End of the Summer Bash

RyAnne and her neighborhood friend have been begging us to have a sleepover since they met! We finally agreed to have an "End of the Summer Bash" the Sunday before school started and the girls had a blast!

First, they swam. Pictured is another little friend RyAnne met who is living with her grandparents across the street until they move into their new house. Missing in the picture - Bailey, who was napping.

Later on they played dress up - always a favorite. Dakota has no idea how we are going to embarrass him with this picture when he gets a little older! Love the blond curls!

Dad and the girls making smores.

Yes, we stole the tent idea - and it worked out great except that Dakota and Bailey bawled when they had to return to their beds to sleep :-(! The girls rented a movie and the light went out before 11 - not bad. However, we did hear some talking and giggling for awhile after that!

The next day the girls wanted to continue their party all day! Gosh, I can always remember when I had sleepovers I couldn't wait to get home and be alone. Needless to say, I never knew how much work it was for the Moms and Dads. Thanks Moms and Dads for all the things you did for us kids when we were young.....it was appreciated!

Winding Down

We have had a busy August!

Having ice cream and watching the ducks at the Memorial Union.....

Crossing the Wisconsin River on the Merrimac Ferry....
Going to the State Fair......Celebrating Dora's birthday........

Going to another Brewer's game..........

Going to the Henry Vilas Zoo and on a picnic - this duck sat by RyAnne begging the ENTIRE time......

Fishing.....the kids preferred to, "Go fast!"

and now it is all winding down. RyAnne brought her supplies in to school and met her teacher and Dad is already back doing inservices and had 6th grade orientation. It is sad another summer has gone by - however, the kids (and Dad) are ready to get back into a routine. If only the weather would always stay this nice AUGHHHHHH!

RyAnne's First Sleep-over

RyAnne was invited to a friend's house for her first sleep-over. Mom was a little hesitant at first, however, after talking with Dad and Grandma about it - who both said, "She will be just fine!" And then asking RyAnne about sleeping away from home - who shouted, "Yes! Yes!" and was jumping up and down in excitement. She agreed. Here are some of the pictures they sent to us of the fun!

RyAnne, her friend Grace, and Grace's Dad goofing around!

What sleep-over doesn't have a pillow fight!

The girls swimming.

RyAnne, Anna, Grace, and Hayden - all ready for bed!

Goodnight! Grace's parents put up a tent in the living room - it was so cool! Notice RyAnne in this picture - sulking. Yes, Mom was right, she got a little homesick and said she, "Missed her Mommy!" She called home and after a little pep-talk was fine. She was all smiles when we picked her up the next day and said she had a lot of fun!