Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium

After our tour of the cave we headed to the Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium.  I was surprised by how many things there were to do and see at both the museum and aquarium.  We also watched 2 short 3D/4D films.  Cale's favorite parts of the day were putting a log on the fire to keep the boat going and checking out all of the river animals and fish.

Crystal Lake Cave

On Saturday the 20th of July we made our way to Dubuque...specifically headed for Crystal Lake Cave.  Cale really enjoys exploring and what better way to explore then to walk through a real cave.  The tour was about 45-minutes and it was only 52-degrees.  Cale loved it....in fact, he liked it so much that when we got home we played "cave tour".  He pretends to be the tour guide for Icey Cave (that's what he calls it) and we walk around (in the dark with flash lights of course) the house looking at different sculptures (stuffed animals, rocks, toys, etc).

Tour guide:

Doing yard work in his "magic shoes"

Yes....look at the shoes he is wearing.  I didn't even realize he had them on until he drove by me on his gator.

Caricature

Spending 90-degree days at the pool

We spent a few days at the pool in the last couple of weeks since it's been so hot.  We've got a routine down when we are there....1) to go the kids pool with the big bucket, 2) float on lazy river, 3) play on the splash pad, 4) go to the big kids pool and 5) go to the chairs for a snack/drink break.  There are 2 big slides there that Cale isn't quite tall enough to go on....hopefully next summer!

Swim Lessons -- Cale's a Pike!

Cale took swim lessons again this year.  He learned to put his head under water (this is huge for him), isn't afraid to float on his back and knows how to use his arms to help swim.  I'm so proud of him!

Cale's photo book...years 3-4

I've created a photo book of Cale every year since he was born....here's my lastest book. 

Click here to view this photo book larger

Photo Book Tip: Create an adventurous travel photo album at Shutterfly.com.



4th of July

We spent the 4th of July in Independence, IA again this year.  Cale loves the parade because they throw candy (and freeze pops and water).  After the parade we went to the park where we ate lunch and played in the inflatable jumping toys.  Later that night we headed back and went to the fireworks along the river...they were amazing!  We only got bit by a few mosquitoes so it was worth it.

 

Adventureland

We spent a few days at Adventureland last week.  Cale was in heaven....he got to swim, ride a zillion rides, each junk food, stay up late, sleep in and shop.  The majority of rides require a person to be at least 42-in tall...luckily Cale just barely met that requirement.  He was able to ride all the rides in the park with the exception of 3 (they had a height requirement of at least 52-in).  I thought for sure he wouldn't want to ride the "scary" rides....boy, was I wrong.  He LOVED them...specifically the Tornado, the Log Ride, the Falling Star, the Underground, the Galleon and Saw Mill Splash.  He did go on 1 "kiddie" ride and I'm pretty sure thought it was a joke. 

Swimming at the hotel.  The pool area is perfect for kids (they also have a swim up bar). :-)  We also had a picnic on our balcony overlooking the pools.