Munstream.Advenures: Gull Point State Park and Okoboji.

We combined the best of both worlds by bringing the Airstream to Okoboji for a weekend of outdoor excitement. We had the airstream packed and ready and picked up the kids from camp on our way out of town. The drive was a quick 90 minutes and the kids were so exhausted from camp that it was quiet and easy. Our campsite on the other had, was not ;). Fortunately, the campers next to us gave Dave some swift advice and for the first time, we were parked at a backwards spot. Oh well. Mag and the kids popped over from their cabin and picked up the kids so Dave and I could get settled, and just like that, the weekend was underway. 

We spent the evening with pizza, a boat ride, and ice cream. Pretty top notch. We slept hard that night and enjoyed a slow rainy morning the following day before making our way back to the Oliver's. We went for lunch on the water and came back in a storm none of us were expecting. The kids loved the speed and wild ride, the adults tolerated it. The weather cleared in time for an Airstream cookout with the group, which grew by a handful as Jeff's brother Jack and his family arrived from Arizona that afternoon. It was so much fun, and at the end of the evening, the kids busied themselves in the Airstream with games while the adults enjoyed some time by the bonfire.

Sunday brought more beach time before we loaded up and returned home. It was a fun twist to our adventures and a definite win. 

The gals on the tube. 

The boys- note Sully's leg. He is obsessed with going crazy. 

The gang. 

An ice cream break. 

The bartender.

Sully loves everything about his time with Isaac. 

Dave and Jeff

The moms, Mag and I. 

Toss toss. 

When the storm hits. 

Hilariously funny. 

Cookout. 

The kids on the inside, adults outside. 

Father's Day

Father's Day was a great day, but incredibly hot and windy. We attempted to spend the afternoon at the pool, but the lack of shade and abundance of wind cut those plans short. We had fun anyway. My family gathered at my parent's house for a Father's Day deck party, it was perfectly pleasant on their patio. I'm so thankful my kid's have such a great and involved dad, and grateful for my dad and the lessons and love he has provided me. 

Father's Day Dave 

Dave with the kids and their Oak Tree.

Zoomed out for the full effect. :)

Celebrating with my own dear old dad.

Getting into the Summer Groove

We quickly slipped into the summer groove with so many fun things. Sully played spring baseball, Greta played spring softball, and in-between that business, the kids participated in Augie Rec Camp (the final year for Sully) and Leif Ericson, had lots of impromptu get togethers with the girls next door (forever grateful for those relationships), and pool dates whenever the opportunity presented itself. 

The most notable event for Sully is likely his overnight at Leif Ericson. He was so brave but nervous about it from day 1, he decided he was ready for it and took the leap. When he got on the bus on Thursday, I said, see you tomorrow! It was his first overnight ever away from home and from Dave or I, and I was so nervous, but so proud of his bravery. I was so happy to get him in my arms on Friday afternoon, he ran to my arms and told me how much he missed me. I had snuck a few items into his sleeping bag as mom-reminders and he confessed that when he was feeling sad, he found them and took a moment to remember me. He is so tender. He said he had so much fun but didn't sleep well and really missed us and that he never wants to do it again, we will see. 

Bring on more summer! 

Rec Camp with Elin.

Impromptu neighbor fun.

Jo

Ice Cream and a bonfire. 

Greta plays ball. 

Greta and her good friend Lola. 

Sully plays ball! 

Sully's team photo. 

Movie night with the Erie's

The Catalpa Tree blooms, a bit later this year. 

All three at Lief Ericson- all day! 

Ready to go with his overnight gear. 

Sweet trio, I love them so much. 

Sarah's baby shower.

My niece, Sarah and her husband, Troy are having a baby! We are so excited for them and this journey. So...we celebrated! 

We had a top notch crew, Lauren, Ashlee, Cassandra, Amy, Kirsten and I threw and incredibly special shower for Sarah. In Troy's words, bougey. Everything turned out great. Our theme was 'a new chapter begins,' and we based the food items off of well known children's books. We had a mac and cheese bar, salad, veggies, fruit, cookies and cupcakes. We made a lovely balloon arch and I cut flowers from my mom's garden. Everything was simply lovely, and Sarah was so sweet and appreciative, I just wish we could do it over again. 

We cannot wait for the sweet baby's arrival.  xoxoxoxox Sarah and Troy! 

Details 

More details. 

Happy hour. 

The hostesses.

First look. 

Sweet Sarah. 

The food. 

The group. 

Lauren

Refilling or taking? ;)

Gift opening. 

Doting on Sarah and babe. 

Munstream.Adventures: Ponca State Park

We kicked off the summer camping adventures with a visit to Ponca State Park in Nebraska, about 90 miles from home. Dave and I had both heard great things about this park, so we were excited to check it out in person. We arrived on Friday early evening and were immediately impressed with the waterpark upon entry. The kids were so eager to check it out, but we held them off as Anna and Maggie planned to arrive the following day and it was on our agenda.

We found our space and got situated. We had a huge camp spot, but it had a deep slope, making it hard to use any of the grassy space for anything significant, which was mainly only a problem for Sully and Dave who were going to tent the night Maggie and Anna stayed. We set up, had an easy dinner and a campfire. It was hot, but great to be settled. 

Maggie and Anna arrived mid morning the next day and we had a full agenda. We wanted Anna (and Mag)to experience all things camping, so we jammed it all in. We started the morning with a hot 45 minute in and out hike to a lookout over NE, IA, and SD, followed by a campsite lunch, an afternoon swim, a bike ride, a cookout, campfire, and a performance by the kids. The highlight was the pool. It was 91 degrees, so it made for the perfect hot weather option. It was complete with a slide, a climbing wall, diving board, and a great concessions stand, what more could you ask for?? 

Other highlights was dessert, Maggie and Anna found all sorts of fun ideas online that we tried out, and the performance at midnight of 'Sass to Sweet," the story of Piper turning from sassy into sweet. As you can imagine it was fun for all. 

We were sad to see the fun come to an end on Sunday, but it left us ready for the adventures ahead. 

Dinner on the Blackstone.

Greta found something sweet. 

Piper the photographer, capturing happy hour. 

Pip

Off for a campsite bike ride. 

Golden hour. 

The hike. 

The crew. 

The kids. 

Silly selfie. 

We made it to the pool! 

I was trying to capture the temp, but 
apparently only caught the time :).
It was 91 degrees. 

    

Nonstop fun for these four (five counting Dave).

Post pool matchy match. 

The excitement of finding a frog. 

Mag and I prepare dinner. 

From Sass to Sweet.