On vacation

Jake had the week off. It was great to have him home. Actually, we weren't home that much. We started off the week by visiting Mike & Jen in South Dakota. Everyone had a great time swimming, & spending time with cousins and seeing the animals.

The baby goats were at the Bramble Park Zoo, where they also had a fat coyote, albino peacocks, and Maya's favorite, the Lady Ross Turaco. She's really into birds right now.

After a day or two at home, we headed to Marissa's family cabin in Wisconsin. We had a great time fishing, swimming and relaxing.

I found the following pics on Dylan's camera. (Sara, maybe you can pass the lizard one on to Jimmy). This is Dylan's leopard gecko, Sesto. Named for a Lamborghini, I think.

 The week before our family vacation, Dylan went up north into the BWCACWA (or whatever) with his friend's family. Looks like he had a good time, there, too.

 Dylan's bunk must be the one with the blanket Grandma Olsen made for Jake which Dylan claimed as his own.

I've never thought of taking a picture in the Mpls tunnel, but it is a good feeling to know you're getting close to home.

While Dylan was away, Maya successfully completed swimming lessons. This was a daunting challenge for her, but she overcame her fears of the deep water and putting her face in. As a reward, she got to go to the U of M Raptor center. She's especially interested in birds of prey as of late. Her favorite was the turkey vulture. Here she is with other faves, the one eyed bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. She impressed the tour guide by already knowing all of the birds given names and details about each one. She'd been studying their website for weeks.