Minnetonka Caves by Bear Lake

Minnetonka Caves up near Bear Lake. We went with G&G Hilton to go and see them. I had been once before a long time ago, and they were just as cool as I remembered them.

The boardwalk that leads to the cave.

The mouth of the Cave with Grandpa. You could feel the cool air coming up from below.

While looking at all the stalactites and stalagmites Brendan kept saying "Monsters". There's an episode of Curious George when he goes into a cave and the shadows make him think of monsters.

The Seven Dwarfs

Brendan's favorite rock formation. "Train"

Kermit the frogs palace. It helps that they have a green light on it.

It was a pretty cool trip. The kids did great. We climbed and descended over 1,000 stairs (if it wasn't that many then it sure felt like it). A very cool thing to do, and I'm not just saying that because the temperature was a lot cooler in the cave.

BBQ with the Johnsons

When Camille and EJ come into town we'll often get both families together to hang out. The Johnsons invited us over for dinner. We always have a nice time visiting with them.

They have a great sand pile, and a great play house.

Random Pictures I didn't take

One of my children (probably the oldest) got ahold of the camera and took some candids of the youngest. It was a bit of a surprise when I uploaded the pics to the computer and found pictures that I hadn't taken, and neither did Joey.

Brendan's paint job.

Brendan "broke" into the garage and decided to do a little decorating

Joey's bike got a really good bath that day.

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Michael's Birthday cake

This year for Michael's birthday cake we did something a little different.

A rice crispy treat bike cake.

Mikey likes it!

Fourth of July Hilton Reunion

We spent the Fourth of July with the Hilton family at Emily's parents house. (Thanks Emily and Emily's family!) We spent the day at the pool and had a ton of fun. Don't ask me why I don't have pictures of everyone else.

Kyle decked out in floaties and kickboard.

Brendan took a fearless dip in the pool twice and got in a lot over his head. He stayed away from the water for the rest of the day.

Elise by the deep end

Brendan and I near the pool, but not in the pool.

Fourth of July Fireworks

As per tradition, we went to the golf course to watch the fireworks with the Palmers, Hughs, and some Perkins. (It's Michael's birthday) I think it's so awesome that they always have fireworks for his birthday.

Camping out and eating on the tee that we always sit at.

Brendan drinking "juice" from Joey's water bottle

Elise, Braedan, Kyle eating the "dog food " aka muddy buddy's

glow sticks and the many uses.

Joey and I

Fathers Day 2009

Joey reading amidst the Fathers Day celebrations......

Jared and Michael are sitting on Joey's fathers day gifts.

Brendan took a little nap.

Dad and his gift from all the kids. (big grown up kids, that is)

Yea his very own Shop Vac. He is so excited.
Love you fathers in my life!!!!

Dandelion

This is Dandelion. He lives across the street. He likes to come over and play on our trampoline.

My new haircut.

So here they are, My bangs. I think I really like them. I've had them for about a month now. I haven't had bangs since the beginning of my mission. I grew them out because wearing and bike helmet and having bangs didn't work so well together. There are so many fun things to do with bangs now that I didn't think of 10 years ago. Now if you don't want your bangs you can just bobby pin them back. Or put on a cute headband. A whole other world is open to me. It's amazing what a fun haircut can do. (I'm also practicing taking pictures of myself since there aren't very many of me)