"Hot fun in the summer time!"

Summer is in full swing here, and we sure have been busy! Having the summer off to play is the greatest. Each day we try to have some sort of adventure. This summer Lily is taking gymnastics once a week and seems to be having a lot of fun. I don't feel that her future lies in the sport, but it has been a great way to work on balance, coordination and general fun-to-be-hadness. The kids move from bars, beams, trampoline and giant wedge time. I believe Lily's favorite part is moving from station to station as a train.

We've done a bit of work on the house this spring that I have not taken the opportunity to showcase yet.

Flower power in the front

New floors in the main level- disgusting old carpet is gone!

With a new little peanut on the way, it has been fun to enjoy one last summer of just Lily. We are SO excited to have 2 sweet peas next summer, and will be devoting lot of love to both then!

(little bird snoozing)

Playing dress-up with a new friend!

Loving on Beth's 2 babies!

Chillin' by "Papa's pool".

Dada and Lily in the water

Papa and Lily in the water too!

In June the whole Mitchell family went to an outdoor ballgame at the new Twin's stadium. It was a beautiful night for baseball and we had perfect seats in the right field bleachers. Lily officially believes "the ballgame" = a festival of food. She loved the home run fireworks, as well as "the wave". She kept trying to start it up after it was finished by yelling "Come on guys, one more time!!". Although the Twin's didn't pull out a win, it was a wonderful time had by all.

Lily and I supporting 33- Morneau

The whole fam. Beth held up a "Circle us Burt, we're having Twins!" sign.

It doesn't get any better!

We had another blast at the 14th annual Mitchell Open this year. Bjorn's team WON, so we felt especially proud of his golf efforts. My uncle Gordon got us sweet shirts to wear, so everyone was looking good for the event.

Many of the Mitchell clan

Everyone smiling- such a rare event!

4th of July weekend we officially kicked off parade season. We hit up the Eagan parade on the 3rd. It was fun to see several former students walking, riding, marching and cheering by. On the 4th we went to the Apple Valley parade, and it was a HOT one. Crazy to think that Lily and our other wee ones might be a part of the event someday. Lily has figured out that parades= people throwing candy at you. Pretty sweet realization for a sugar lovin' 3 year old.

Erin, Lily and Mama watching the parade.

Braids watching the horses walk by.

Back to the pool to cool off.

Dada and Lily in matching blue tubes- "cheers".

(Lily says cheers whenever you and her have the same of anything- painted toes, Popsicles, etc.)

Lily made her 1st trip to the dentist this summer. She loved the little mirror, but not much else. They were able to count her teeth and tell us that everything looks good. Maybe she will let them clean her teeth next time. We will see...

Lily loves to hide out in the landscaping at Papa and Grama's house. See if you can spot the Lily in the garden:

Back to the 4th of July. (Blogger doesn't let me move pictures once I've uploaded them, or at least I don't know HOW to do it) We went to the AV parade in our red, white and blue. I can remember always going to the Richfield parade with my grandma Campbell and always wearing red, white and blue. Not an easy ensemble to pull together!

After the parade we stopped at the Apple Valley Freedom days carnival and had people over for a BBQ at our place. The traditional flag cake was made, with raspberries instead of strawberries, and enjoyed by all.

Lily was excited to sing Happy Birthday to America.

Erin and Lily enjoying a wonderful little carnie game involving floating ducks.

On the rickety carousel horses.

Tootsing around in the backyard.

LOVING sparklers.

Getting reading for the fireworks display from the field by our house.

(SO sweet to not have to drive to watch fireworks!)

Not too shabby booms and lights, oooohs and ahhhhs.

Dada and daughter watching together- my loves!

Lily, Drew and Lainey at the Como zoo.

Another great MN parade- Lakeville's Panorama of Progress! (aka Pan-O-Prag) I believe it has been rated the best parade in the state. They have it in the evening, which adds to the enjoyment, out of the mid-day heat. We were able to sit with a childhood friend of mine and her children!

All the kiddies

We also brought Anna!

My 2 cuties!

With Brooke at a benefit for one of Lily's ECFE buddies little brother, baby Cody!

Having fun at an AV park and splash pad. It took Lily a little while to get wet at the park with her clothes on. She kept saying "We don't swim in our clothes mama, we wear our swimming suit!"

Feeding the little brother of another ECFE friend at our Monday night playgroup. Lily is going to make such an awesome big sister!

Lots more summer fun to be had!

Stay tuned...