Elliot's many hats

Recently, on a break from school work Elliot played in the backyard. It had been misting so his rain coat was needed. He added a round plastic bowl to his "uniform", wearing it as a full helmet. Elliot wears many hats and often role plays exciting characters. It's never dull when E's imagination is @ work.

Visiting Minnesota

What a great trip we had to MN. We spent most of our time enjoying family. The Mall of America was second on the list along with IKEA. I especially liked the indoor roller coaster at the mall, much to Alex's surprise. I generally chicken out of all roller coaster riding opportunities. Swimming in Bill & Sandy's pool was a blast. Their schnoodle dogs, Rascal and Bear were spunky little characters that swam too.
The weather was perfect for a lake cruise on Lake Minnetonka. Hunter & I went to buy sandwiches for lunch, while our men climbed aboard to reserve our table. At the last minute we were able to board the sold out cruise. What a relief. It was beautiful. The captain told us about the history of the area and local landmarks.

Big Lake Camping trip

This summer we camped at Big Lake state park located in Missouri. We met our cousin and her family there to camp for a weekend, to celebrate Rachael's birthday. Thanks Grandpa for coming to see us camping! We enjoyed making campfire meals together and paddling in our blow up raft the Sea Hawk. Together the kids set up the two man tent, Elliot and Rachael slept in the tent one night. How fun!

Tea Time

Hunter invited Elliot & mom to an afternoon formal tea party. We were requested to bring a favorite verse or poem to share and of course, dress appropriately. Elliot came dressed very dapper in a "button shirt" and plaid driving cap. Hunter wore her lovely floral dress and beautiful smile too. We listened to Mozart and enjoyed enlightening conversation together. We missed dad.

Sailboats with Grandpa

Recently when Grandma & Grandpa Baker visited we made wooden sailboats. The project was ambitious! The final products were sanded and fitted with sea worthy sails. Rachael (our cousin), Elliot & Hunter sanded each boat to be fine crafts.
The maiden voyage was in a fishing cove of Lake Zorinski. Still the vast size of the lake was overwhelming for our tiny boats. Thankfully the wind didn't push them too far out. But mom still had to dangle from fallen branches to fetch each boat. Thanks Grandpa for the sailboat fun.