Moving on up

Tonight while driving home we saw people carrying furniture on the sidewalk. I explained that it's the last day of the month, and lots of people move into new apartments on that day. This (admittedly inadequate) explanation prompted the following exchange:

Sylvia: When are we going to move out of our house?

Me: Do you want to move out of our house?

Sylvia: Yes. I want to move into a new apartment, too!

Me: Where do you want the apartment to be?

Sylvia: Where Grandpa Peter is going to live! 

So, get ready, Welstone, for your youngest residents yet. 

The promised land of bars for parents of small children

We finally found it. It is safe, it is pleasant, it has big wooden outdoor toys, it has beer. We'll be back.

A snail's journey home to the family drainpipe

After a few nights in which Shamas Thomas clung miserably to the pink roof of the plastic terrarium we set up just for him, we decided he would probably prefer to return home to his family. So tonight before dinner we brought him back. He seemed extremely happy, as far as you can tell with a snail.

Levi gets his own ice cream cone

Baby size, of course.

... there's just gotta be a way out there!

If we just push on this door ...

Dad admires his handiwork

Story time

Rainy evening walk

Sylvia happily jumped in every puddle -- until her pants got wet, and then she whimpered until we agreed to go back home.

On the way back, we ran into a friend and her dad collecting snails from a drainpipe. They gave us one and directions on how to feed and care for it. Sylvia wouldn't touch it but she named it Shamas Thomas. Pics tomorrow if it survives the night.

"I'm babysitting!"

Me: Sylvia, I have to go inside for a minute and check on dinner. Can you stay out here with Levi?

Sylvia: Sure. (Gasps.) This is my first time taking care of Levi! I'm BABYSITTING!!"

Swings

Wonder Woman

The dress is a gift from our friend Chris Naff in California, a sort of fairy godmother of ours.

As soon as Sylvia put on the dress, she said, "It's perfect!"

This guy

What's up everyone?

We had a great time.

I wish I'd taken more pictures! Here are the kids on their last night, finally getting to watch a movie; Paul giving Levi a few seconds of airtime; and Matt enjoying a peaceful last few moments of vacation. You can't see it, but he's looking at an amazing view of the river valley.

Menke Reunion - visit to Meramac Springs Park

We fed many, many fish.

Levi's funny crawling technique

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Our little dolphin

Friend's birthday party

New friends

Cup from grandma

Bat boy

Pizza on the porch = just like being on vacation

Church festival

Cupcakes and Irish step dancing. What could be better?