Block Party 2012.

Here we are in the thick of summer, heatstroke warnings the norm, and yet four months ago we were in layers. Always hard to believe that in six months in Minnesota you can go from below zero to 100 degrees. What we do on our block is party, and the hotter the better, because then the kids are more likely to get a blast from the fire fighters!

 Fisher was not entirely sure he wanted to be blasted, but he sure did want to do the blasting!

 And the firetruck-checking-out-ing.

Alla ensured that all the kiddos would be cool by helping fill this tub with water balloons. In fact, every last one was tied by her. She is the only kid on the block who can tie a water balloon. (Either that or every kid has realized that she doesn't mind it, so they've gladly given the job to her!)

The kids were indeed kept cool by her thoughtfulness, and the adults were, too, thanks to a few icy margarita buckets. Another successful block party for sure.