Don't be a Chicken

Today was a big day. After hours and hours and hours of preparation, building, planning and researching, Brian took the kids to get our chickens! He had this idea a few months ago and did an amazing job getting the yard and coop all ready.  Today they picked out our chickens which are technically pullets right now.  That means they aren't laying eggs yet but should be in a month or two.
They picked out three different kinds and named them Nugget, Potpie and Blitz.  Blitz got her name because she lays eggs that are green and blue. If I have to explain that, you won't like the answer anyway.  The kids are super excited and Brian is like a proud new mom who wants her babies to be happy.  He's provided a very nice home for them, so I'm sure they will be great. I can't wait until we have fresh eggs!  Until then, I think I'll keep my distance.  I'm still a little bit of a chicken around chickens.

Birthday Playdate

On Saturday the kids got to go to a birthday party playdate at an awesome indoor gym. They loved running and sliding around everywhere and Brian and I had fun (and got sweaty) too! It was Cameron and all girls for the party, but there were tons of boys in the play area for him to chase. The kids had an absolute blast and were already asking when we could go back before we even left.

Camping Fun

Last weekend we went camping again and this time was with 3 other families so there was a total of 8 kids. It was a perfect weather weekend and we had the best time. It was a beautiful campground that was right next to the beach with incredible views of the mountains. We went straight to the beach on Saturday and because it was so hot, the water, which is normally too cool to actually swim in, felt great. The kids and Brian were all in, but it still wasn't hot enough out to get me in. But we did go kayaking which was super fun. 

There was a burn ban at all of the parks but luckily someone brought a propane fire pit so we were able to have the classic camping experience. I must say I am becoming a convert and have really enjoyed our camping experiences. 

All of the kids got along great and had the best time which of course meant they lost their minds when it was time to go on Sunday. I can't say I blamed them, it was an awesome time and I was sad that it was over. 

On the way home we stopped by Kris and Sarah's and the kids played with Lilja and enjoyed checking out the animals (chickens, horses, dogs & a bunny!) and we were spoiled by a wonderful dinner and a harvest from their crop- corn, cucumbers, apples, peppers, tomatoes and basil. It was truly a perfect summer weekend. 

Play Friends

One of the best things about this summer has been getting together with so many of the kids' friends. We have had tons of play dates and parties and the kids have always been great. Here are some of the best pics of our recent summer play dates. The kids were definitely in charge!

Wiped Out

There is only one way to describe how the kids look by the end of a typical summer day. Wiped Out. Well I guess there are more: drop-dead tired, pooped, worn out, beat, done for. You get the idea.
At least 3 times a week they are fast asleep on the couch when I get home because they can't even stay awake until dinner. It's no wonder they are tired, they have been having an absolute blast the last few weeks. Between swimming lessons, soccer, dance, play dates, splash park, bike riding and the beach, every day is an adventure and they play until they literally cannot move. I love everything about it and am so happy they get to have such an amazing summer.
Well I guess there is one thing I don't love. When they fall asleep before dinner that means we need to wake them up to eat dinner. That never goes well and they fight having to get up and then when it's actually time for bed they fight going to bed. Oh well, I guess it's a small price to pay for a summer full of fun.
Here is what I arrive home to find after a typical summer day. Life is good.

Summer Fun

While in Holmen we also went to the Summer Concert night on Sunday evening to hear some live music. The band played great songs that we knew and we enjoyed embarrassing the kids by singing along. We brought along a picnic dinner and had a great time. The kids got to play at the park and had a great time. The next day everyone was heading home but we got to go with Grandma & Grandpa on a riverboat cruise down the Mississippi. It was a real paddleboat and we learned all kinds of interesting things about the history of the river and the long standing rivalry between Minnesota and Wisconsin. It was a fun cruise and a beautiful day to be on the river. We saw ducks, eagles, frogs and even a groundhog.

Back at home Grandma had found an old suit of Dennis' from when he was a kid and we were able to bribe Cameron to try it on. He looks like such a little man! He also loved eating homemade huckleberry sauce and showing off his mustache. We had such a great time visiting Grandma and Grandpa and were sad to have to leave. We tried a new drive home though and loved it. The last picture is of a huge sunflower field that we saw on our drive. 

Game Time

Pictures won't do justice to just how cute it was to see Addy and Cameron playing with Etta. Cameron just couldn't get enough of her and even followed when she got her diaper changed and fed her some food. They loved handing her things and playing "catch" with her and even climbed into her play pen with her. Addy read her books and the kids kept checking on Etta to make sure she was sleeping, I'm pretty sure they are the ones who woke her up from her nap, but they swear she was just awake and excited to play with them.
The kids had a great time playing games with everyone. There was a house full of willing participants so it was great, but I'm pretty sure Andrew won every time. Maybe next year they'll beat him.