Trip to Duluth to see the tall ships

We went to Duluth with Annie and Len to see the sailing ships in the harbor.

Watching fireworks the first night!

We stood in line for 3 hours to get on the ships! (I THINK it was worth it.) They especially enjoyed learning about cannons, ropes, and how to sleep in the hammock. I enjoyed thinking about the concept of "knowing the ropes"--that was a much bigger accomplishment than a person would ever stop to think about it. Everywhere you looked there were ropes, for each tiny mechanism of the ship!

The picture below is from the top of Enger Tower. One of the sailing ships was out sailing with a private group. It was IMPRESSIVE to see it actually sail!

Amara in summer Soccer

Amara enjoyed soccer this summer. (Unlike last year) She knew which way to kick the ball, and even ran after the ball sometimes! She loved it so much, she decided to continue playing in the fall.

Summer tennis for Emmett

The kids always get a list of options before summer starts and they have to limit themselves to one sport and maybe one or two other activities. Emmett chose to take a tennis class--a new activity for him.

Goodbye party

Some of our favorite neighbours moved away...they will be greatly missed!

Emmett at YMCA Camp

Emmet was in YMCA Horse camp for a week this summer. Dad went with to family night and got to see the camp with Emmett.

Emmett diving/cousins

Emmett took a diving class at the Y in the spring. Great form!

Cousins! (Amara and Kaylee usually try to match when they're together :)

Last picture with SweetTart

This was a few days before we put her down. She somehow had become paralyzed in the lower half, and couldn't get around or even stand up anymore. It was a sad decision to make. :( Since Skittle died 2 years before, that left us catless...permanently I think. (Too many friends who are allergic to cats...and we value our friends a lot!)