July 4th.

July Fourth was a bit different for us this year as Dave was on Saturday/Monday call. It didn't slow us down much as we still managed to go to Okoboji for the day on Sunday. Maggie and Jeff hosted a gathering with high school friends and kids during the day. It was a full day and lots of fun. The kids played nonstop while the parents chased after them. We returned late in the evening and all three kids slept in the car. On the actual holiday, Liz and Matt hosted a picnic at their wedding location (The Arboretum), which was so busy with all three, but really nice. Fortunately, I had many helpful hands. We missed Dave, but call comes with the territory. Sully really wanted to watch fireworks this year, unfortunately it wasn't in the cards. We will make up for it next year.

One exciting thing that happened over the weekend was that Greta learned to crawl out of her crib, in stealth mode. She came strolling in on Monday morning with Sully, no warning whatsoever. I quizzed Sully and he assured me she didn't need his help. Needless to say, that was less than exciting on a weekend Dave was at work. We are managing the transition better than I had anticipated but the reality of the matter is that often times I wake up in the morning and all three kids are in bed with me :/. Hey, sleep is sleep.

Piper is 8 months! 

And we started out the day with a reaction to Honey Nut Cheerios :/.

New green glass followed by "you are the best mommy, ever."

New swimsuit fun. 

Taking photos to send to daddy at work.
Greta- 2yrs 8mos, Sully- 4yrs, Piper- 8mos.

Taking a lake break. 

Lots of kids, lots of (chaos) fun. 

Piper meets her buddy, Juliet (both October babies). 

Firecrackers with Maggie. 

Picnic at the Arboretum. 

Piper and Grandpa Paul. I keep telling him not to
encourage walking. He doesn't listen ;).

Water fountain break (can you spy S and G?).

Reality.