Summer

Summer is here and we're soaking it up as much as possible.  Trips around the lake, Cassie time, music, birthday parties, swimming, a Twins game, ice cream and plenty of other typical activities.  We're very excited for our upcoming trip and trying to get things ready.

In bloom

It's been a gorgeous May.  We've been able to go out and enjoy the blossoming trees almost every day and have had lovely walks.  We are trying to enjoy the warmth and beauty before any oppressive heat and mosquitos take over.  We've gone for a few bike rides and played some volleyball and it's starting to feel like summer.  We also finally got to celebrate Kara's march madness win as one of her favorite restaurants reopened their dining room.  We've enjoyed some evenings out with neighbors and other friends as well.

Both girls recently had concerts and prepared a lot for them.  They've greatly improved with some of their work over this year and it was great to watch what they can do with their classmates.  Grandma and Grandpa made their way over to watch and it was fun to be out beforehand.

The girls' other school wrapped up the year this weekend with a graduation and carnival.  Nina is very sad to see the school year end and feels she made great strides in her Mandarin.  Vivian is less sad about it ending but also admits she learned quite a lot.  We are grateful for the opportunity and the hard work of their teachers.

The saddest news of the last few weeks is the passing of Vivian's beloved hamster, Ginny.  She became sick and lethargic and we tried to help her with some medicine and food, but sadly there wasn't much we could do.  We will greatly miss Ginny and it has been a tough week for Vivian every time she is reminded of her normal pet routine.  She has tried to redirect some of that energy to taking care of backyard toads and making them a nice habitat.  They have seemed happy and love to eat the ants she catches for them more than the crickets we bought them.  All the neighbor kids are eager to see the toads as well. 

April showers bring 88 degrees and more April snow

This month has been a weird one as it started with us enjoying lovely weather in Nebraska, coming back to a snowstorm in MN (now 3rd snowiest in TC history), getting up to 88° later (3 record high days) and then snowing again.  We've tried to enjoy the weather when we can and ignore it otherwise.  We had a great trip visiting Nana and Papa, and Ben and Kara got to see a comedy show from Brian Regan which was fun.  The girls have been busy with MCAs in school and some big exams in Chinese class too.  Nina really enjoyed watching the middle school play this weekend while Pip and Ben went to watch the Saint Paul Saints (with about 500 dogs in attendance).  Pip enjoyed all the freebies, the silly between inning games and catching a bag of peanuts.  Otherwise we've been busy with the usual chaos: school carnivals, dentist trips, making friendship bracelets, highway cleanup, and jury duty.