family time

i got to spend ten days in minnesota in july, enjoying quality time with my family. i also brought an end to the heat spell that had been plaguing the state. you are welcome, minnesotans! birthdays, fishing, music, and visiting friends...it was a good visit. but as always, too short! the highlights in photos...

 alexandra turned three - which of course meant that she had to blow out her three candles three times. this was round #2. her awesome grandma made her a very pretty butterfly cake...just like the one i got for my fifth birthday! stephanie also turned a larger number than three - but she didn't want to blow out any candles...not even once! :)

 kieran fished as much as he could...

 and managed to catch a few that were of respectable size

 luke did some fishing as well, but seemed to enjoy swimming much more

 the whole crew, including dogs, joining in the swimming/fishing fun

 madeline and her brothers

 sweet madeline - who is officially taller than three of four foley women...but she is certain to pass stephanie in short order!

 my brother cruising us around the lake

a family outing on lake rachel

my mom and i had a picnic with my dad on the anniversary when, as my nephew says, grandpa got his blue wings. miss you, dad!