summer photos

well summer has flown by yet again this year. it was a wonderfully full season with lots of activity and quality time with friends and family. after joel's parents left my sister and her 4 kids spent a few weeks with my parents in wi, so we practically moved in while they were there. joel's cousins also stopped in for a few days while on a trip out east. lauren was fortunate enough to go to valleyfair twice this year, not to mention the zoo and numerous trips to beaches and parks. as much fun as we had, i have to admit i am looking forward to the (hopefully) slower pace of fall, which also means hot chocolate, football (thanks brett), falling leaves, fires, crisp air and memories of all the great summer adventures we enjoyed!

ryan is 1!

it's hard to believe our little guy is officially 1! he has been an absolute joy. joel and i are still in awe of this wonderful gift and how much love he brings to our lives. i could go on and on, i am one proud, blessed mama! we had a small party with joel's parents before they returned home. ryan's still new at opening presents, but that's where big sisters come in. and he wasn't sure what to do with his birthday cupcake. but it didn't take him too long to figure it out! :)

presents!!

cupcakes, yum!!

a little confused, but willing to give it a try..

messy...

messier.....

messiest!:)

not enjoying the clean up.

all done and happy again! :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN!!!

duluth

joel's parents came out for a visit around the end of june. during their stay decided to head up to duluth, mn for a few days. duluth is a beautiful historic town located on lake superior. it is a major shipping town so there are numerous large ships that come through daily. duluth also has really neat lighthouses and amazing architecture. we stayed pretty busy exploring the city, swimming, visiting museums, bike riding (i'm sure we were quite a sight) watching the ships, shopping, enjoying the local restaurants, and venturing outside the town to take in some of the area's natural beauty. we all had a great time, but were exhausted by the time we got home. i hope we are able to go again soon!

goose berry falls

fore!

yesterday we all went to visit barry, bridget and their kids. we were very excited to meet baby dylan for the first time. and what a sweet little guy he is! of course joel and barry wanted to do some golfing, and since they offered to take the two oldest kids with them, bridget and i decided they could go. :) it was a beautiful day and i heard they all had a wonderful time. joel always tells me what a great teacher barry is (he must be a patient one too!). isaac is a natural on the course as you can see by his impressive stance. it's was lauren's first time golfing and joel said she loved it. once they returned home, we were treated to a delicious dinner! thank you bridget and barry for all your hospitality!