Weekends in August

We have been so busy in August.  Every weekend has been filled with fun stuff.  

One weekend we met Grandpa and Grandma in Mankato at Sibley Park.  It was a hot and humid day but for the most part it was cloudy which was nice because once the sun came out it was HOT!  So glad we have found this meeting spot as it's perfect for a day trip.  We had pizza, played at the park and ended with ice cream!  Can't go wrong with any of that :)  The kids can't wait to go back to the farm over Labor Day to spend more time with Grandpa and Grandma!

The following weekend we were invited out to Katie's cabin. We have made this an annual tradition.  I have been going to her cabin since college.  It is the perfect cabin - it's less than 1.5 hours away so we can do a day trip or make a weekend out of it.  This year Katie & I had girls nights on Friday night and then the guys and kids met us at the cabin on Saturday.  This was the first time I had been away from both the kids & Ryan.  I missed them like crazy but it was so fun to get away with Katie.  We spent the evening in downtown Stillwater.....pedis, shopping and dinner.  Then we headed to the cabin and could have talked all night.  It is so peaceful at the cabin.  We woke up on Saturday and went for a walk, relaxed and talked until the rest of the crew got there.  It was the perfect day to be on the lake - hot & humid! We went for a pontoon ride, swam in the middle of the lake, Madelyn went tubing (and loved it!), Ryan & I went skiing (and were very sore the next day!), played on the beach and just enjoyed being together.  We love our time together with the Papkes!

Lyla & Madelyn

The tubers!

The following weekend we were down in Owatonna for the Steele County Free Fair.  It's perfect because it's smaller yet we still get the fair experience with food, animals, tractors and we don't have to fight the hundreds of thousands of people!

Madelyn & Auntie!

These two have so much fun together!

Jack LOVED the John Deere tractors!
 I think he may have stayed all afternoon and evening if we let him!

Everyone loves Papa!

Can't believe this cutie starts KINDERGARTEN next week!
Love you Bishop!!!!

Love my sweet girl!

The last Saturday in August we went to the Twins game.  I got tickets through work so we decided to take the kids.  This was their first Twins game.  Jack was singing "Take me out to the ball game" all week and both kids were excited.  They didn't really know what it was all about but they had fun and were in awe of all the people and everything going on.  We watched the game for almost 3 innings in our seats and then we walked around and ate for 3 innings before heading home.  It was a perfect summer evening!  It has been an amazing summer filled with family, friends, lakes and relaxing!  Can't believe  next weekend is Labor Day...time really does fly!

My latest "new favorite picture" of these two!
Nothing beats those smiles!