August has arrived and summer is not slowing down.
This week the boys were at Hamline University for All Sports Camp. They got to choose 4 sports and then switched between them each day. Both boys were in baseball, basketball, soccer and swimming. They also got to eat in the University dining hall, which included pizza every day, unlimited pop, ice cream and the independence to choose whatever they wanted. They definitely enjoyed sampling Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew and all the pops they’ve never been allowed to have. They also enjoyed the sports and it was a really well-run program.
On Friday night, we had a barbecue at my house and I only took one photo! Jason, Michelle and their boys were in town from Texas, so we had a nice little family gathering! The weather was perfect, the food was good. Aaron and Melissa came over from next door and Danny attempted to teach the 3 of us to double under (which is jump roping when the rope goes under twice for each jump). We also had birthday cake and presents because it was Augustus’ birthday the next day.
Jackson and Sawyer are 22 and 20, but were drawn to the slack line ninja course and ended up playing with our boys for over an hour. I wish they lived in Minnesota! It was such a wonderful night!
On Saturday, Augustus turned 7 years old! I can’t believe how much times flies. We started the day with birthday pancakes. And then it was time to spend the day celebrating my cousin Deena who had her first (of 2!) weddings. Deena married Chris, who is Hmong, so they had a Hmong wedding and in September, they will have a Western wedding.
Once again, the weather was gorgeous. Deena and Chris were beautifully dressed. There were drinks and appetizers BEFORE the wedding began. The wedding was in both Hmong and English. It was a lovely and special day. But after the ceremony, that’s when it got more interesting.
Chris’s family was the warmest, most welcoming, fun, inviting group of people I’ve ever been around. They were so kind and absolutely wouldn’t let us sit back and not party with them. They initiated MANY rounds of drinks, which led to Nate, Danny and Jason, as well as Jackson (for the first time) taking multiple shots. A large group of people took birthday shots in honor of Augustus, so, yes, my 7 year old learned to take shots (with coke).
We had such an amazing time. I love my family and we just don’t get to spend enough time together, so that was wonderful to begin with. But Chris’s family were unbelievable hosts and I am so excited to see all of them again in September.
By the time we left the wedding, I was exhausted. It was such a great day, but I am an introvert and I was tired. We got home and ate some leftovers from the night before and I was ready for bed, but no. Nope.
Aaron and Melissa had their nieces over for the night. Earlier this summer, they visited and really hit it off with the boys. So they were so excited the girls were back. We all ran next door to help put up the tent, and then the kids all got in the pool. Shortly after that, one of Melissa’s friends came over and brought her 2 kids, which just added to the fun. The 6 kids ran between the pool and the sauna and then Aaron hooked the Switch up to the projector and it was time for outdoor video gaming.
Next up, Melissa brought out PILES of candy and bags of popcorn, and all the kids snuggled into chairs, a hammock, on pillows, and at 9pm, we started an outdoor movie. Candy, snacks, movie, staying up until 11pm- could summer get any more fun?! I don’t think so. I was deliriously tired, but just having the best day/night ever.
Sunday morning, the boys slept slightly later than the usual 6am, but they were up and ready to go.
8:50am text from Melissa- “Waffles are ready and the fire is hot! Come over!” You don’t have to tell me twice. What a way to start the day!
The original plan was for me to drop Augustus at my mom’s house at 9:30, but waffle s’mores were quickly followed by pool/sauna time, so we had to alter the day for more fun.
Nate and Xander went to a Twins game (we had to make up for him missing our when all of us went while he was at camp). Eventually, I dropped Gussie at my mom’s house.
My mom has rented a cabin for the week and the boys will be staying with her until Saturday. Nate and I will be living the child-free life and I’m a little anxious as I’ve never been away from the boys for this long, but I am going to try to relax.
Xander and Nate has a great day at the game (Xan got a free backpack!) . And my mom and Augustus texted me right away to let me know that the cabin is awesome! It’s going to be a quiet week for me and Nate, and an fabulous week for the boys!
