Home of the Brave

You're missing it, too, right? Summer?

Well. Just in case you are missing summer...we're got a few pictures from the 4th of July to warm you right up.

Felicity has lost baby fat even in the last few months!

The best way to spread patriotic cheer is singing loud for all to hear.

So their mom dressed them in coordinating outfits and made their father take pictures. Because that's the right way to celebrate our freedoms.

We shared a cookout with Tim's family. Papa, Tim's dad, bought the girls a kiddie pool, squirt guns, and a crazy sprinkler because that's what Papas do.

We brought the wine and enjoyed the fact that our children were happy.

In the evening, we went to Sarah's aunt and uncle's pond for food and fireworks.

Grandpa showed them the fun of Roman candles because that's what Grandpas do.

There was corn hole...

and huge hugs from Uncle Ryan (who wasn't an uncle yet)...

and sparklers...

which are always pretty magical...

...and eating, talking, relaxing...

And big ol' fireworks.

Happy 4th of July and many (belated but heartfelt) thanks to all to protect our freedom at home and abroad.

Now if that don't warm you up, we can't help you.

Fall Break: Great Wolf Lodge

Miriam's school year is considered a "balanced calendar" meaning she gets a week long break in the fall, a couple weeks at Christmas, two weeks for Spring Break, and two months for summer. Fall Break was this week and we took the chance to get away for a couple nights for some family time. We went to a water park this summer with Sarah's family and the girls still talk about it! So it was pretty easy to pick Great Wolf Lodge for our quick trip.

It also gave Mommy the opportunity to meet up with a friend from college. HURRAY!

There was, of course, a really great indoor water park that had slides for all sizes, life jackets for the little ones, a hot tub for kids, a huge dumping bucket, and plenty of space to stop and take a rest or have a snack.

But we were pleasantly surprised by all the activities for the girls that were included in our stay. Nightly story time with character meet-and-greets. 

Trick-or-treating (even if your mom is too lazy to pack your costume) and a Peeps scavenger hunt.

A Wolf Walk - this was a little too advanced for Felicity, but the older girls liked walking around the lobby and learning fun facts about the taxidermy wildlife. 

Plus a Cub Club where kids can relax away for the pool with coloring, crafts, toys, and games. 

Cute fox ears for the whole family because it's Halloween.

Face painting...

We really took advantage of every single activity that was "free" for the kids. And when we were hungry, we could eat at the four dining options on the property or head out to forage on our own. 

More than anything, it was just nice to be with the girls without the distractions of responsibilities we "should" be taking care of so we can focus on these happy little people.

And That's a Wrap

Summer is suddenly over. Pools and splash pads and air conditioners shut down for the year. The sun isn't shining into the kitchen in the evenings anymore. The kids need jackets to play outside. But that also means grass is coming soon in our yard!

We're squeezing in a few more zoo trips before it's gone for the year, too.

The new Sting Ray Bay exhibit is open for little hands to touch a real sting ray. Unless you chicken out at the last second and pull your hand out every time a sting ray gets close.

A few final dips in the pool before it's gone. And not just for the summer. Tim's family is selling Mema's house this fall. It will be hard to say goodbye to the place where we've gathered for years and years and years.

Mommy took the girls to a cross country meet. Someday these girls might be great little runners so we went to check out Aunt Nichole's team. Now the girls associate cross country meets with temporary tattoos and naps.

And finally, to cap off the end of summer, Miriam has a loose tooth! A new era for our family! Our children are losing their baby teeth and soon permanent teeth will appear. And she'll keep getting older and older. So we'd better go play playdough and hopscotch and dolls right away before she's too old.