Those Nails!

This week was Leprechaun Days in Rosemount...fun! Last year it was cancelled due to COVID, and the year before we didn't go because we were in Chicago...so we were really excited to get back to it this year. We generally only go to the stuff on the weekends, but this week, Ava and I went to the Rosemount Community Band concert on Monday night. A few of her old band teachers and bus driver are in the band, so we had some extra incentive to go. The weather was perfect for the outdoor event, and they played fantastic. As we were listening to the music, I noticed people who were tapping their toes on the ground, as if they were keeping time. I wonder if that's a die-hard habit with any trained musician? My toes were certainly tapping!

The best part was the audience participation... when they played the YMCA, even Ava got into it, and did the arm motions. It was a great way to kick off the week!

On Friday night, the four of us headed down to Central Park to play games, eat some food, and spend some good family time together. It was definitely a different event than what they had in the past...and the best part is that there wasn't a designated beer garden anymore. We could get a drink and walk around with the kids! That made it so much easier to hit up all of the games and business booths. G played ALL the games, and Ava ended up getting some Color Street nails applied. They look so pretty! 

On another note...Ava wanted to practice painting nails on Saturday and asked G if she could paint his. This led into a very peaceful and quiet hour+ of the kids hanging out and having fun together. Love it!

After we were done in Central Park, we headed over to the American Legion for dinner (the kids ate from food trucks), but Scott and I needed something a little more substantial. There was a cover band playing, and G really didn't like the music. At that point, we were getting warm and wanted to head home. But, we had a few fun hours while we were there. We aren't heading back for anything else on Saturday (parade, petting zoo, food, games, music, etc.) but we're planning on watching the fireworks from inside our air-conditioned house on Saturday night...ahhhh.

G has a perma-orange tongue from the can of Fanta we let him drink...

Ava is really getting into the design space. This week, she freehand cut and sewed a new bag to carry to her summer programs. She has sewed some items in the past, but this was her first project that she came up with on her own. It has buttons and straps and flowers...oh my! I am so proud of her motivation to create something like this. 

I love our new patio furniture...I've been out there almost every night reading, or hanging out with Scott. He loves being outside, so will very rarely choose to hang out inside. This has given us a few good nights this week just to chat after dinner. It's been great!

As I was sitting in a patio chair, I noticed the sun peeking out from behind the neighbor's tree. I like to call this photo: Fire Sky / Smoke Tree. Sadly, our skies have been really hazy lately due to the Canadian and northern Minnesota wildfires. 

It's going to be another scorcher this week, so we're doing our best to keep the kids cool and hydrated. On Saturday afternoon, while Scott is working, I'm taking them to Cherry Berry. This will be G's treat for successfully learning how to do summersaults in tumbling, and Ava's treat for cleaning out/organizing her entire dresser and closet, without being asked. 

Stay cool!