July 31 - Home again because August is coming...  and that means Operation Decoration is about to commence.  Here are the befores...

 

July 27 - 30 Why go home when we can go to Wisco??  We packed up (again) and headed to the Mad City for a weekend of Bucky Hunting (finding 53 of 85) and nature hiking and cocktail drinking.  We explored and debated and attended a concert.  We worked our first event, and handed out stickers to all the PP supporters.  It was the best weekend with a perfect mix of old favorites and new adventures.  And, Colie.👯

July 26 - Final day of soccer for Team Brazil!  Harper loved her coaches and played hard all season.  Her favorite position was defense, and she (almost) scored several goals.  She took her hydration very serioulsy, and often ran over to the sidelines to give her cheering section hugs and kisses.  She made new friends, and decided she "might" do it again next year.  Or maybe tennis...  

July 23-26 we headed back to Rose to watch the beloved Tobias.  He was happy to see us, as was the other dog watcher, Skip.  We brought the Rays, and invited Renae for a party while the parents were away.  And just like high-school, we stayed up late and played card games.  We drank all dad's beer, and jumped off bridges and drove the boat.  (ok - we didn't drive the boat in high school, at least not at the farm...)  But, successfully took very good care of our cutest puppy in the world.

July 21-22 we headed to Foley for the final baseball tournament for the Sabres.  It was a good season for #10.  He was on the same team as his bestie, and played hard each week.  Bennett's favorite position was catcher.  He improved significantly, gaining speed, confidence and game play strategy.  But, he's not quite sure that baseball is something he will continue - and that's ok.  Being on a team is important, but there are lots of team opportunities for the young scholar.  We will see what next year brings...  We are proud of you, #10.    It's so fun to watch you play.  (But, we will be happy to watch you play in Knowledge Bowl or the Academic Triathlon, too.)

July 20 - Back in Morningstar and Harper finished her season of "Sugar Rush" - her recent baking show obsession.  It was obvious to put her new skills to work, making - from scratch - vanilla cupcakes and frosting.  They were delish.  She's already planning her application.

July 16-19 Ready to go home, yet?  Ummmm. NOPE!  We packed up and headed North to Duluth for some more family fun.  Hours of rock collecting and sea glass searching, building rock towers and meditating along the shores of Superior.  Breakfast at Betty's and a day exploring the falls of Gooseberry - not finding the Yeti, this trip, but likely next time.  Waterpark fun and sleepy faces barely keeping their eyes open long enough for the pizza to arrive.  Smiling - sometimes with teeth - and hand holding and picture taking and sun screen applying makes this one of our favorite weekends thus far.