Christmas in July

We're getting back to business as usual around here.  Which means nightly boat rides and swims.  Its definitely the hottest weather we've had all summer so we're trying to make the most of it.   Winter is unfortunately just around the corner for Minnesota.  Booooooo.

She didn't want to get in right away for some reason.

Changed her mind once I was getting in.

Not water boy - we had to really talk him out of the water this time.

He loves being towed slowly by the boat.  Me, not so much.  Hurts my back after awhile.

He's always so delighted though, so its hard to say no.

Yesterday was July 25th, so we had a few Christmas in July activities.  I put together a scavenger hunt for them.  Dylan "read" the directions and Avery carried the bag to carry their treasures.

We had to break to put on hats b/c the horse flies are STILL SOOOOO bad here.  Hats help a little but not much.

He's wearing my Warrior Dash hat and a new shiner he got yesterday from horsing around on his bouncy hopper thingy and ramming into a chair.  Totally goes with the hat.  I told him he was definitely a Warrior.

They had such a good time with this.

Finding the final treasure.

Sweet!  A box of cake mix!

And here is the Christmas in July cake!  I made the espresso chocolate frosting that I made back in February for Eric's birthday.  Seriously good stuff.  Give it a try if you are in the market for a cake soon.

I realize there are 3 pictures of her in a row here, but her smile was so bright because she was so excited about her "budday tate" part 2 (she was CONVINCED it was all hers and that it was her birthday again) that I just had to post all 3 of her.  Seriously cute.

She's not naked, she has shorts on!  Tried to take the mess to a minimum on her shirt.  So I figured this would work well.

 

Merry Christmas in July!

Memorial Day Part 2

Well, upon looking back, it seems I only took this one food pic.  The light was no bueno all weekend long, so food pics didn't look as appetizing.  Thats my story, anyway.

Here we are setting out for the inaugural first boat ride of the season.  It was much like our final ride of the season - COLD.  Windy.  Somewhat wet.

Avery ditched her coat and lifejacket and refused to put them back on despite how cold it was.  Stubborn.

This guy popped up right next to the boat, saw us and went right back under.

For some reason, Avery and Dylan are fascinated by someone blowing bubbles with their gum.

Rock-o made himself right at home with Jon.  They sat and talked about their shared love of bacon.

You know its cold when Dillybar wraps up in a blanket.

Natalie's hat nearly flew off due to her shenanigans.  Daniel's blanket was almost a goner as well.

Campfire time!  Daniel decided that he wasn't going to look at me once he saw the camera.

I can't remember what Jon was "OHHHHHH"ing about.

Daniel had to wait awhile for his s'more.  Being the 2nd child blows!

Here is Dylan enjoying his 3 year old marshmallow.  Mmmmm

Avery and one of her 6 cookies.  I had to put the kibosh on her having MORE.  She can be very persuasive with grandparents.

Daniel spoke to his mom for about 30 seconds.  He had no time to talk!

Natalie posing with her s'more.

And finally - Natalie learned how to ride a bike!

Dylan was nice enough to let her practice over and over again with his bike.

She pretty much has it down!  Just needs a little practice on starting up on her own and turning around, but she's well on her way!

Well thats it from us for Memorial Day weekend.  What a washout.  Its rainy and cold here again this morning so I think we're loading up and going HOME!  Apparently summer hasn't gotten the memo that its okay to come now.  I give up!