4th of July weekend

We celebrated the 4th of July weekend at with Sam's boss and family at their lake house in Minnesota. The weather was beautiful and we had a great time.

She saw the big kids use the canoe and wanted to try it herself.

Keeping cool with Dad

Beach bathing beauty. I'm happy to report that we call came through the weekend WITHOUT a sunburn! The only exception was a quarter-size spot on my back that Sam missed with the sunscreen, but it was proof that the stuff works!

It was a private lake and is stocked every summer. The sunfish were very friendly and would try to nibble your toes. The big kids managed to coax some into a bucket with popcorn and Allie thought that was cool. She also thought all the fish were Nemo, from the movie Finding Nemo. All weekend you'd hear her say, "Watch out, Nemo" or "Come back, Nemo!"

Allie helped to make the cupcakes, complete with red and blue "pinkles" (sprinkles) and lots of white frosting. Thanks Garbie for sending the patriotic wrappers and flags that wen toin the top!

She had no trouble adjusting to the water. She even jumped off the end of the dock into Sam's arms.

Two days of playing hard in the water and sun made for one very tired little girl. This was about 7:15pm after we had finished dinner. She was pooped!

Fun in "Nort Da-ko-wa!"

We went to the Grand Forks County Fair and Allie loved the petting zoo. She let the goats and sheep eat oats from her hand. The animals were jostling pretty tough for prime position so Allie kept telling them, "Take turn goats!"

The splash park is one of Allie's favorite places in Grand Forks. It's next to a big playground so when she tires of the water, we play on the slides.

Garbie and Pa came for a visit over Father's Day, which happened to be Garbie's birthday. I don't know too many grandmas who have an Ariel themed birthday celebration!

Allie has rediscovered her love of corn on the cob. She insists on handles to hold the cob, along with butter and "pinkles" - sprinkles, as she calls the salt and pepper.

Lunch outside on the deck when we first got here. The mosquitos are a little out of control now, so outside time is limited to times when there's a breeze to keep the bugs away.

Easter

Finally, pictures from Easter, our last in Montana. Hopefully next Easter Allie won't have to wear snowboots on the egg hunt!

The egg hunt at Moonlight has a special 3 and under area, and Allie was the only child for a bit. She loaded up!

The man of the hour, Mr. Easter Bunny.