Nine

Eric and Jonathan finally reached the long anticipated age of nine.  They did not meet their goal of surpassing Grandma LaFleur in height, but came darn close.  This year we had Grandma and Grandpa LaFleur, Jason and Holly, Grandma Miller (Grandpa was farming), Amy, Macy, and Erika in attendance.  Eric was up late the night before and got to countdown to his birthday with me.  We were 'camping' in the backyard, and many neighbors were lighting off fireworks late.  Staying with tradition, I abandoned them early in the day to go to the Art in the Park with the girls and Jason.  We grilled hot dogs and burgers and had cake pops, and of course opened some gifts.

Brandon, SD

The final leg of our vacation took us to Brandon, SD to meet Don's brothers and parents. The brothers all went golfing Saturday, while the cousins stayed home and had fun. We got to meet Mike's granddaughter/Shaleigh's daughter Kylen, who was just 7 days old. Megan finally met Mike and Dawn's daughter Breanne, who is ~1 year older than she is (but not as tall). We haven't seen Mike's family since Breanne was born (although we did see Mike at Wendy's funeral). It was nice to have a gathering that did not revolve around a funeral. Fun was had by all.

 Grandma LaFleur and her 3rd Great Grandchild, Kylin

 The newest Grandpa LaFleur in the family

 Eric and Dallas

 Pyper, Breanne, and Megan

Falls Park

Before heading to Brandon, we stopped at Falls Park in Sioux Falls.  It was beautiful outside.  The park was great to explore, although a little smelly closer to the water.  We were here once before when the boys were 3.  The kids watched some tadpoles and did lots of climbing.  Megan did her best to keep up with her brothers.

Barnesville

We took a slightly more scenic route leaving Park Rapids on our way to Sioux Falls. We stopped in Barnesville to play at a few parks and grab a few geocaches.  The Blue Eagle park got 2 thumbs up from all-it has some play equipment that has been banned in most places-a merry go round and teeter totters.  The kids enjoyed both without sustaining injury.

Long Lake

Thursday night we went to Aunt Amy's house for supper. After supper, Uncle Whitey took us out on the pontoon. We were so cool. The kids each had a chance to co-Captain the S.S. Fugly.  We tried fishing. No luck.  We had a near miss emergency when Megan's new sparkly sandals fell off the boat.  Her screams were as loud as when she sees the Space Alien mascot.  Thanks, Uncle Whitey!

 The boys (unsuccessfully) tried bare hand fishing off the dock. Maybe there is a Merti badge for scouting for this.

Life is Good

Evergreen Park

The sun finally came out Thursday in Park Rapids. Don and I took the kids to the little amusement park north of town. Thumbs up from the kids

 Megan was finally big enough for the bouncy thing-a-ma-jiggie

 Eric and Megan conquered the maze!!

 Jonathan flew up the wall his first attept

 Eric took a few tries.  He got a little scared the first few times.

The boys were slightly bummed that they were too short (by ~1/2") for the 'fast' race cars, but still had fun with the smaller ones.  Next time we visit they should be tall enough.  It will also cost Don and I ~$6 extra per kid for the wrist band :-(.



Vacation

Monday we left on our Summer Vacation Extravaganza.  We are keeping it simple this Summer because of The Trip we plan to take in Spring 2012....just going to my parents for a few days in Park Rapids, then meeting up with Don's and family in Sioux Falls.  Since it's vacation and not just another trip to Park Rapids, we stopped to see the buffalo in Jamestown.  The kids played on the playground-#7 of the Summer-for a bit.  We stopped quick in Fargo to drop some stuff off at Uncle Brad's.  Noticed a neat playground by his house so stopped to play there for a bit.  Once we got to Park Rapids, the boys got out the BB gun and the archery set (early birthday gift).  We shot Diet Coke cans. 

Since then, it has rained, so we have been inside.  We have been glued to the computer watching the flood in Minot-Don and Kathy were evacuated again, and the dikes have been breached. 

The sun is supposed to come out tomorrow.