Family Fun

Steve took the day off today and we look forward to seeing the area with them and enjoying an adventure. Taryn had no desire to go anywhere. She just loves being with the kids and in a real home. They have a wonderful backyard filled with all the things kids enjoy: swimming pool, trampoline, swings, climbing wall, a four wheeler, bikes, paintball guns, BB guns, water balloon sling shots... She was not too happy when we decided to leave for an adventure.

Mary assembled a wonderful picnic lunch for us to enjoy and we headed off in two vehicles for Boom Island Park. As we drove Mary pointed out the local landmarks and also the buildings downtown where she and Steve use to work. The city is very beautiful.

Boom Island is located in the heart of the Minneapolis Historic District and juts out into the Mississippi River. We are once again by the Mississippi river. Gary, Taryn and I had fun later counting how many states we have seen it from just on this trip!

From Boom Island we boarded the Minneapolis Queen for a cruise on the Mississippi River that took us thru the lock at St. Anthony Falls. It was a beautiful day and a delightful way to see the Minneapolis skyline. After our cruise we enjoyed our picnic in the park.

Steve smoked the most amazing chicken and ribs for our dinner and we enjoyed a feast of corn on the cob as well. The kids were in the backyard all evening enjoying all the fun stuff and it was such a nice evening.

Patrick and Ashlee asked if Taryn could have a sleep over with them and jumped up and down when I gave permission. The three of them had a great time together. Can't believe this is our last nite here.