So soon?

What?? Julia and Bella return to school in 1.5 weeks. I can honestly say that I feel that the summer flew by too quickly and despite the heat and the increased bickering, I am not ready to release them for 7 hrs/day again. I know that we have done a lot of fun stuff this summer but now I am kicking it into high gear and trying to fill the remaining days with even more memories! Last week, we went to the Children's Museum (their 1st pick of summer ideas), to a kids' yoga class near our house and ended it with a sleepover at Nanny and Papa's house. This week they are at my parent's house for a few days. After all this, I think I can send them off to school with a wonderful summer under their belt!

 

 

 

 

The world according to Piper

For a rescue kitten, Piper has certainly grown accustom to the love and attention she gets! Chet says she is spoiled but let's be honest- he does a lot of the spoiling (see below). :-)

 

Even our 14 year old Boston Terrier is obsessed with her. 

 

 Piper's preferred place to sleep! It's not comfortable having a furry scarf sleeping on your chest but I love it anyway!

Should I be worried that Chet mentioned that the premise of the movie "We bought a zoo" is his ideal life???

Piper

And Piper makes 4 (animals, that is)!

 Chet, the biggest animal lover in the house, just sold his fish tank and I think his nest felt a little empty (variation of his own words!) because he decided to surprise us with a kitten. We chose 3 month old Piper from a group of adorable rescue kittens. She was the most timid of the group which drew me to her. She is very sweet and loving, and likes to play. She is not fond of Lucy- our bigger dog- so we are acclimating her very slowly. Until we move into a bigger house, I think Piper is our last furry friend! :-)

Road trip 2012

We just got back from a 10 day trip to South Dakota and Minnesota (and one quick stop in Iowa). It was a wonderful chance to meet up with some of Chet's family and friends and for Chet to show us some of his old stomping grounds. 

First stop- sightseeing in Sioux Falls, SD. We saw Chet's childhood home, his school and Cathedral- an amazing church near the middle school.  

It was so cute to watch Camille and Bella spotting all the tree squirrels!

On the Falls trolley with our wonderful hosts and guides- cousin Andie and Uncle Roch! 

Beautiful Falls Park!

Chet and Camille enjoying the falls.

Next stop- a quick visit in Larchwood, Iowa to visit Chet's great uncle/aunt Nick & Adie and GG Dorothy. They live in front of this massive corn field that was a highlight for our kids.

We also stopped by the Larchwood cemetery to pay our respects to the many Kelly/Snyders  family members buried there. 

For the 4th of July festivities, we were lucky to be invited to Uncle Paul's lake house for his annual Kelly family 4th of July celebration! It was by far, the most amazing 4ht of July event I have attended and the girls LOVED every minute. 

As soon as we arrived, the swimsuits were on and into the lake we went!

The girl cousins on the tube. Bella was unsure of it but quickly warmed up. 

This is how the adults "tube"! I could get used to drinks on Caribbean Island! 

Camille and I during the lake boat tour. 

Cousin Mike letting Camille take the wheel. 

I think he regretted showing this tiny driver where the boat horn was- she let everyone know when we were approaching the dock! 

I LOVE this shot of Camille!

My handsome hubby!

All the girl cousins- Zada, Camille, Alexa, Lauren, Julia & Bella

All the cousins

Eating dinner and planning the cousins' parade

Mike puts on an amazing firework show that rivals anything I've seen. This is his launching pad for the fireworks that gets signed by any new guest. 

The adorable parade. So cute!

We quickly learned that Camille does not enjoy fireworks so these headphones helped. 

Bella was thrilled to be chosen as the half time entertainment. That's how elaborate the firework show was- there was a half time period!

So happy!

Next stop- a quick overnight visit in Lake Elmo, MN to see Uncle Neil, Aunt Pam and Brittany and Justin. Since it was so short, this picture was the only one we took. The girls loved the "jumpoline" as Camille calls it. If we ever move to Minnesota, the girls will be very disappointed that our backyard isn't as beautiful as this one. Wow!

During our last few days, we headed back to Sioux Falls to spend more time with GG Lyn (Chet's grandma). We also had dinner with Chet's child hood friends- Ryan, Jared (and wife Chantelle and adorable 4 kids). It was so fun. Of course, we didn't take any pictures- maybe next time! :-)

GG Lyn and Bella

Julia cutting rhubarb from Lyn's garden to bring back home for Chet's mom. 

There is something enticing about a yard full of green grass!

We stopped at the Sioux Falls Butterfly Garden (and aquarium). None of us had ever been in butterfly garden so it was a neat experience! 

It was a wonderful trip, full of wonderful memories! 

After 10 days and MANY hours in the car, it was back to the Grand Canyon State and back to reality!