Jeff turns 40 and other recent happenings.

We have had a full and fun week around here, like most summers, we are busy and usually on the go. I look forward to quiet week nights at home, but love the busyness of time spent with friends and family.

We spent Saturday evening in Okoboji celebrating Jeff's 40th birthday. Maggie had organized a party boat for the night, so Dave and I had lined up a sitter (actually two of them) to stay with the kids. It was our first night away from Greta, so we had a little anxiety as expected. The party was really fun, about 40 people had made the trip over. The weather had almost worked out for the celebration, but it was just too windy and cold to hang by the water, so it was moved to the garage. The boat picked us up at 8pm from the Oliver household and things were smooth sailing until we got a call from our sitter saying there was a bat in the house. Yes, another bat. The kids were in bed, safe and sound, but the bat had scared the sitters outside. I would have been out there, too had I been home. Ill never forget those feelings from two years ago when the bats arrived at the old house. My brother, Sam and Lauren and Elliot came over to scope things out and were not successful with locating the bat so the girls just slept with every light on. We carried on at the party and had a great time.

We came home the following afternoon and when we went to bed last night, sure enough, the bat arrived. He swooped into our room and I simply laid back and pulled the sheets over my head while Dave took a laundry basket and nearly destroyed most of our room (knocking over tables, almost knocking the light off the ceiling, etc.). He claims he was cool and calm, but I'm here to tell you, his voice was trembling and there were a lot of four letter words dropped, all in whisper though, as he didn't want to wake the kids (smart man). He did catch him and we were able to release him. The true test will be tonight. Hopefully there was only one, if not, we will need to take further action.

Im not sure what is to blame for its arrival. The previous owner never had bats, so its hard to tell if he got in through a door or if it has anything to do with the work in the attic. The HVAC people are going to take a good look around to see if they see any signs. In other construction news, Greta's ceiling is leaking. It has been raining here quite a bit and something gave in there. Fortunately its good timing. The contractor is going to scope things out and hopefully find the trouble spot. Speaking of wet weather, we had a tornado warning here last week, too. The four of us went down to the gutted basement and sat on a blanket for about an hour. Fortunately there were no tornados, but it was quite scary.

We are looking forward to a quiet week and weekend ahead :).

Puppet show with Anna and Maggie. 

Sibling pic on the booze cruise.

Dave and I in Okoboji.

Birthday boy and his bride. 

Jumping in puddles is more fun without rain boots. 

Sully, 2 years and Greta, 7 mos.