One last soccer picture for the year

Soccer season is long over, but we're too proud not to share this.  Ida was named U6 girls soccer player of the year by the Superior Land Soccer Assocation.  She was nominated as being the "most improved" on the team and won!  Needless to say, there was no question as to how she earned the nickname "Firecracker" half way through the season. 

First day of school

Ida's first day of 1st grade at Superior Hills.

Henrik's first day at St. Christopher's Preschool.

Run Disney--Labor Day edition (FINALLY)

Chad & Suzanne took a short trip (without the kids--SHHH they still don't know) to sunny CA to round out the "Coast to Coast" Disney experience in 2013.  Disneyland, CA has a much smaller and different feel than Disneyworld, FL.  Two parks, three resort hotels and everything within walking distance (15 minute or less walk).  This was the daytime view of California Adventure from our hotel window.

And the night view, which was even more spectacular during World of Color, with the accompanying music being piped into the rooms each evening (if desired).

 

California Adventure was a blast!

 

Saturday morning we ran the 10k through Anaheim and the two parks.

Then back to the parks for more fun!

 

 

And to Disneyland park!

 

 

And finally the 1/2 marathon.  With the time change, running and non-stop fun we were pretty tired by the time we got home but it was a great time!  Oh, and it was sunny and 90 every day--what more could a couple of Yoopers ask for in a weekend away?

 



Random Summer Fun

 Henrik has become one of the guys at "boys' camp",

 

 helping with blind building and

 



 shooting the bb gun.

 



 The last hurrah at the beach (not many days nice enough to go to the beach this year)

 

And swim lessons.  Henrik is floating on has back (without help) for 10 seconds at a time and even a few seconds on his stomach.  Ida is starting to enjoy the water a little more.

 



Chad & Suzanne took a little trip to California (more on that coming soon) over the Labor Day weekend, while grandpa and Sandy stayed with the kids.  Henrik and Ida opened a hair salon,

 



spent some time at the park, made a visit to the Children's Museum, and generally had a great time.

Ore to Shore

Chad was the race director for the 10 mile Shore Rock and he (easily) convinced Suzanne to be the sweep for the race, so neither raced any event in the Ore to Shore.  However, Henrik raced the 50 yard Littlest Rock for the first time ever (on a tricycle).

He was thrilled with the award he received, but immediately said "I want to do the one around the building like Ida is."  We told him that once he is riding a two wheeler with no training wheels he can do a longer race (hopefully next year!).

 Ida raced in the Little Rock.  The 1-mile untimed race.  She did great and likely would have been able to complete the 4 mile race.  Here she is at the start of the race.

And coming in for the finish!

Happy Birthday to Suzanne!



To celebrate Suzanne's birthday, we took the kids camping at Tahquemanon Falls.  It was a cool August weekend, but great for camping!  We visited lower falls the first day, opting not to take them on the 4 mile (one-way) rugged hike to upper falls.

We did, however, take what we thought was a short hike through the woods, which ended up being a bit over 2 miles.  The kids enjoyed their "walk in the woods", which encouraged us that they might like some short backpacking trips next summer.

We visited upper falls the second day, which was quite impressive.

We even made the trip down to see the gorge from river level.  

 

The kids had no problem making the trek back up the steps!

We stopped at Oswald's Bear Ranch just north of Newberry on our way home and were able to pet the baby bear (who was eating Fruit Loops, by the way) and see a number of grown bears (through both chain link and electric fence protection).

Once home we enjoyed cupcakes and Suzanne got to open some great gifts (including homemade cards from the kids)!