Boat rides & Mayflies

On our first day together at Leech Lake, we were able to rent a boat (it's a BIG lake). It was really fun to get out to see other parts of the lake and spend time all together.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

It was Lydia's first boat ride (clearly she's excited about it).

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Ruthie and Eila bonding over snacks?

From 2013 Summer Vacation

We had lots of help to drive the boat.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Our vacation timing corresponding with the hatching of Mayflies. They were everywhere and would fly out to land on you when walking through the grass, by trees, to the door, etc. (although someone that worked there told us that they weren't even at their peak yet) -- they are just big, wiggly bugs that like to land on you (no biting or sting). Luckily our girls thought they were really interesting and liked holding them.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Big bed

The transition from the Larsens to the Howes also marked a milestone for Eila. Last night at the resort on Leech Lake was Eila's first time sleeping in a big bed.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

She was so incredibly proud and excited to get to be in a bed just like Annikka. But if this means less sleep, it could make for a long vacation (luckily there's a crib for back up if needed).

Flowers

While back in MN, we stopped by the cemetery to bring flowers to my mom's grave.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Even from an early age, Annikka has always been surprisingly understanding that her Nana isn't here to be with her. She will often say that Nana is in heaven and she will see her one day when she goes to heaven. She was very interested in going to the cemetery with flowers.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Eila thought the cemetery and flowers was just our first stop and asked several times about going to Nana's house to see her. (I guess I haven't done as much to explain to her why she doesn't get to see her Nana.)

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Overall, it went well and it felt good to do something to include my mom in all our family time. There's an obvious hole left by her absence, and I hope the girls will always feel like she's still looking over them.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Next stop, OSU

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Emilie is coming to Corvallis this fall to go to school at Oregon State University, so her grad party included this awesome beaver cake. We are super excited that she'll be living out here.

The party was a great time, hanging out and playing games. And it was wonderful to have all Papa's grandchildren together.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Eila and Taisto really liked playing games together.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Party nails

The first big event of our vacation was cousin Emilie's graduation party. To get ready for it, Emilie invited Annikka & Eila to get their nails painted with her, an invitation Annikka would never refuse.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

And to make it extra special, the nail lady added these small stickers on her little fingers. Annikka felt so fancy.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

 But this was also Eila's first time getting her nails done.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

She showed she could be a big girl too and was surprisingly patient (and very determined) through the whole thing.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Eila choose blue, of course. And was very happy when the nail lady was able to find these tiny stickers to fit on her thumbs too!

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Party nails on their little hands

From 2013 Summer Vacation

MN swimming

Our big summer vacation this year (and the subject of the next several posts) was going to Minnesota. We had time with both of our families, so the pictures are endless. We started the vacation with the Larsen side and LOTS of swimming at the Tappes with the cousins.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

It was prefect MN weather for a pool party.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Eila continues to be fearless in the pool (thanks to her "floaty suit") and loved jumping off the diving board.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Eila made it look so fun that she even convinced Taisto to give it a try.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Annikka, however, preferred to get thrown into the water by Dad.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Overall, just a great day to hang out together.

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

From 2013 Summer Vacation

Annikka's last day of kindergarten

Annikka's first day of kindergarten was a big milestone, but with everything that we were going through at that time it was relatively easy to take in stride.  Annikka's last day of kindergarten was harder for me -- how can we possibly have a child who has already completed kindergarten?  It's amazing to think about all she's learned over these past 9 months (reading, adding, vocabulary, basketball, and more).  This time is going much too fast.

From May/June2013

This is Annikka with her teacher, Ms. Carla.  Annikka was so happy to get to be there to celebrate her last day, she has pneumonia and had to stay home both Monday and Tuesday.  She is going to miss Ms. Carla and all the friends she's made this past year; she's transferring to our local public school for first grade.  To celebrate her last day, I told her we could do something special after school ...

From May/June2013

She choose getting her nails done, of course.  And now she begins the adventure of summer camps; wish us luck.