Connie and Baby Adam
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6071363789_cbe750d8c9_z.jpg

Justin keeping himself occupiedhttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6071364117_06259c17be_z.jpg

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Laura's New 'Do

Laura decided she'd like an updated look for the new school year, so off to the salon we went!

Before:http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6037194904_a3290ef0fb_z.jpg

After:http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6037195192_9e475a5bf9_z.jpg

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Super Swimmer Girl

Laura has been taking private swimming lessons and has gone from fearing water to conquering it! She has been working so hard and learning so much, all with a sunny, cooperative attitude.http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/6027274391_aed57ef2a4_z.jpghttp://farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/6027826106_b97f2f646a_z.jpg
Way to go Laura!

Buddies

Karl got a new sleeping bag this week and decided to try it out on the floor of our bedroom. Guess who snuggled up next to him?
http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6027911380_0f5f5fba12_z.jpg
Penelope loves Karl because she can sucker him into petting her endlessly.