Mom's Big Birthday Balloon Ride!

Our family took mom out for a hot air balloon ride at Aamodts Apple Farm for her very special birthday! It was a beautiful sunset, perfect weather, and we nearly fell asleep with the fresh air. Happy Birthday Mama!

The Basket & Balloon!

(On Its Way To Inflation)

Balloons Beginning To Inflate

(So Excited!)

Our Balloon

(Almost Ready!)

In The Basket

(Ready To Go!)

Looking Up!

(So Beautiful)

The Take Off!

(So Smooth)

Our Balloon Shadow
(Our Neighbor Balloon Can Be Seen)

In The Sky!
(Happy Birthday Mama)

Landed After A Beautiful Ride 
(Bagging Up The Balloon)

Champagne Toast!

"Pool Dancing" To Stay Warm

The Anderson Sleepover!

We were so lucky to have the lovely Anderson family crash cozily in our condo for a day and evening! We  swam in the pool, celebrated Josh's birthday, and just played with the kiddos. We love you Andersons!

The Pretty Ladies Of The Pool

(Jeryn Being The Most Pretty, Of Course)

Benjamin Taking Josh Down In A Sneak Attack

(Way To Go Husband)

The Adorable Anderson Couple

(Snuggle At The Pool)

My Adorable Niece Jeryn

(We Are Sneaking...shhhh)

Happy Birthday Hosh!

(Maroonish/Pink & Gold Cake- Go U of M!)

Grandma & Her Snuggle Buddy Mara

(Grandma Is The Most Comfy)

Hey Dad, Good Thing I Have This Ballon Since You're Sleeping!

(Nice Parenting ;-)

Mara & Her Uncle Betty

(Benjamin Teaching About Minneapolis Summer Fun)

Alpine Slide

On our way out of Duluth, Benjamin and I popped over to the city's Alpine Slide. Being conservative rule breakers, we brought our camera and took our own photos. What a delight to see how they turned out!

Split Rock Light House & Gooseberry Falls By Bike!

This weekend we had the pleasure of getting out of town to enjoy Gooseberry Falls State Park and Split Rock Light House while biking on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. It was perfect weather, but the hills were tough!

The Beautiful Lighthouse

(Such A Gorgeous View)

The Enthusiastic Tour Guide

(Awesome Headwear)

The Light!

(Truly A Beautiful Thing To See Up Close)

A View From Superior Lake

A Long Way Back Up From The Shore

(Remnants Of The Tram That Pulled Materials Up To The Lighthouse Can Be Seen)

Taking A Rest On The Bike Trail

One Of The Beautiful Falls Of Gooseberry

(A Tad Frightening By The Edge)

Us
(With Another Set Of The Falls)

Hiking Around

(Command Presence)

Cotton Mansion

Benjamin and I took advantage of a little time off from work to get out of town. We stayed at the historic Cotton Mansion in Duluth, MN. It is one of the most beautiful B & Bs in Duluth.

The Sun Room

The Grand Staircase

The Dome Ceiling

Our Suite

(So Cozy)

The Jaccuzi Tub In Our Suite

Dinner On The Front Patio

Our Dinner From Whole Foods

(A Local Co-Op)

The Library

The Mansion At Night