Itasca

Dave planned a camping trip for this summer--our first time camping multiple nights and the first opportunity to use the new tent we got him for his birthday.  We stayed for three nights, and had a great campsite with a spot for our tent that was sheltered by trees in its own little area away from the fire/picnic table.  We did have some rain when we first got there, and then more on Thursday/Friday morning, but otherwise it was perfect!  We had a nice day to hike, check out the headwaters and play in the water there, and swim and play at the beach of Lake Itasca.  The weather was a little cooler the next couple of days, so perfect for climbing the fire tower and checking out the visitor center.  We visited the headwaters often, and it was especially nice in the evenings when there were hardly any people around.  Thursday night was rainy, so we ate pizza at the cafe (they also had great ice cream!) and had our hot dogs over the campfire for lunch the next day.  We were thankful for a purchase Dave had made right before the trip--a pop-up shelter to put around the picnic table.  It was a great place to cook/eat meals and play games.  All in all, we had a great time and can definitely see ourselves visiting this park again someday!

VBS

This year was Norah's first year and Abby's last year of regular VBS (next year, Abby's age group does Sports Camp).  This year's theme was Egypt, and the kids were grouped in tribes.  I worked in the arts and crafts room, so was able to see the girls in their rotation each morning.  The mornings went fast, and the girls had a blast!  They loved singing along to the CD on every car ride to/from VBS each day and had fun performing on Thursday evening for the family night.

Fishing

This year's fishing trip was a little bit different than most--the cabin we usually stay at was double booked for a couple of days, so we spent two nights at a hotel in Detroit Lakes.  The girls enjoyed the perk of the pool and waterslide!  The weather was nice for the most part--one afternoon, we did end up at the movie theater in Detroit Lakes because of rain.  Fishing was successful, though, and Abby even held a fish for the first time!