Whoosh … that’s the sad sound of a passing summer. Karen counted and between camps and vacations we have only three more whole days left with both H&G.

4th of July weekend, E&Z&H&G and most of the Imholte Family gathered at Grandpa Whitey and Grandma Dixie’s cabin on Madeline Island. Gus brought back special rocks for Grandma’s birthday present and being Gus, wanted them set out in a special place in a particular pattern and he spent a long time getting it just right for her. Auntie Jane delighted us by stopping by for a waffle bar lunch before flying back to Alaska.

Gus designated the front door rug as “Maui” and he and Harper have played Legos there for hours. It’s basically in the way of everything, but it’s close to Grandma while she’s cooking, so it’s really the perfect spot. (Also if Grandma or Grandpa get really crabby about it being in the way, it’s way easier to move the rug than the Legos.)

If you live in the Twin Cities and haven’t seen the Guthrie’s production of South Pacific, GO! It’s terrific. Before the play Karen and I had a delicious brunch at Sea Change; beautiful setting inside and out. The views from it and the Guthrie proper are magnificent. From the observation deck you can see the new 35W bridge that was built to replace the one that collapsed.

And the fun just keeps on happening: Harper had a week-long climbing camp, Gus built the longest Lego bridge ever in his bath, Harper gave Gus his second in-line skating lesson, Grandma read a lot (even while we drove around) and Harper read too (love it!), H got a tour of the condo roof (she had so many questions!), H and Grandma tried (and failed) to take a nap together. There was also playground fun, Kowalski’s sampling, running-jumping-climbing, and unexpectedly meeting up at Saturday’s St. Paul Farmers Market. One photo is of a typical (with drawings) Gus checklist—he does like to know what’s going to happen.

And finally, the St. Kate’s juried art fair was last week; Karen and I looked but didn’t buy. I think Karen had more fun just being back on the old campus and remembering it all—48 years ago!