Last Weekend of Summer

We spent the long weekend up north at Mom and Dad's.  It was a relaxed, slow-paced weekend, just what we needed to wrap up our summer!  The weather was crazy - upper 80s on Friday and Saturday and only low 60s yesterday and today.  The temps dropped 20* overnight!

Carter riding through the tractor parade with Steve Marudas:

Checking out the animals at the Threshing Show:

Rabbits:

Huge muscles, holding up the train car:

My view every time I want to ride 4 wheeler now (I have a chauffeur):

Carter and Grandpa were on the logging trail ahead of us:

We went to a rodeo on Sunday night.  The boys both decided to do the calf chase.  There were about 100 kids (Carter with the 4-6 age group and Ryan with ages 7-8) chasing 4 calves with red ribbons tied on their tails.  Carter coming out of the arena after his turn chasing the calves:

Ryan excited to snag a ribbon, which he exchanged for a t-shirt:

The rodeo clown coming over with a t-shirt for Carter.  Initially he didn't know to trade in the ribbon for the t-shirt.  He almost missed out!

Both boys lucky enough to win t-shirts!!!! :)

The boys working on their "first day of school" interviews for their school year binders.  Tomorrow is the big day for my third and first graders - hard to believe!!!!!!  Summer went much too quickly for us!

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?)