Sparks Family: 2014

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Heading out West

Today we took off for our Yellowstone vacation. It was a day of "the biggest:" the biggest otter, prairie chicken, buffalo. cow.

We also met up with my sister, Gayle, and her family, in Fargo, ND as they were returning from visiting Mike's family in Billings, MT.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

A Day in Afton

We went to get brunch at the Sail Away Cafe this morning, then headed over to the Marina. We couldn't believe the flooding!

New Car

Yesterday we decided to finally bite the bullet and replace my car. Here are some photo's of our 2015 Volvo S60!!

Overnighter at the Cabin

We went up to the cabin with my mom for a one night stay. The water was receding, but still high. The dock and boat had been removed from the water, so they wouldn't float away. Evidently someone else's boat wasn't so lucky - got untethered, floated and then sank in the middle of the lake! We still had a relaxing visit!

Grammy making lunch

Hot dogs stuffed with cheese and wrapped with bacon. So healthy!

Bren watching Pacific Rim

Charlotte's favorite game, Quirkle.

Day Trip to St. Thomas

I took the kids to my undergraduate alma mater, the University of St. Thomas one afternoon. First, we dined at the newly renovated Cosetta's downtown St. Paul and then headed over to look around the university. Then we stopped by the Mississippi river for a quick glance at the view. This has been the year of lots of flooding and fast-moving waters! I don't think I've ever heard the word "crest" on the news quite as much as I have this summer!

Cosetta's

University of St. Thomas

Mississippi River

Father's Day 2014

What a great day for a car trip. We went to Marine on St. Croix for their lovely chocolate shop. Then toured the sculptures at the Franconia outdoor sculpture park. Hit Taylor's Falls and then over to Paradise Landing in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin.