Friends from afar

We were blessed to spend some time with our dear friends who live in Germany while they were here visiting family. The kids had so much fun getting acquainted, having not seen each other in 5 long years.  And us parents picked up right where we left off, although social media and technology makes it easier for us to connect from afar. 

We spent one softball free evening (thank you coaches!) at Minihaha Falls with a bunch of Ryan’s college buddies and their families. We all wondered why we can’t pull this off more frequently, seemingly only manage to make it happen when Paul and Renata come to town.

 

 It was a perfect summer night and I loved watching this ice cream melt around Lincoln’s fingers, knowing it would leave him a sticky mess but with a fond memory of summer fun. 

 

As the parents get older, we seemed to have multiplied, and this was only a fraction of the kids! There were tiny ones too that didn’t make the picture or the hike down the falls. (I promised Lincoln if he’d smile nice I’d take him down the trails.....he was quite obedient!). 

While in town, with temps past 90, we decided a pool party was in order for Paul, Renata and the kids. They ran out to buy suits and we spent the afternoon poolside, enjoying each other’s company. 

 

 

 

 

Our girls decided they are joining Ryan on his next trip to Germany....in which case, I figured we should all join in! Look out Pollinger family, you may get to see our crew sooner than later!

Around town

When I first moved to the metro area, I lived in the cutest little neighborhood in Southwest Minneapolis. And every time I go back and visit the area, I feel at home. There's just something about it that makes it so very welcoming. I secretly hope one (or all) of the kids will make this neighborhood their home when they begin their adult life. 

Today, we decided to head to that same area and do a little exploring. Sidney's pre-school had been on a field trip to a nearby book store last summer and she couldn't wait to show her siblings how cool it is. Wild Rumpus is one of those tiny little bookstores designed especially for kids that you will go back to again and again. It's not Barnes and Nobles....nope, it is soooo much better! One of the biggest reasons is that there are animals, roaming free, around the store while shoppers browse the aisles. Animals!! Plural! 

I can't think of a word strong enough to describe how much Lincoln loved being in that store. From cats to parakeets to chickens and chinchillas. Every time he turned around, there was another animal for him to explore! 

The chinchilla was hiding out in her cage but that didn't stop Lincoln from sticking his finger in for a little pet. 

And the white chicken?!, oh my goodness! At first, Regan asked "what side is the head and what side is....not the head?" because these things are just a fluff ball! Turns out, Lincoln was petting the "not the head" side and the girls sat on a nearby bench giggling like crazy that he needed to wash his hands :) 

As we walked out, this feline was taking a break in the chair on display in the window. She plopped right down on a pile of books like it was no big deal. Seriously, talk about feeling at home! 

Sidney had to demonstrate walking through the kid sized door. See how her head nearly touches?, it's a pint sized door just for the kiddos. Cool! Not to fret, the typical door does open too so we don't have to squat down low to exit. 

After we left the store, we were so close to Lake Harriet that we thought it was good time to head over for a snack and some play time. Again, it was a feeling of being right at home for me. My first apartment was just about 6 blocks from the lake and I spent nearly every summer day running or rollerblading around the lake. The girls have grown to love the lake as much as we do. We've had a lot of good laughs as a family on that sidewalk and we are so excited to experience it with Lincoln too....even if he wants nothing to do with a picture. 

because he had spotted the ducks in the water and wanted nothing other than to see them up front and close. He kept saying "quack" or "cuck" as he raced over to them. Thankfully he stood far enough back from the edge as he admired those floating 'cucks'. 

And going down to the band shell, I can't resist the urge to take some fun pictures of all the kiddos. The girls were pleased to let me click away for a few minutes. 

"mom watch this!" 

"mom take a picture when I jump!"

"ready....go!"

He's quickly learning and though he wouldn't look at me, he half smiled a fake smile and I love the way it turned out :)

Because he knew when we were done at the band shell, it was off to the super fun big-kid play set and he would have a B.L.A.S.T! 

Yea for finding some fun around town on this warm Friday morning! We packed a lot of fun into a few hours and can't wait for another adventure! 

Lake Harriet Street Car

While we were in the area, we took a trip to Lake Harriet tonight and hopped aboard the streetcar. Although we took him last year, Lincoln obviously doesn't recall being on the train. And boy was he excited for our little trip. 

Oh these cuties sure melt my heart (and the guy behind the camera's pretty good too!). Lincoln sat patiently on my nap throughout the 10 minute ride, not moving one single inch. He was in love with where we were. 

When the train conductor gave the horn a blow, his face lit up. I could sense he was feeling a bit shy and overwhelmed the way he stuck his finger in his mouth but a smile easily came across his face with the sound of that horn. 

He looks so little in that big streetcar. I sense many more trips to Lake Harriet in our future. 

 And what is a trip to the lake without heading down to see the actual lake. Regan was in a huffy mood because although we had just come from the restaurant, she insisted on an ice cream and it was a unanimous 'no' by the parents. I'm shocked she agreed to smile and it looked genuine!

Sidney, on the other hand, was happy to pose for a few pictures flashing her smile and looking adorable :)