First trip on the Mississippi River.

Our neighbors were kind enough to host my first trip on the Mississippi River. It really is historic. I look at it all day and dream of being out there. Our boat trip was as even better then my dreams!







Dad navigated us all to a new part of the river, the old main channel. It is back on the Minnesota side where they are doing moving sand, dirt and rocks to make islands in hopes of restoring it to what it looked like before the lock and dams.



Here's a preview of why. More waterfowl, fish and other wildlife.








And this sign that dad put in for the city lead our way home. It was a wonderful boatride, I would go any time again. Unfortunately the summer is coming to an end...we barely got started!

First Swim and Swing

Lauren sat so nice with me in the wading pool. Then we moved on to the big pool where the splashing was even better.







I was nervous my feet had disappeared under the water...but look what I found!









Hold on! Lauren may do underdog at any moment!







But of course my daddy swings the best!

Getting myself into pickles...also known as trouble.

As a stealth acrobat I am able to roll under these chairs. And then maneuver underneath without tipping them over.




Homemade summer pickles have to be shared by all, even 7 month olds. The oatmeal was just little more bland after this.








When the drawers are the perfect height from this stroller who could blame me!

Grandpa Dave's Cabana and blackberries.

Grandpa Dave's cabana was a hit as Hans "made fence" to keep the farm animals in.







Luckily Luke's request of a "snake" was easy out of sand.






Special treat of blackberries, summer gold.







We LOVE summers with Grandpa and Grandma!

Let's catch fish.

Han's asked Al "How's the fishing," so they had to give it a try.






First we have to "catch worms" - meaing dig some worms. Unfortunately that is about all they caught.






The fishing was not good. They only caught 2 small fish and as you can see Hans and Luke were excited.





At first they wanted to hold the fish, but that quickly changed. "Throw it back" immediately followed by "catch a fish."

Great Giveaway

Check out these organic baby products giveaway.

http://www.sevendogsandababy.com/2008/08/all-natural-goodness.html

Products website

Check out: http://simple-reviews.blogspot.com/ Some cool capes for cool kids.

Giveway to check out

Check out this $50 giveaway to mango Ink.

http://whatsonmommysmind.blogspot.com/2008/08/very-cool-giveaway1.html

Oh I can't get enough of Farm and River Camp!

The best parts of Farm Camp are:


1. The haircut at admittance.



2. The mess hall is outside!






3. Corn, blackberries, green beans, beets, and onions are all plentiful - if you pick them!






4. La Crosse always has a great party, like Irishfest!

Farm Camp continued

5. Face painting and tattoos!









6. Campfires EVERY night. New songs added each night.






7. The "Exact way to eat a Smore" class.







8. Sunsets on the dock end each night.


Check back tomorrow to see what happened at "Project Fishing" where we first need to "catch worms."

backpack giveaway

for those going to cool school here's a backpack giveaway.

http://babyluxedaily.com/2008/08/10/oompa-toys-giveaway/#comment-2933

The Shrine

I was able to meet the Archbishop after mass.





The candle house is quite a sight.




It was just the perfect day outside for the light to come through all the stained glass windows.

The Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe

The Shrine near our home just opened this past weekend.





We attended the Sunday mass with Archbishop Raymond Burke presiding.








Here I am in my Sunday best.

The Shrine is beautiful and everyone should come on a pilgrimage. It is a beautiful walk that allows for prayer.

I can sure pack alot into the weekends!

Look no hands with Sophie in my mouth.
I intently watch when I am read to.





Bathing takes on a whole new meaning, when it is outside in the dim sunset light.




I must be on another planet with these huge hollyhocks towering over me.






Here's to the new razberry teether! My tongue even loves it!