2014 Summertime Synopsis

We had a fabulous, fun-filled summer vacation. The kids finished school May 29th and started their swim team season on May 30th. This was Amelia’s third season and Will’s first (last year was lessons). They swam every morning and Amelia competed in the meets until we left for our vacation in Washington. Will had to be convinced, aka bribed with frozen custard, to swim in the lanes instead of doing lessons. One swim coach had to give him a pep-talk regularly to get into the water.

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Amelia, Will, Vera, and Faye spent the third week of June in Iowa for Gramma Camp. This is always a highlight for them. They love running around the farm, going into Iowa City for story time and lunch out, and just having their grandparents to themselves.

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Maggie and I had some fun adventures that week too.

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On June 30th we headed to Washington for two weeks of vacation with the Knelleken family. The weather was amazing with temperatures in the 90s. We were able to have several days at Clear Lake where the kids went tubing behind Uncle Waylan’s boat, swam with their cousins, and visited with aunts, uncles, grandparents, and great-grandparents.

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All of the Knelleken grandchildren were together for the Eatonville 4th of July parade.

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We also spent some time in Seattle sight seeing and visiting friends.

The Ballard Locks –

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Lincoln Park in West Seattle with Laura-

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UW alumni babies: Cameron, Henry, and Jack –

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After a wonderful trip in WA, we flew to Denver, to continue our adventure with a week in Estes Park, CO with the Spencers. Yes, we are lucky!

We took a hike everyday.

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Here is the beginning of the Twin Sisters hike, 7.2 miles with a 2,400 elevation gain. We did this one with Amelia, Vera, and Will. They are amazing hikers!

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We drove along Trail Ridge Road.

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Horseback riding was a must.

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There was always something amazing to see.

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All in all, another great Spencer vacation.

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On July 23rd our Margaret Jean turned 2. We celebrated at the pool with Sarah and Hakon.

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Other highlights included a mid-week trip to Effingham,

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an amazing Cardinals game, thank you John!!,

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and a trip to Iowa to help pick and process the garden bounty.

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