Minnesota Summer

Something I LOVE about right now is spending time outside. Summer weather sure took a while to get here this year, but once it came, it has been perfect! We try to take advantage of it with exploring nature when we can. 

One Tuesday Pat had off we ventured to Nierstrand Big Woods State Park. The temps were perfect to keep us cool enough on the hike. The kids were great with doing much of the walking on their own. We heard a lot of "Watch this!" as the kids jumped off the planks on the path to prevent erosion, or threw small rocks into the water. At the end of the hike we enjoyed a picnic lunch and play time at the tire swing where they got the uncontrollable giggles. Moments like that I'm glad my camera has a video feature.

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I ventured with the kids to the Scott County Fair one day. It happened to be "Kid's Day" at the fair, so there was plenty to entertain us! We explored the garden the Master Gardeners put together, checked out all the animal barns, ate some yummy chicken strips, fries and malt from the 4-H food stand, and watched a magic show. Even as rain started to fall, we grabbed a quick trip to machinery hill, down a few slides at a play area, and zipped through the 4-H building to show Olivia what it's like since we plan to enroll her this fall.  All in all, a great day at the fair! We would have stayed even longer if the rain and nap time didn't get in the way!

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We have done MANY trips to parks this summer, visiting all of the ones in New Prague (some several times), and even more in other surrounding areas.  It's always fun to do, but even more fun with friends! It has taken more effort to get this group together, as the number of kids has increased and our summers are all busy, but it's always worth the effort.  The kids play so well together, and this particular day entertained themselves with imaginative play and chasing each other.

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We celebrated some Clark summer birthdays at Tom and Kari's home one evening. I didn't grab any photos at the actual event, but snagged this one of the beautiful sunset on the way home.

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The MN Landscape Arboretum has been on my summer fun list, so one day this week the kids and I packed a picnic lunch and checked it out. I have heard about their natural play area that was newly developed in the past year, and it is perfect! The simple set-ups encourage pretend play using the natural resources like tree cookies, pine cones, rocks and branches, with other simple items like bowls and paint brushes. The kids put on plays on their stage, cooked with wood chips and flowers, painted the house with water, and went pretend fishing.

Additionally, on a trip to their bathroom, we found a greenhouse. Going in the door to check it out I was telling the kids, "Okay, remember not to touch anything." when I saw a sign that said "Please touch." Cool!  Because of touching it was a much cooler experience, feeling the textures, and even finding a cool plant that curls up its leaves when you touch it.

I knew I would have to sugar Henry up a bit to stay awake the drive home so he would take a nap at home, so we had to stop at this malt shop on the way.  They chose mint flavor. YUM!

We are soaking up these beautiful summer days and trying not to think about them coming to an end soon.