Growing Grays: Miles birthday party and a family road trip

Two weekends ago we had a birthday extravaganza at the cabin where we celebrated all the kids' summer birthdays. My whole family was there and we started by celebrating Kennedy's 3 year birthday at lunch. Miles' party started after lunch. We did a Perler bead craft, painted faces, and opened presents. Miles picked his party theme - a puppy party. He also chose the dinner menu - hot dogs, brats, broccoli salad, melon, and pumpkin pie. He got lots of legos (he completed all 3 sets already - he's a little obsessed) and a water slide.

Happy to be at the cabin with all "the cousins"

These 6 won't all fit in the wagon for that much longer

Just lounging

The annual cousin picture in birth order - take 1

Someone wasn't that into taking more cousin pictures

Hadley took one for the team and tried to hold Rylan - we were marginally successful

Potato sack races kicked off Kennedy's party. I love Hadley's face in these.

Lunch

Between parties we jumped in the lake

Miles requested a surprise party - even though he knew we were going to have his party after lunch. After swimming we all changed clothes and Mike kept Miles in his room a little longer so that we could all jump out of kitchen and yell surprise when he was dressed. The look on his face is pure delight at the "surprise."
I think we'll do a surprise party for him every year.

Mommy painted faces and arms while daddy organized the beading craft

Dinners ready! Notice all of Miles' puppy pals in the back.

This little tiger got her first bee sting during the party.

I can't believe our baby boy is 6!

Sunday morning we had a donut party to celebrate Rylan's 2nd birthday.

This week was the last week of summer t-ball.

Thursday night we went to my department's summer family picnic - there were bounce houses, food trucks, and the kids' favorite - an ice cream truck.

We drove up to the cabin on Friday morning just in time to enjoy a lunch of fresh BLT sandwiches on the deck. It was hot - in the high 80s so we had the deck fan blowing on us full blast. After a quick rest time we drove to Alexandria for a day trip adventure. We said "hi" to Big Ole, toured the Runestone Museum, explored main street - stopping at the Sugar Shack candy store and a book store, drove out to Carlos Creek Winery (lovely grounds, large selection of wines) where we had a glass of wine, bought a bottle of sauvignon blanc and enjoyed live music. The musician was flattered that the kids were dancing and played Bob Marley's "3 Little Birds" just for them. We then went to Raaper's Ale House for dinner.

Saturday was the perfect summer day. We relaxed with coffee and bagels and then headed out for a walk and pontoon ride. We swam in the middle of the lake to cool off. After lunch and rest time we went for another pontoon ride and swim, played on the beach, and grilled dinner. The evening actually cooled down enough to have a nice fire by the lake and roast marshmallows. After washing the kids feet and reading books - the kids fell right asleep. It was a beautiful and relaxing day.