Addy's Last Day At Maple Tree Day School

After 3 years of great care it's time for Adeline to move on from Maple Tree to make way for more little learners to come in and get prepared for Kindergarten.  I can't Thank the staff enough for how much they've taught my Princess over the years.

Hot Tub'n It

Kindergarten Camp

Addy is attending school this week for a couple hours each morning to prepare her for the real thing which is fast approaching.  Today she and her little classmates got the chance to ride a school bus to the other elementary school on the opposite side of town.  Upon her return to school she colored this picture to remember the ride.  I'm thankful that SSP offers this Kindergarten Camp.  It's given her the chance to spend time with her Kindergarten Teacher before school starts, she's meeting many of her classmates, she's learning the layout of the school, and she got to ride a bus.  There are bound to be tears shed on the first day of school anyway (this girl is a little on the quiet/shy side at first) but this week will certainly help calm many of her worries.    

 

Kickin' It Old School

So tonight, since it was so dreary outside and I couldn't get in my usual evening walk, I signed on to Amazon and searched for an aerobic workout to help me get my steps in for the day.  I had to laugh at the reminder of fashionable gym attire in the 80's.  Who, in their right mind, would find these get-ups comfortable or attractive?  I commend them, however, on the good workout.

 

Celebrating A Cavity Free Visit To The Dentist

Summer...Please Don't Leave!

I found this leaf while out on my walk this morning.  Yes it's beautiful...but it made me sad thinking that Summer will soon be drawing to a close and colorful leaves like this one will be the norm. 

Splash Pad Fun

Addy has been begging me to take her to the new splash pad in Woodbury, so tonight after dinner I granted her wish and let her burn off some of her endless energy running through the water features.  She absolutely loved it.

Daddy's Week Of Fun With The Kids

With our Summer Nanny away on vacation last week, Daddy took the entire week off to spend with the kids.  As reported earlier...the fun began with a camping trip.  They did some exploring, geocaching, and cooking over the fire but that was intermixed with complaints about the heat, the bugs, and how boring it was to be without television, electronics, and a telephone that had a very good signal.  Pat said he was really really close to packing the car up and heading home for the night when they had all just fallen asleep only to be awakened by Buddy who needed to be accompanied to the outdoor restroom.  I guess camping is one thing we can cross off the McLaughlin's To Do List.

On their way home from camping, they stopped at Wild Mountain where they got to ride up a ski lift, come down the hill on wheeled slides, and play some mini golf.

Tuesday was spent at the Como Zoo looking at the animals and riding a few of the rides.

There may have been a trip or two to McDonalds and the ice cream shop throughout the week.

On Wednesday, Dad and the big kids went to the Twins game.  Unfortunately the Twins got crushed by the Pirates that afternoon, but it was a beautiful day to be out at the ballpark.

Friday was the day that the kids can hardly wait for each Summer....Valleyfair day!  They spent 8 hours of fun riding the rides.  This year was the first time Buddy got his money's worth out of his ticket as he was brave and tried the roller coasters and big attractions....and by golly, he liked it!

 

And this last one basically sums things up nicely about how Daddy feels now that this week is over.