Open House

We went to school tonight to meet the boys' teachers.  I think both boys are more excited to go back than they will admit.  It's really hard to believe that they return to school one week from today!

Carter has Ms. Hallstrom for first grade:

And Ryan has Mrs. Schuette for third grade:

Water Slide

Carter had Moti over to go on the waterslide after Como Pool yesterday.  The boys had a great time playing.  I heard lots and lots of giggling as I was making dinner!   What fun memories for them!  ;)

Como Pool

We went straight to the Como Pool after Ryan's football scrimmage yesterday.  The cool water felt great with heat indexes near 100*!  Ryan lost no time locating and heading down the zipline for the first time.  He's been talking about wanting to go on it for ages.  I love his zest for life!  Carter was much more cautious and stayed pretty close to me for most of the day.  We also ventured down the lazy river, which I don't have photos of, because I was in the tube with Carter! :)

Ryan taking off on the zipline for the first time:

Love his expressions and excitement!

He dropped at the end of the pool in 12' of water:

Catapulting off the diving board:

Hurdling himself off the rock wall - it was at least 12-14' above the water.  He has no fear!!!!

Trying to climb the rock wall - he didn't make it very far.  It was too hard for him to get a good grip:

Not to be forgotten, Carter in the swimming area:

Showing me one of his wrestling move jumps:

And then there's Ryan again - look at that crazy kiddo go!!!!!  ;)

Football Scrimmage

Ryan had his first football scrimmage on Sunday.  It was 95* and the boys were in full gear.  Ugh - talk about crazy hot!  Ryan was sooo proud of himself after the scrimmage.  I heard him ask Carter in the back of the car "So who do you think the best player on the team is?"  Carter responded "You".  Ryan "How much better than the rest, like a percentage?"  Carter:  "200%".  These kids crack me up.  Ryan is all about modesty (or not).  I love that he loves it and has so much confidence in himself!!!!

Team huddle before the scrimmage:

Ryan's carrying the ball:

Handshakes after scrimmage #1:

 Getting the upcoming plays from Coach Travis:

Great job, Bengals!!!!!!

Lake Minnetonka

We went out to Charles and Beth's house on Saturday.  We haven't been out there in ages.  The kids had sooo much fun, it was hard to get them out of there at the end of the night!

We started out our visit with a boat ride.  Carter and Ryan took over the front of the boat:

Carter never left this position:

Ryan was a little restless later in the boat ride.  I offered him his iPad or his book.  He chose his book.  That's my boy!  ;)

On our way to Maynard's for appetizers (dinner) and drinks:

The guys checking out the boats on the docks.  Beth and I must have been hungry - we beelined for the restaurant!  ;)

Checking out the geese, ducks, and carp that swim next to the tables.  The boys loved them!  We were lucky enough to get a table next to the water so the boys could watch (and feed) them:

Cruising back to the house:

We just enjoyed taking in the sights:

And the gorgeous sunshine:

Ryan took his turn driving the boat:

The boys played in the game room (shuffleboard, foos ball, air hockey, and Wii).  Once the words "hot tub" were uttered, it was game on - they were into the hot tub so fast (and did not want to come out - but then again, who can blame them?)

Instagram

We have had so much fun this summer.  I love looking through my Instagram photos.  What did we do before cell phones had cameras?  ;)

Ryan's first football practice in full gear.  What is it about football gear that makes the kids look so grown up?

The boys and I made homemade granola bars.  We may have gone a little heavy on the M&Ms.  :)

Carter has a great imagination and is content to play with his guys all day long!

Carter playing at the Lakes Beach.  He played in the sand for hours!

Christine and I at the beach - Christine is Jacob's Mom - one of Carter's best friends that met us at the beach for a play date.

Carter and I on the way to Bemidji to celebrate Grandma Elsye's birthday with her:

Evan and his boys in the pool at the Holiday Inn.  We were the only ones in the pool but you would never know it by the noise level in there!

These two were up at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday - they couldn't wait to get down to the hot tub.  Kyle, on the other hand, had a tough time getting out of bed by 11:30 for checkout!  ;)

Carter and his neighbor buddy, Moti - they play together nearly every day:

Technology never ceases to amaze me.  Here is an early morning meeting of mine conducted in a TelePresence Room.  You can see the people across the table from us - well, they are located in India!  It looks like one giant table the way the screens are designed.  Love how easy it makes staying connected with our India partners!

I took the boys to Zero Gravity to jump and burn off a little energy:

It is hot, hot, hot now in MN.  We enjoyed 6 1/2 hours at Bunker Beach on Friday.  It felt great to be in the water:

My stylin' little dude:

The boys love to read, even when they are at the waterpark:

Ryan left Maynard's Restaurant ahead of us (and fully clothed).  We get to the boat, and this is how we find him!

The boys are watching the movie Cars in Charles and Beth's hot tub.  I didn't think we'd ever get them to leave.  They LOVED it! :)

The boys on Charles and Beth's boat on Lake Minnetonka:

Ryan on the Como Pool zipline: