A lazy walk across the Stone Arch Bridge and the mill ruins

Last big event was a visit to the Stone Arch Bridge to look at the raging Mighty Mississippi River.

Amelia says I am a little birdie. Feed me!

So Aunt Kjerstin helped.

Ta Da! I am standing here on the Stone Arch Bridge.

Looking at the ruins.

What used to be the river water intake to the mills to grind the wheat.

Airplane.

I am here over the Might Mississippi River.

The water is raging.

We are all here.

I love you Aunt Kjerstin.

An unhappy child. I want to walk.

I got my wish. I am looking at the river through the bars.

I will save you Mingah.

Almost to the other side.

In the background is the new I35W bridge that collapsed a few years ago that killed 13 people. It was rebuilt in a year, newer and better than before.

I see the other side. Almost there.

Horse and Buggy ride.

One, Two, Three.......

Swing!

Our Stone Arch Bridge (used to be a railroad crossing).

Mommy is giving me a ride. I like this.

The ruins from under the bridge.

The old Gold Metal Flour Mill.

Ellie and Erik ran ahead of us.

The boys have found something.

Ellie and Kjerstin

Boo!

The little mermaid.

Another shot of the new I35W bridge from river level.

Kjerstin needed some extra help getting the stroller up the hill, so Charlie hooked up the tow rope and helped. Later the tow rope became a dog leash and he wouldn't give it back to mom for her bag.

Como Zoo time

Everyone wanted to go to the Como Zoo in St. Paul. We got there in mid morning and it was packed and no place to park. So we backtracked about three miles past the fair grounds to catch the shuttle bus, a new Jefferson Bus Line bus, in which we traveled back to the zoo in Air Condition comfort.

Kyle had already returned home to Edmond so the rest of us went to the zoo. We were meeting the Smentek kids there to spend time with some other cousins.

Erik, Charlie and Ellie found a statue of a tortoise and climbed on for some pictures.

And then we saw Mairin. We found them.

Kellan wanted to be in the picture too and besides,he loves his sister.

So happy to have lunch. It was a hot and steamy day but we were under a giant umbrella that was over our lunch table.

Logan

Kellan

All eight kids climbed onto the giraffe statue for a picture. And them we saw the sign that says No Climbing.

The crew lined up for a rest in the heat.

Kellan and Logan climbing rocks. And then I hear, " Hey, get off of there!"

Behind that fence is an Arctic Fox. Millie, look the other way.

Liam is too tired. It's a hot one.

Waiting for the fox to return.

For a year and a half I have been teasing Charlie about sucking his thumb. When I see it in his mouth I tell him that I am going to eat it. And then really fast grab his hand and attempt to eat his thumb. I would tuck his thumb under his fingers and pretend to eat it. Then mysteriously make it reappear and put it back on. It didn't take long for him to do all that on his own when I threaten to eat it. He would say, "They are gone. I sold them at a garage sale".

Nope, I don't have any thumbs.

Oh, they're back. See?

Phesssst!

Oh, here is the fox.

Gramma with the girls.

One, Two, Three Swing.

Tried it with Erik but it didn't turn out so well.

She is just so adorable!!!!

Then they met the TIGER, just inches away on the other side of the glass.