A wild turkey and her chicks came to visit on Independence Day morning.  Fitting, since the turkey was suggested to be the national symbol by Ben Franklin.

4th of July...watching the Eden Prairie Band at Round Lake

Waiting for the fireworks on Round Lake Beach.

Annabelle's 10th birthday.  Annabelle spent a pretty quiet day at home.  She requested waffles for breakfast, a rice salad for lunch and pasta for dinner.  Her first day of play practice was that day as well.

Her friend Jenna joined us for supper.

Annabelle and Jenna.

Annabelle's birthday creation.  Instead of cake she choose "death by chocolate".  Brownies spiked with chocolate chips, covered with hot fudge sauce, whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

Playing cards with Jenna after supper...a perfect birthday in Annabelle's words.  

Swimming at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park.  Nathaniel loves this warm, chlorinated swimming pond!

The Cargill Sales dinner...we welcomed 15 men from around the country to our home for dinner.  The garage was the only space large enough for us all to be seated.

Eating a casual dinner.

Nathaniel loved the big bus that brought them here!

Annabelle with our favorite librarian, Katherine at the Minnetonka Library.  Annabelle enjoyed a 6 week book club and it was the highlight of her summer.

Granddad and Grandma Cindy here for a visit on their way home from Canada.

Playing with Granddad in Legoland.

At Hyland Park Reserve with Granddad and Grandma.  Annabelle had a mystery virus that weekend, but insisted on coming along for the fun.  I needed my dad to show me how to canoe...and that he did! 

More floortime in Legoland.

Annabelle and Nathaniel hiking at Elm Creek Park Reserve on the north side of the Twin Cities.

Nathaniel watching the bees crawl into the hive at the honeybee display.

Nathaniel swimming with his noodle.

A picnic supper at Lake Minnetonka Regional Park.  This has become our favorite swimming spot this summer.