End of School, Start of Summer

Finn and I went to Willow River State Park on a rainy day. We were prepared so the wetness and sprinkling didn't bother us. We saw a deer on a hike and a turkey while driving.

Finn enjoyed playing in the shallows while it rained. He kicked at the sand and picked up seaweed.

The boy wanted to climb a tree. I looked around until I found one that looked like it might work. Once there, he wasn't too comfortable, so he didn't stay up in it very long.

Finn had already had his pre-school end-of-the-year festivities, so now it was time for Julia's. Westside Elementary had its annual Winner's Day events. The students participate (and the older kids run) different activities. Some were class-wide competitions and others were individual events that you signed up for.

The obstacle course is always a good staple of group competitions for kids.

Sometimes parents could participate too. Julia was thrilled that I got be on her team for cup stacking.

Another event was two kids trying to fight a large ball away from the other.

One of the individual events Julia chose to do was shooting baskets. She did a good job and I was especially proud of her because she was the only girl to do that one.

She excels at jumping rope and it was a pleasure to watch her effortlessly do her thing.

Another staple: the three-legged race.

A few weeks ago we traveled to Madison to attend the wedding of my cousin, Kia. The kids posed in one of the giant chairs on the Terrace at Memorial Union.

Before the meal, the kids ventured out near the lake to check out some of UW's fauna.

Finn was able to find a good sport in his cousin Kody.

It was a good opportunity for some nice family pictures.

Julia also had an end-of-the-year Girl Scout ceremony and party.

And sometimes when Amanda takes a nap, she wakes up with some extra baggage (but she doesn't complain).