Swim Time!

Today Jack asked to go to the pool ALL DAY! He would point to the stroller and his water toys and say "Pool Pool Pool" and stand by the door. We had to wait for Dan to get home (makes it so much easier). I think it was worth the wait for Jack, he was all smiles the whole time and got to release some of that "I am almost 2 years old and I am a boy" energy.

University of Wisconsin Terrace

We were able to find time to go the UW Terrace and have ice cream (Thanks G-ma!). Jack fed the ducks and enjoyed all the people watching. What a great trip...we did so many things and loved having time to be a family without work and the Austin heat. Is the next 4th of July really a year away again??? Time flies when you're having fun!

Great Grandparents!

We are so blessed to have such a great family and to have our children meet their Great Grandparents. It was instant love!

Kate's Boyfriend

Kate fell in love with Brian while he was visiting. This is just one of many photos I have of them together...I think he had a little crush on her too! :)

4th of July Neighborhood Parade

Since it was the 10th anniversary of my college friends joining the 4th of July party, we thought it was only appropriate that my Mom be in the parade as the Grand Marshal! We asked and the organizers said "Sure! Why not?" Mom was a bit reluctant at first but got into it 100%. They looked so cute driving down the street to meet at the parade corner! (We did write on her sign, "Just a neighbor" in case anyone thought she was someone famous! A girl told my Mom that she looked like a "beauty queen!")

Decorating cookies with Grandma!

What a great afternoon for Jack, helping Grandma decorate cutout cookies and a new big wheel from the local Goodwill. Good looking out Dan!

4th of July!

What was called "vacation" on my timesheet at work, is more appropriately called an "event." I needed to come back to work to relax! Every year for the past 10 years, dear friends from college, high school, my sister, my family, and the Vernon family (from my childhood) have celebrated the 4th of July. (Truth be told, we've been celebrating the 4th of July with the Vernon since about 1980!) Each year, the celebration gets larger and louder, and the "Holiday 100" drink list is now more like the "Holiday Hundred and Twenty-Five." We have a blast celebrating "America" and have many crazy traditions each year. I can't even do it all justice but it is such fun as the following pictures will show. If you're intriqued, we even have a website: www.vv4j.org (Thanks Apes and Brian!) This year did not disappoint, it all goes so fast. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the kiddos and made our time so much fun!