The Maas Munchkins: Summer Sun

The last week and a half have been perfect for outdoor activities. Mommy, Emma and Analise have been hanging out at the playground and beach as well as playing in our new backyard pool. We also had a chance to visit with Mommy's friends Yeng and Erin last week. We made fresh spring rolls at Yeng and Sofie's house. Ani loved all the attention that she received from Yeng's relatives. Someone always wanted to hold or play with her.

The public library seems to be the place you'll find us on Mondays this summer. They have a great family story time with interactive songs and activities. Emma loves the voices that the librarian uses when she reads books from a variety of topics. Each week we come home with new songs that Emma repeats over and over.

Wednesdays and Thursdays are usually our days to go to new locations or visit some of our old favorites. Last week we visited the White Bear Lake beach and made sand castles. Emma loved trying to get Mommy and Ani wet with her shovel. We also made a trip to Como Zoo and heard a zebra barking for the first time. Since it was still somewhat chilly out, we were still able to see the Arctic fox. The trip wrapped up with an appearance from the giant tortoise. Mommy has no idea how he moves such a big shell!

This past Friday we were lucky to visit the Children's Museum when it was not too crowded. Analise played in the Habitot pond and Emma blew bubbles, climbed walls, played with large blocks and danced to her favorite songs. In the afternoon, we headed to the Community Center for Floatation Fridays. Emma loves swimming with tubes and has been eying the large floatation devices that the older kids get to use. Perhaps if Mommy goes to get a life jacket, Emma can jump off the big inflatables too.

Over the weekend, we went to Shakespeare in the Park with Daddy (both girls sat mesmerized by the actors for over an hour), walked around the Groveland Park area of St. Paul, spent some time at the Community Center taking a tumbling class, went for a ride in Grandpa's convertible, visited the Farmer's Market and rode the Light Rail downtown St. Paul.