East Coast Adventure

'Adventure' is an understatement- wow! What a trip!

My parents wanted to take us all to Philly to see the reenactment of the reading of the Declaration of Independence with is read annually the Sunday after the 4th of July on the steps of Independence hall. That was the rendezvous spot, and the rest of the vacation was up to each family. Because of Dave's work schedule, we arrived two days after the rest of the group an caught up on the family fun when we arrived.

We had so much fun exploring Philadelphia, it was really fun for me to explore with my dad as he loves American History, the kids loved being with their cousins in another city. We did Independence Hall, the Mint, had picnics on the lawn of a museum, Embassy Suites happy hours, historic dinners, fountain swims, bus rides (all 14 of us given my dad's senior discount, aka. free- genius), dance parties, random lobby people = family members(?) ;), and of course, last but not least, Philly cheese steaks. Overall, it was a success, but don't get me wrong, there are always the hiccups. Like a 'smart' elevator system which resulted in many trips up and down 11 flights of stairs (three kids in tow + a three kid stroller), an absolute zoo of an Embassy Suites free continental breakfast (but its soooo worth it, right? ;) my dad didn't think so! hahah). It was a week with family I will always cherish.

On Monday, everyone parted ways. The Olivers and my parents went to NYC via the train, Shelley and the kids went back to Sioux Falls, and the Munces went to Cape May on the Jersey shore. We happened upon our plans sort of late to the game, and I'm happy report, it was incredible. We stayed across the street from the beach, which was appropriate as that was the bulk of our daily agenda. We peppered in a few meals, mini golf, a horse and carriage ride, a promenade arcade, ice cream and a daily stop at the local candy shop (which Greta and I had scoped out online the previous week). The highlight for Dave and I was daily happy hour on the lawn at Congress Hall, this amazing historic hotel across the street from our condo. We felt like we had hit the jackpot when we stumbled upon it.

We had full days of sand, waves, stroller ride naps, and beach boardwalk jogs. It was a full dose of family, which was just what we needed as our day to day home life keeps us so busy. Its also so good to enjoy the family fun as the kids get older.

The whole group on our first night together.  

Oliver Munce gals seeing some history. 

Bus ride. 

This girl loves gramma b. 

Dave and I.

Group photo at the fountain. 

Grandkid photo. 

Little Miss Independent in front of Independence Hall. 

Greta and the G-parents before her bus ride home. 

Declaration of Independence participants. 

Big Ass Slice. 

Sully and Dave at the Natural History Museum

We have arrived- Cape May! 

The Sweet House with these sweeties.

I love group photos. 

On the beach. 

Greta. 

Sully + the sunset. 

Beach day- one of many. 

Congress Hall

Dave and the kids. 

Burying the toddler. 

Beach photo. 

Me + the kids. 

Horse and Carriage ride. 

More candy and treats on the Washington Street Mall. 

Congress Hall family photo. Christmas photo? Maybe! 

This sums it up- so much beach fun.

Creating a spot...

I've got a few photos/memories I need to post before they are forever lost in my phone...

Imagine Dragons with Maggie and Jeff. 

Post concert high. 

PIPER! She overflowed the toilet causing some water
damage in the living room- this was the final stage of repairs.
Good thing she is the sweetest thing ;).

Trainers are off- practice has begun!

Greta graduates to her first bike. 

Jungle gym fun while Sully is at speech. 

Dental exams. 

Piper- so brave ;).

Our across the street neighbors, the DeBoers, always ready to play!

(The Munces invite themselves for) Fourth of July fun.

Since the Fourth of July fell on a Wednesday, we found ourselves in town with no real plans. We laid some groundwork early and subtly (or not), and started nudging the Shocks about their plans and requested and invite. Lucky for us, they picked up on our subtle messages and it worked out great. We gathered to swim and eat before a thunderstorm sent us home to do a handful of fireworks from our own driveway. It was a great day with family.

Last minute firework stock pile.

Our patriotic trio - except Piper, who would rather endorse Peppa. 

I can never miss an opportunity for a family photo ;).

Greta- serious about swimming. 

Cassandra's Garden Party

When Matt and Cassandra got engaged last summer, I was already excited about hosting her Schock side shower at our house. She holds a very special place in our family's heart and I was excited to honor her. We had an excellent shower committee and had lots of meetings and fun planning the party.

The theme was 'Garden Party,' unfortunately rain kept the gather inside, but it was still a smashing success. We played a 'Newlyweds' game and had Matt's answers on a youtube video to play after Cassandra answered the questions, it was really fun and turned out perfectly. We dined on Cassandra's favorite foods and sprinkled her with gifts from around the clock. She had a great time and felt so special, which is really what its all about.

We are looking forward to more celebrations as we anticipate their wedding in September.

The sweetest bride to be (haha, yes! the paper flowers reappear).

Planning committee with the bride to be.
Kirsten, Sarah, me, Cassandra, Lauren, Amy, and Ashlee

Cass and Brenda (MOB).

Cassandra and I. 

Okoboji

We are lucky enough to spend a day or two in Okoboji each summer at Grandpa Johnny and Grandma Linda's (the Oliver's) cabin. Because of our European adventure, we missed last year, so were sure to get it on the calendar early this year.

The weather was forecast to be cloudy and cool, but the universe had other plans, it was beautiful, even warm in the sun. We played by the water all afternoon; boat rides, 'malli' mat, little boat rides, sand toys and swimming- every turn we took, there was fun to be had. After dinner we roasted marshmallows and watched firecrackers from the dock. Sunday was more water fun with a lakeside picnic and another boat ride before returning to Sioux Falls.

The highlight was definitely cousin time, everything is better when Isaac and Anna are involved.

Mucho thanks to John and Linda (and Maggie and Jeff) for another fun day at the lake.

The group.

Me and my babe.

Greta takes her turn at the wheel. 

Boat fun. 

Cheering dad on.

Mid lake swim.

Photo op at sunset. 

S'mores. 

Twinning.

So grown up. 

Greta girl. 

Little boat rides.