Correction

I should have known that Tessa would have pictures of my baby watersking. She and our cousin Dan came to the Burwell Rodeo in July so we got to have some more fun at the lake.



Ta da!

Too fun.

Different, but not really

So these pictures might look just like the ones up yesterday, but they're not.

The sandy beaches and clear blue water here are at the river we tubed down with Matt's family over the 4th of July weekend.

It was great.

And if I had a thousand million pictures of that grin in the water, I would post each and every one.

Sunshine and Summertime

We made it out to the lake several times this summer, although of course it never seemed like enough. This was our Best Summer Ever because the boys were big enough to really enjoy it too.

It's great to have someone else to drive while the adults ski.

Ha ha. We would never allow our young children to drive the boat.

Only the 4-wheelers.


And it wouldn't really be Fun without Tessa...
And none of it would be possible without this guy...

...with whom I have been boating for many, many summers and they just keep getting more fun.

And this, my eldest, responsible child, my worrier, went on the tube by himself and loved it. He carefully practiced all the hand signals first, of course. And even more amazing, he skied by himself. There is no photographic proof because I had to stay in the water after helping him get situated, and watch him ski away from me across the vast lake.
A more profound mother would have more to say about that...
He was so proud of himself and so strong, holding onto the rope and standing up. We really couldn't believe our eyes. Evan got up too, scowling the whole time because he didn't like the water on his face. Classic Evan.

Watching these boys accomplish new and exciting things never ceases to amaze me. It doesn't seem that long ago that we were enthralled with our newborns opening their eyes. I can't even imagine all the things they will amaze me with in these coming years.

Sioux Falls

Remember that wedding we went to back in August? What's that you say, it's still the top of the blog? Oh, well, good, then you're all ready for part 2...

The whole weekend was fun, except for the grueling hours weaving around the orange construction cones and trying to avoid the flooded highways. If Tessa hadn't been with us the boys and I would still be sitting on the side of the road somewhere sobbing. Upon arrival, though, we were rewarded with the sight of our extended family and a fabulous dinner.

Favorite date(s)! (Right?)
Saturday before all the festivities we went to the zoo.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my sister? I really, really, really love my sister.

All Dressed Up

My cousin JD married Bailie this past weekend in Sioux Falls, SD. The bride was beautiful, the wedding was lovely... but in my completely unbiased opinion the ring bearers stole the show.

They were good sports about all the picture-taking and walked down the aisle like they did this everyday. I was so proud of them. It was wonderful to be with family we don't see often enough. We wish many blessings on JD and Bailie and thank you for including us in this celebration!

And how CUTE are those guys?!

Law and Order

Has Ethan ever told you he wants to be a cop? Probably once or twice or a thousand times. If you've been to our house I'm sure he's tried to put you in handcuffs. So one day this summer I made all his dreams come true by taking him to Taylor to meet the Loup County Sheriff, Trevor.

The boys got to climb around in the car and play with all the gadgets. Well, not all the gadgets; sirens and handcuffs- yes, giant rifles in the back- no. Ethan was so overcome he could barely speak.

Evan, as always, not so much.

Thank a law enforcement officer today! Maybe you'll get to run the sirens.

Boys and Girls of Summer

Ethan started T-ball. It's serious business.






Not.
But he made it around the bases.


And got a T-shirt.

And Evan got to perform death-defying stunts on the top of the bleachers.

So it's all been good.