July 2024

Greg and Grandma took the younger 2 kids to the parade while Grant and I had to go to his baseball practice.  It was hot but the kids had fun!

We went to the 4th of July parade with the Bolten's again this year!  It was also hot but the kids loved it!  We got way too much candy!

We did not have any plans for the 4th so we got out the splash pad and the kids loved it while Greg and I enjoyed a beer.  We also tried sparklers for the first time.  I think those will be more fun in a few years when they can stay up late after it is dark outside.

Claire loves the silly faces on Snapchat!  She asks to do them often and I occasionally let her.

We went to the new park at Raccoon River.  It was a really cool park.  It had rained by raccoon river but didn't rain near us so we did not know it was going to be all wet.  The kids still had a great time there and it helped burn off some energy.

Blake had a friend's birthday party from daycare.  It was at the jump park and Blake had a blast.  He loved running around with all his friends!

Claire fell asleep on the couch.  She was a tired little girl!  Some naps we let her fall asleep on the couch so we don't have to fight her for an hour in her bed to take a nap.

Claire loves Grant and it is sweet to watch.  He tolerates her a lot more than he does Blake.  I found them laying together multiple times these past few weeks and it was so cute to see!

Grant has been playing baseball this summer with his team from his school.  I am so glad that he was asked to be on the team.  He has loved playing with all his friends.

We went to the Big Lake again this year!  I was very nervous how it was going to go but the kids did great.  This new house was nice because there was a basement for them to play in.  They did well sleeping in the same room which I was surprised!  They were all up early which I was not surprised about. 

We loved getting up and going to the beach. Grant loves the beach but the younger two still only like being there for a few hours in the morning.  They took a nap each afternoon.  Greg enjoyed relaxing in the afternoon also.  We had a great week of weather and were able to spend most days at the beach.

We rented a new house this year and they had these cool bunk beds in the basement.  The kids loved climbing up the stairs.  This will be a fun place for them to sleep when they get a little older!

We took the kids to Bubbles one night for ice cream.  The kids loved the ice cream and had fun playing with the bubbles.

One morning we took the kids to the zoo.  We weren't sure what to expect but it was nicer than we expected.  The kids enjoyed it and it was nice to do something different than just going to the beach every morning.

Claire took this picture herself and I love it.  I love her cute baby feet!

Grant got home from the lake and wanted to read to the kids before bed.  I love moments like this of them all getting along.

The next week was VBS.  Grant had a lot of friends in his group which was fun.  Both boys had fun.  I am excited for next year for Blake.  He will officially be with the big kids in the church and I think he will love it.

Grant passed the swim test at Lifetime!  He was so proud of himself and he should be!  He has improved so much this summer.  All of the kids have improved this summer with swim lessons.  It is fun to watch them get more confident in the pool.

We had Jack and Naomi over for a play date one afternoon.  The boys had so much energy but had a blast!

Claire came up to me right after I cooked my eggs and put her hand right on the hot burner.  It wasn't as bad as it could have been but it hurt!  She cried all morning and of course Greg was out of town.  She did well when she was playing with cold water so she did that for a long time.  Then Grandma came over so I could go to the store and get some stuff to help with the pain.  By the afternoon she was not complaining of pain and had forgotten all about it by the next morning.  I am so thankful it wasn't worse than it was.

Jackie was in town on her birthday so we got together a few days before for a girls dinner.  It was so fun to get everyone together!

Claire is 3!  I am sure I say this at every birthday of my kids but I cannot believe she is 3.  These years are the fastest yet.  She has grown so much and has such a sweet and feisty personality.  It will be so fun to watch her grow this next year!   On her birthday we went to the pool in the morning.  Dad met us there for an hour or so and she loved it!  She got presents in the morning.  We love celebrating this little girl.

The kids read another book together.  I would love it this becomes a regular thing! 

Aunt Nicki give the kids money each year for their birthday.  They get the amount of years they are.  Claire was so excited to get money!