Free Time

The weather hasn't been ferocious, but it's definitely been warm. We've been nipping at 90 degrees for a couple of weeks, so we've been going to the pool a lot, as well as various air-conditioned venues (Children's Museum, MN Zoo).

Water wheels and gizmos at the Children's Museum.

Playing in the pool at the park (or princess paddling in purple pants)

Both Maisie and Ella tamely submit to their daily sun-blocking, although Ella starts giggling and squirming away once I start lotioning her nose and cheeks.

Maisie after the costume parade at Highland Fest.
"I didn't place daddy! I didn't get a place!" regarding her participation ribbon. I told her to beat up the first place kid and take his ribbon and prize candy. What? She gets the ribbon, I get the candy.
"There he is, sweetie! Get him! Get HIM!"

Happy 4th of July!

For the 4th of July, Maisie and I decided to go see the fireworks at Powderhorn Park, since it's just a few blocks from home. Unfortunately... we had a looooong wait for it to get dark!

We had some time to kill, so Maisie got her first Sno Cone.


It was orange...

as you can tell!

After that treat, we wandered around a bit, and found a group giving away native perennials for people to plant in their yards/gardens. Maisie chose a black-eyed susan.


Still no fireworks! We were starting to get bored...



so I bought Maisie a light-up sword to play with. It reminded me of her cousin Max, because I think it looks like a Star Wars light saber. Here she is, making her 'scary bad guy' face.


At this point she was starting to get bored AND tired, so she took to sitting in the stroller and just pointing the thing at people.


Finally - finally! - it was time for fireworks!


And the whole thing was totally worth it.

Ella's 1st Birthday

Here are some highlights from Ella's 1st birthday.


We had the party over at auntie Laura's.


There were water balloons (not pictured) and the sprinkler!


And a pinata.


And of course CAKE!


Overall, a really good day. Happy birthday, Ellie!