Thursday, July 26, 2018

4th of July 2018

We stuck around for the 4th.  Chanhassen has a fun festival during this time, that we try to take advantage of.

The Bigs had their Well-Visits...I save Libby's for her 1/2 birthday so she doesn't have to go in in the middle of the winter and pick up extra germs.  They each had a quick shot, but quickly learned they were rewarded for their bravery by going to the festival...early, with just mom.  Until Dad got there with the Littles!



 Climbing the ladder to the bell!
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Daddy and the Littles arrived!
 Ring toss, Sally won a Rootbeer
 Emma's turn!
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Daddy and the girls were going to do the Ferris Wheel.  As we were standing in line I read the limit was 2 adults and 4 kids.  Of COURSE Mason and I joined.  It was hilarious and a fun memory!

 Too much to look at to stop and smile for a picture, MOM!
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 When you have a big family you have enough to play the games without having to wait for more people to join, which means you're guaranteed to have a winner in your group!
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 Libby was the winner!
 Dinner time! Of course she ate it all herself...Apple doesn't fall far from the Mama tree!
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Dessert!
 Cashing in her winnings

 3rd one has spunk!

The next day was the 4th.  The Bigs and I were able to make it to 9am Mass.  We got home and they quickly rushed out the door to begin the fishing contest.  They each caught a fish, but didn't come away winners.



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 It was a weird weather day with rain off and on.  When the Littles were napping we applied tatoos and played cards!


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Red White and Blue Photo Shoot!

 When one child is asked to take a picture, of course they all need a turn

 We headed over to our friends' the Carrauxs for a little party.  Mason playing the piano
 Awesome kickball game with the kiddos and adults
 a quick shower and then some sparklers...it was later than their normal bedtimes, but still not quite dark enough.  We promised the Bigs if we could see any fireworks from our house we'd wake them.  No such luck
 Always cheersing to my dad on the 4th.  The anniversary of the day he died.  Never forgotten.  In fact, he's probably remembered even more the older the kiddos get and the more questions they ask!
 Wonder what he would think of his 8 grandkids?
Mason learning about and loving snaps

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How is it already the end of July?!

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

The Beginning of July

The Beginning of July was hot Hot HOT!

The Bigs had 6 days of tennis camp.  Of course in different age groups so we had double time.  Thinking ahead to next year we'll be at Triple Time....

Summer memories in full swing.  This year vs last year



 Walking up to Tennis
 Some days are bliss!
 Keepin' him busy
 Staying cool
 I spy a cute LJ in pink shorts waiting her turn
 One of the super hot days, Miss Sally taking a water break in the shade
 Not many people signed up for this session because it was so close to the 4th.  Libby's last day she was the only one that showed up.  Solo lesson, sisters popped in to help when it was time to pick up balls.
 We found a spot in the shade where I could still see my tennis girls.  Helped pass the time less stressfully
 Somedays we make it out the door with no shouting or fighting

 So stinkin' cute

 June was Libby's 1/2 birthday so she got a date night with Reid.   She wanted a giant pretzel from Crooked Pint.  Added bonus, one of our faves works there!

 Success!
 They did a walk around the pond
 and DQ for dessert
 Crushin'
 Meanwhile Mama took the other 3 for a walk
 She loves her Daddy
 He sets a great example for them!

 We hit up or hidden gem of a beach.  It's tucked away, not many know about it, we almost always have had the place to ourselves when we go.  This is how we roll to the beach...this is also why Mama doesn't try to do this on her own during the week...
 We have arrived
 Makin' a train
 and then a fish bit my toe!!
 Buildin' things
 Love him

 Mason and I headed back a few minutes before the gang so I could get him changed and be ready to help tackle the rest of the crew....ready or not, here they come!
 Praying a Rosary for Father Don's last Mass at his parish
 Our Parish doesn't have donut Sunday in the summer.  So after Mass we headed to Costco...Sunday morning Costco Muffins the size of their head...allowing Mommy to quick grab the things she needs.  Look at Mason!!
 Makin' sure he got a sip of Mom's smoothie
 Successful naps!

 Neighborhood Chipmunk release party!
 Sally was prepping for Walker.  So sweet, love the innocent misspelled words
 "Self phones"


 Quick morning cut.  The seat didn't have a buckle, so I had to keep him in place.  We got creative with snacks and peek-a-boo with the comb
 Sally took the pictures :)
 The Girls are obsessed with doing hair and massaging feet, ain't no complainin' over here.  They insist on taking a picture when they're done

 I got creative a mowed the lawn while all 4 were home and awake.  Sally was in charge.  They did great.  I had about 10 minutes left and Mason was starting to get restless so Sally put him in his bike and they all walked the cul-de-sacs! WINNING...my neighbors probably think I'm nuts
 Daddy's turn for Salon while Mommy got a night out with Kari

 These two! I could watch them all day.  She is SO good to him and watches him more closely than I do, sometimes.  I would 100% trust her to watch him for a period of time.  Big families rock and have so many hidden gems and blessings!

 A peaceful morning where the kids were free to explore.  Not too hot, not too cold and nothing on the agenda


We're loving summer! It's going way too fast!