The U.P.

This year's U.P trip was full of many interesting surprises including very cold weather, septic tank complications (I won't go into details), fireplace mishaps and a deer/car accident. Besides all of that we managed to sneak out a lot of fun moments and relaxation. Until next year dear cottage.

This is a typical entry into a local rodeo-parade we attended. Yep, that's a man sitting in a porta-potty on the back of a truck. And yes, he was handing out candy. Gotta love the U.P.!

Trying to enjoy the parade in the midst of a downpour....just one more thing to look back and laugh about :)

Lane LOVES the water and anything to do with it. She headed out every day (depending on weather :) )with us on the kayaks and still talks about the 'boats' we road on.

Lovin it up on the pontoon with Uncle Ry and Grandpa and Grandma.

My fearless one.

We also celebrated Lane's 2nd birthday for the third time while we were there. Grandpa and Grandma Borchert, Uncle Ry and Great Grandma and Grandpa Petersen (who live across the lake) helped us celebrate!

Birthday Celebration #2

Lane and her new cousin, Madison Lynn.

Auntie Karissa

Auntie Jenn and Paige

Brooklyn

K.J. and David

Lane in her new hat from her Auntie Karissa's trip to Peru.

Grandpa and Grandma's gift, her first bike!

We celebrated Lane's birthday with my side of the family poolside. Lane shares her birthday with her cousin's Paige and Brooklyn within this month so we have one big party for all the girls. Next year we get to add Madison to the bunch as she joined the July train as well. More fun with the cousins!!!

Birthday Girl

Our little girl turned 2 on July 27. She actually had three parties but this was her first. We celebrated with Chris's family at our house for a breakfast get-together. She had so much fun with her cousins and LOVED her non-dairy cake made special by Chris and I at about 11pm the night before :)

Story-time with Addie leading the crew.

Colin, Lane, Caleb and Addie....Cousins!

Lane with her Auntie M and soon-to-be Uncle Joel.

Auntie Katie, Uncle Justin and Caleb-E, as Lane likes to call him.

Welcome Madison Lynn!

My brother and sister-in-law welcomed their 4th baby last week. Madison Lynn was the biggest of all their babies at 8lb.s 3oz. Everything went great and now they are home adjusting to being a family of six! We are so happy to have a precious, new niece...congrats Kyle and Jenn!

Deanna's Playhouse

This past week I met my cousin, Amanda and her son Isaiah, for a play date at Deanna's Playhouse in Holland. Lane and Isaiah ended up doing their own thing but kept themselves busy the entire morning! Of course Lane found herself playing with any type of baby or baby item but did get adventurous and tried most of the fun toys there. I would definitely recommend this for a fun outing, especially on a rainy day!

Summer Fun

Lane and Owen Potvin enjoying some pool time fun

We spent a great day at our friend's parent's pool on the 4th of July. Lane LOVES the water and will jump to anyone whether they are ready or not. She is showing no fear around the water which is good in a sense but makes this Mom one Nervous Nelly.

This is our first attempt at potty training. Since she is constantly telling us when she needs a new diaper we thought we would give this a whirl. She was successful with #1 and #2 on the first try!!! We were all super excited but must admit have had no such luck since. We'll try again down the road :)

Brookfield Zoo