Aboretum!

We took our first trip to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum this afternoon!

We had a busy day...so we didn't get to spend very much time there...

Here are a few pictures of the kiddos!

Next time we'll be sure to include a few snapshots of the beautiful scenery too :)

Beach Day!

We enjoyed a trip to the beach today!

It was a perfect hot July day for it!

We live just a mile from the beach- so it's the perfect walk! :)

(Plus we save $5 in parking :)

Gracie was guiding Eli along here...

They do love each other! :)

Beach boy!

Grace thought something was hilarious!

We had a great weekend with Amy here!

Amy and Heather taught fourth grade across the hall from each other during our first year in Saint Louis! Grace and Eli had so much fun with her!

Can't wait for her next visit! :)

Minnehaha Falls

Our friend Amy came to visit us from Saint Louis! Minnehaha Falls was one of the Minnesota places we checked out while she was here!

Grace and Eli :)

Close-up view of the falls...

Eli taking a little break! :)

Riding back to the car in style... :)

Daddy spotted an ice cream truck in the park...he couldn't resist!

Messy but tasty! :)

Keeping Cool!

Grace and Eli love to keep cool in their pool!

Shoes & Hats!

This boy loves shoes & hats!

Throughout the day...I see a wide variety of shoes on this little guy's feet! :)

For example...

Loving Summer!

I'm sure I say this way too often, but we just love summer!

I think living in Minnesota, makes me love summer all the more! :)

Here's Eli...getting ready to go down the slide!

Gracie loves to decorate the patio with sidewalk chalk!

Eli!

Eli loves being outside!

He's a pretty easy going little guy...

He loves to dance whenever he hears music!

Loves Elmo and gets excited whenever he sees him :)

Enjoys "reading" and listening to books!

Loves going for walks in the wagon!

Also loves to play with and "bug" his big sister on occasion too! :)

Eli goes to bed around 8:30 (sometimes a little later in the summer:) And wakes up right around 8:00 every morning...

He's a great little napper! Sleeping about 2-2 1/2 hrs each afternoon...

We love our little Eli and are so blessed to have him in our family!

Grace!

Grace with her basketball! This girl loves girly things...but loves running around, getting dirty, and playing ball too!

3 years old...and still fits in the bumbo! :)

(We have it out for the baby I watch four days a week...)

Grace decided it would be fun to try it out!

She's still our sweet "baby" Grace!

She's a great big sister (making Eli a tougher little guy at times :)

Loves to read books, play outside, take care of her babies, and color!

Here's a great big smile from Grace!

Fun with Grandpa Larson!

It was great to have Grandma & Grandpa here...even if it was just for a few short days!

Grace and Eli had a blast playing outside with Grandpa!

Grace's hair all curly from the humidity :)

Eli! :)

Where it All Began...

On our way back to Minnesota, we made a stop at Concordia- Nebraska!

Where Dave and I met and it all began... :)

We enjoying strolling around campus with Grace & Eli!

Hanging outside Janzow...

Eli enjoyed running around the football field!

Grace thought it was pretty great too :)

These two have so much fun together...

Outside the new Walz Human Performance Arts Center...

Fun with Family!

The Larson Crew!

We had such a great time with the Larson family this week!

Only wish they all lived closer...so we spend more time like this together!

Grandma & Grandpa Larson with all the grandkids :)

Cool Dude :)

Our fam :)

Cousin Brennen!

Don't worry, Dave caught him :)

Ring around the Rosie with Aunt Megan and Cousin Patrick!

Coyote Valley Trail

While in Colorado, we took a nice little hike in Rocky Mountain National Park!

Grace and Eli had a great time with their cousins!

The Larson Cousins!

Patrick 4 1/2, Grace 3, Brennen 2, Eli 1 1/2, Joy 15 months

McGurer Fam!

(Dave's sister Eden, Larry, & Joy)

The (other) Larson Fam! =)

(Dave's brother Danny, Megan, Patrick, & Brennen)

Patrick!

Brennen!

Grace had a great time throwing rocks in the lake with the boys!

Gracie running down the trail...

Eli with his walking stick that he found... :)

Uncle Larry & Cousin Joy!