Summer is keeping us busy, and here it is August tomorrow! We have been testing out different fishing spots close to home and are trying to find our favorite one. This particular day we fished at Clear Lake, and you could see fish swimming all around your feet. We also saw several turtles and an otter kept swimming by us. 

 Addi loves fishing and we had a little Mother~Daughter fishing competition. She said, "MOM, if I win, you have to clean my room AND order me a new video game. If YOU win, I will fold your laundry for a day." Tony and I laughed, because the deal seemed a bit lop sided, but I knew I could do enough loads of laundry if I did lose to make up for it. Luckily I didn't lose. :o)

Daddy helping his young angler. 

 Addi reels one in and Kaden gets excited!

Proud of her catch!

 She's a natural.

Addi got some new shin guards for the upcoming soccer season, and she gave Kaden her shin guards from last year. He was so excited, and thought he was SO COOL wearing them. I gave him his first pair of soccer socks and he was set and ready to play. Addi is convinced that her new ones make her run faster! The two of them played soccer together for hours that day, and were so competitive. Kaden did such a good job trying to keep up with his big sister.  

Evening fishing at West Medical Lake

Kaden is such a serious fisherman!

 This is what Addi looks like after spending the day with her Daddy! She saw this picture and said, "Whoa! What happened to me?! Look at those floppy buns! I look ridiculous!" 

ICE CREAM TRUCK!!!

 Happy kids and their favorite frozen treats!

Today I took the kids to Manito Park to run off all their extra energy.

 We walked and explored most of this big and beautiful park, and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine.

We stopped for refreshments at the park cafe. 

 Strolling through the rose garden.

Our favorite spot is the Japanese Gardens.

Summer is just flying by! We have been having so much fun. Addi started her own blog, called "Love and Sprinkles by Addi". She picks out recipes, makes a shopping list, and then makes delicious treats to share with friends and family.

 Follow her blog at: loveandsprinklesbyaddi.blogspot.com

Addi has been working hard to reach her summer reading goal of 100 books. She is half way there, having read over 50 books. We are so proud of our little reader, and know she is more then ready to take on the first grade! We go to the library twice a week, and I buy books at thrift stores and yard sales to keep up with her. The library has a wonderful summer program for the kids, and we go every week. Last week the kids did arts and crafts, this week Mobius Science Center was there to teach the kids all about combustion experiments. 

One of the things on her summer bucket list is to visit ALL of her Grandparents. She had a wonderful afternoon visiting my Pa and Grandma Dee, her Great Grandpa and Grandma Dawson.

 ♥ ♥ ♥

We made a girls day of it, and hit the mall afterwards for lunch and shopping.

 Addi is such a fashionista! She loved trying on shoes, handbags and sunglasses, then strutting her stuff. She entertained all the other shoppers and made everyone smile!

 It was a wonderful day with my little girl.

A few days later I took both kids to town for the entire day. We went to several different parks, the mall, and saw a movie. After ten hours in the city with two kids, I didn't want to get out of bed the next day! They wore me out! But we had SO much fun! 

Brave was awesome! So glad I got to see it with my kids. It is the perfect movie for a Mom and daughter to see together. Cross that one off the bucket list! :o)

Montana

We had a wonderful vacation at my parents house in Montana. My parents live in the most beautiful place on earth! There are so many fun things to do, and beautiful sights to be seen. I could stay there forever! Spending time with my parents, and watching my kids enjoy time with their Papa and Grandma is one of the very best things in life. 

One of the first things we did was hike along the Swan River.

Kaden wanted to go to the beach and kept chanting "Sand Castle! Sand Castle!" He was mad we made him go hiking first. He refused to walk and insisted on hitching a ride most of the time. Whatta punk ;o). 

 Nice view! 

 My favorite girls! My Mom and Addi.

Addi and my Dad.

 Addi with Grandma and Papa!

 We enjoyed some shopping and lunch in Bigfork after the hike. The kids always like to stop and see the sculptures. 

 My parents yard is gorgeous and always has plenty of wildlife activity to entertain you.

My Dad took Tony and I kayaking on the lake they live by. It was so much fun. I can't wait to go again. 

♥ My Parents ♥

Kaden finally made it to the beach! We spent two days swimming in Swan Lake, and Kaden made the sandcastle he was so pumped about.

Floatie Fun!

 Tony relaxing on the lake.

 Time to take the Paddle boat for a spin! My legs got an amazing workout this day! Kaden kept yelling at us, "Pedal! Pedal!", finally getting his revenge for us doing the same to him on our bike rides. :o)

The entire trip was fun, fun FUN. Thanks Mom and Dad for a great time! Love you and can't wait to come back! ♥