Minnesota in a Nutshell

Wednesday we got back to Cloquet and the guys were off playing a round of golf so Thomas and I went to meet Ryanne and her kiddos at the park.  I did my best to get Thomas to cooperate and stay for a picture but it didn’t work too well.  Jack and Olivia showed him some new soccer moves and then they played in the park for a little bit before we headed home.

Thursday morning we were up and Grandma set up the sprinklers and pool for Thomas to enjoy.   He had such a good time running and splashing.  Eventually we had to put sun protection on him because he was not about to come inside! 

This is one of my all time favorite pictures of him.  His face says it all about his love for the water!After his nap it was time for more water play up with Maddie and Karson at their cabin.  Grandpa and Mike headed out to catch some fish on the Cloquet River.

Just to make sure he was good and tired from the days adventures  (mom and dad were going to a movie that night) we took him to the warming house to play and see Bristol (Lindsay’s daughter) and Lauren and Charlie (Katie’s kiddos).  The picture in the bottom right was from the last time the kids were together in September of 2010-they all have changed so much!Thomas got good and messy enjoying some superman ice cream with his daddy.  I enjoyed taking close up pictures from across the park-so much to learn and do with these high tech cameras!On Friday morning I headed up with my mom, Mike, and Thomas to visit Ashley’s playground.  It was an emotional moment for me for sure to remember Ashley and have Thomas playing on her park.   It never ceases to amaze me how raw emotions can be.  I am so glad that there is a place for children to run and have fun in Ashley's memory!I snuck away to go into Duluth to meet a college friends little baby girl and then it was off to Woodbury again.

At Grandpa and Grandma Laschen’s we again played in the pool, enjoyed dinner and the Babaganooosh got some snuggles in before our trip back to Seattle on Saturday morning.  Some of the pictures below are from earlier in the week but it works! 

Another great trip back in Minnesota seeing our family and friends!  Thanks again to our parents who help us so much with Thomas when we are home and spoil us all endlessly!