Memorial day weekend

We need a nine-year old around our house. I came to this conclusion after my long-time (we've known each other since we were 6) friend came to visit with her family this weekend. Carrie's son Brandon, who is nine, basically entertained Zach all weekend long. Her five year old, Jacob, did his best too; but I think Brandon's older brother experience really made the difference for Zach. He followed "Randon" around everywhere; together they played endless games of soccer and baseball, and basically whatever else Zach wanted to do. Anyone else have a nine-year old we can borrow?

We had a fun weekend; a good combination of kid fun and adult fun too. We made a trip to the Mall of America, so the boys (the older ones) could spend their hard-earned money on unlimited rides at the amusement park. The first ride they went on was the kind that drops you straight down...
In case you can't see the look of terror on Jacob's face (far left) - it was not the right ride to start with. So after lots of false starts, the next ride Jacob was willing to go on was:Yep, the kiddie balloon ride. Brandon was doing his best to humor his little brother, but this was clearly not what he had in mind. They eventually graduated to the swings, then one of those nausea-inducing spinning rides, the non-upside-down roller coaster, the log ride, and so on. Jacob fell asleep, exhausted, on the way home, so I think a good time was had by all.

I'll let the pictures tell the rest of the story - a great weekend made so by beautiful weather, good food, a few drinks, and some wonderful friends.

Ok, I have to comment on this last picture. I think it may be my new favorite picture of Zach. Do you think he likes corn on the cob?