2024 Part Two: Summer

We had a full summer. A road trip to Great Smoky Mountain National Park, a week at family camp, our usual Fourth of July in Evansville, a week at my uncle's cabin with my whole family, including our London-based relatives, and camps for the kids. Clare got to go to a friend's cabin for a few days, which was a highlight for her. It felt like too much, almost, even though it was all fun.  We might try to keep it more low key this summer, although I think I say that every year.

JUNE

For Clare's 13th birthday, I let her get acrylic nails. She was so happy. I also let her skip school and go out to lunch with me.

Christopher at Cub Scout camping, which I got to attend because Ben was at a soccer tournament with Clare.

Our beginning of summer tradition: a trip to our local bookstore, Red Balloon, followed by lunch at Cafe Latte.

We took a road trip to Smoky Mountain National Park, and stopped at Mammoth Cave in Kentucky on our way. We always have a great time on our road trips. On this trip, we also visited my uncle at his house in North Carolina. States unlocked for the kids: Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina.

We went horseback riding at the park...it was so cool!

Annual Lock and Dam pic in Mpls.


JULY

Once again the pictures imported in reverse order, but whatever. 

Cousins at Minnehaha Falls.

Yes, this is in Wisconsin

We had a great time at my uncle's cabin. My uncle wasn't there...we rented it for the week. There were canoes, kayaks, a pontoon, time in town, a sauna, swimming...lots of fun on the lake.

Oh, and mini golf, too.

The largest candy store in Minnesota.

We watched the Twins take on the Brewers.

We spent a week at Camp Northern Lights. We love our time at family camp.

At the pool in Janesville.

Fourth of July! Clare still doesn't like loud noises, so Ben and I have a date night at the fireworks each year.

AUGUST

We camped with friends at Glacial Lakes State Park in northwestern Minnesota. It was a beautiful weekend, weather-wise, and we had a fun time.

Christopher at the Como Zoo.

Clare went to the Fair twice this year, once with a friend and once with Ben. Christopher and I missed it. But we were fine with that.