Water

Water was a constant theme of the summer, perhaps not surprising given that this is the land of 10,000 lakes and the Mississippi River.  We often found ourselves in, on or near water as we went about our summer adventures.

Henry got his first kiddie pool at the beginning of the summer, and by the end of May it was warm enough for him to give it a try.  Here he is lounging in the back yard.  He's got it made - mama is holding an umbrella over him to keep him shady while he splashes.

One of the more unique adventures we went on this summer was a paddleboat tour of the Mississippi.  We left port out of St. Paul and went up the river several miles.  Along the way, we passed lots of great scenery and history, and even saw a bald eagle as it was fishing for its lunch.

Captain Henry!

We spent plenty of time in parks this summer, too.  Here's the family on the banks of the Mississippi at Coon Rapids Dam Regional Park.

Henry passed another Minnesota rite of passage when he went for his first swim in a lake.  We went to the beach at Lake Harriett.  Henry had a great time!

Our big trip out of town for the summer was a weekend getaway to a cabin on Lake Mille Lacs.  It had a picture perfect lakeside swing.  Henry and mama spent some zen moments in the swing, communing with the lake.

Perfect sunset.

Lake Mille Lacs is one of Minnesota's biggest lakes.  It's all you can see, all the way to the horizon.

Fun at the beach on Lake Mille Lacs.

When we can't get to the lake or the pool, a bath never fails to get Henry excited to play in some water.  Especially afterwards, when he gets the "baby burrito" treatment with his fun monster towel.

Those are just a few highlights of all the splishy splashy watery fun we had all summer long.  Hope you enjoyed our first themed post.  There are more to come soon!