The Penns Visit: Edition 2012

Half of our friends the Penns came to visit for marathon weekend.  While we (especially Mr. SP) really missed the other half that was fishing in Canada, great fun was to be had with the contingent who came to Duluth!

We took a walk to the secret creek, where everyone got soaking wet!  There was rock throwing, running, splashing, sitting, rolling, and a lot of joyous noise before we walked back home and insisted that everyone have a bath.  Because none of the small people were actually very excited about viewing the race, we elected to dress up in renaissance clothing and explore Enger Park and the tower (which Kari excitedly referred to as the “sand castle.”)  We hiked on broken bridge road, and attended YaYa’s Prairie Fire Children’s Theater Play.  YaYa was a convincing peacock, a perfect part for a bird loving girl.

It was hot and humid, but we zipped down to the Whippersnapper race on Friday afternoon, and although we were hot and sticky (and some of us were a little cranky) by the time we arrived back home, fun was still had in the sun as small people zipped down the path.  YaYa ran an especially smart race even though she hates heat.

There was a bit of quarreling about who had the rights to spend time with the biggest Penn friend, and Signe was such a terrific sport about paying attention to everyone even though she wouldn’t have had too.  She and Mr. SP spent a lot of time making up new Angry Birds characters, and The Banana pretty much worships the ground Signe walks on.  YaYa had to sneakily snatch her away for some time together, because she was one busy girl.

We snuck in one quick trip to the rocky beach the night before our friends left, which of course involved most people getting soaking wet again.  (It’s kind of a theme around here in the summer.)

Little Kari kept us on our toes with her wonderful questions and observations.  She’s very much looking forward to her next birthday, and has big plans.  She also invited us to her house at least 300 times, an invitation we are looking forward to fulfilling sometime in the future!