Madison and Oregon, Wisconsin July 1st, 2nd, and 3rd



Kate loves babies and enjoyed
 taking care of Alyssa!

 

Kate and Brielle

After spending two wonderful nights with Leah, Mike, and their three kids we headed to Madison to meet up with some great college friends and meet my friend's newest daughter.  Kate cried yesterday when we were leaving Leah's and I thought it was because she didn't want to go back in the car.  I carried her out to the car and put her in her carseat and she stopped crying.  I think she was afraid I was going to leave her there. She loved visiting but truly wanted to go with us!  It was very sweet!

Ellie, Alyssa, and Britt

We arrived in Oregon, WI, around 3:30 PM and enjoyed a relaxing evening with great food and lots of fun!  Britt and Erik invited Dominique, Steve, their two kids, and Krit (Britt's mom) over for a cookout.  Our five kids enjoyed playing in the small pool, throwing water balloons, playing in the sprinkler, and playing with sparklers.  The sixth and newest baby enjoyed laying around and planning for her next summer when she is big enough to join in all the fun. Kate loved helping with baby Alyssa!  The adults enjoyed eating, watching the kids, and catching up a little.  It was a beautiful Wisconsin evening spent with GREAT friends! 

Kate is in a fantasy world staying at Britt and Erik's house.  Brielle, their oldest daughter, has so many wonderful girl toys to play with!  Kate went to sleep with a smile on her face!  She loves baby dolls and  cooking the best it seems.  Kate played so much she actually slept in until 10:30 AM this morning!  She was exhausted! 

Kristi and Alyssa

Erik let Brennan help grill



Dominique and Britt




Brennan had to take a break from
all the grilling.



Brennan, Kate, and I shared a bed and it was quite comical.  Brennan could have slept on the top bunk but wanted to be closer.  I woke up several times and each time the kids were in different positions- never in the straight up and down position.  One would be with their feet by our heads, one would be sideways, one would have a leg plopped on top of me... and once in the night poor Kate actually fell off the bed (between the bed and the wall).  I felt sorry for her but it truly was funny!  Everyone seemed to sleep very well though- even me with all the moving kids.  I truly loved it!



Wendy was so surprised
and excited to meet Kate
a day early!!!!

 

Kate was nervous but
excited to try a sparkler!

  



This time Brennan helped
Steve grill at Wendy and
Dan's party.



Steve, Dom, Ben, and Ellie

At Rhythm and Booms

We enjoyed a lazy morning and then headed over to surprise Wendy and Dan at their Rhythm and Booms Party.  They have an annual party each year and I had said I couldn't make it this year.  Wendy was disappointed but understood.  All along my plan was to surprise her!  When we arrived we sent Brennan up to the door disguised in sunglasses and a hat.  He was going to pretend that he was selling cookies.  No one answered the door so he walked around to the side yard and saw Wendy.  She paused for a moment and then recognized him and was so excited!!!



Kate sat and watched the fireworks
with Aunt Wendy.



We had a great time at her party.   I love my friends too- they will always join in whatever my plans are so we can spend more time together! They are so sweet!  Britt, Erik, Brielle, Alyssa, Dominique, Steve, Ben, and Ellie also joined us for the day.  The kids swam and played and had a super time.  Brennan and Kate are so alike and both stayed in the water most of the day.  Britt and Brielle stayed with us to go to the fireworks, which were beautiful.  We had a GREAT time!

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