"I love you Mom and that's all I care about!"

We finally made a date to head to the beach (Coon Fork in Augusta) and the weather cooperated. We all enjoyed ourselves with the exception of Brenna keeping her nose plugged because she did not like the smell of the wet sand. She also attempted to go swimsuitless because she had sand in her butt. Cousin Heather, Cousin Tyler, Sarah, Jaxon, and Avery joined us.
Brenna, Jaxon, and Brody
Brenna and Heather
Tyler and Brenna. I can't believe Tyler actually smiled for the camera! Cousin Abbi enjoying the lake.
Brody enjoying playing in the sand.

Thursday (July 30Th) was Brenna, Brody ,and Abbi's last day of gymnastics. Cousin Angie, Daddy, Aunt Jessie, and Tyler came to watch! Right before gymnastics started, Brenna was talking about something and Brody blurted out, "I love you mom and that's all I care about." The random I love yous always make my day. I thought it was a good title for the blog. :)

We went out for lunch afterwards with Aunt Jessie at Pizza Hut. Then it was off to Menard's to buy paint for the playroom and dining room. Our house is almost ready to be put back together. I hope I don't have to touch a paint brush or roller for awhile. Thanks to Papa, Nana, and Great Grandma De-De we were able to get both rooms primed,painted and cleaned in two days.

Finally, we went to Steve's volleyball game in Foster.

Saturday (August 1st) was the family picnic at our house. Almost everyone attended with the exception of Aunt Debbie and Cousin Heather, who had to work. The kids loved having everyone here and played until they couldn't play anymore! Brody played baseball non-stop. I am constantly amazed by his love of baseball. He already throws better than I do, which I guess doesn't take much. Brenna played with her dolls and had Abbi take her for stroller rides out in the fields. We also celebrated Great Grandma De De's 86th Birthday on Saturday!

Cousin Alex

Cousin Shane (looking a little big on the tractor) De-De, Great Aunt Linda, Alex
Brad wanted to be part of the blog...looking rather serious.
Brenna enjoyed picking beans with Aunt Lisa.
Aunt Jessie and Brody

Yesterday (Monday) was Papa Seefeldt's birthday. We joined Papa and Nana for dinner at their house.

Having a sister can hurt. Brenna slapped Brody's leg. I didn't think of taking a picture until most of the hand print had disappeared.

I'm looking at my calendar right now and can't believe I am looking at the month where at the bottom of my calendar on date 31 I have written, "first day back." I am so lucky to have this time with my kids but part of me dreads going back. The good news is I think we found daycare! Sarah's stepbrother and wife, Leslie, are moving to Osseo from River Falls. Leslie is the mom of two kids. I have met her a few times and think Brenna and Brody will like her. I know that no one will be able to fill Carrie's shoes but hopefully Brenna and Brody will adjust. We still do not know if Brenna and Brody will be in the morning or afternoon session, which I think is ridiculous. The school told us we would find out in August. I wonder if that will be early August or late August??