Olympic FUN

 Our household is totally into this summer's Olympic Games. We have enjoyed some activities and "themed" snacks while preparing to watch the contestants compete. Our favorite events are diving, swimming, gymnastics, and volleyball. We have mini competitions throughout our day. The kids will break into teams or want to be timed for some job they do. They want to know if we had to give a score what it would be. They are in awe just like we are!

 Some crafts!

 We see the Olympic signs everywhere!

 Some healthy and patriotic snacks for the games.

 It took some convincing but the kids now know that Olympians do NOT eat "fruit loops" for breakfast. :)

We had our normal Tuesday Pool Party Playdate this week but it had a little "Olymipic Flare"

 The men's team- showing their muscles

 Showing off their star {sticker} tattoos

 Our opening ceremonies complete with flags and music

 The final contestants in the bubble blowing contest

 The balloon relay

 The girls team playing in the water relay!

The whole crew with their medals, flags, and sign! We followed up with some red, white, and blue popsicles! My camera batter died so I am thankful that a few of the other moms snapped pics with their phones. Yeah for summer fun!

Family Reunion

 This has been a summer to remember! A hot one for sure. We are so thankful that mom and dad open their home & beach to us whenever the temperatures soar. This past weekend we went up there to help out with the preparations for The Blackmer Family Reunion. Dad's siblings gathered to enjoy an afternoon together. Dad and Scott woke up at 5:00 a.m. to put the pig on the roaster. {This was surely an eye-opening experience for all involved}. :)

 Here is Aunt Pat (dad's oldest sister) stirring up some trouble in the kitchen! THis time she recruited the kids to fill up water balloons.

 Enjoying the lake

 A delicious meal..when the Blackmer's gather, we NEVER go hungry.

 Chillin in the sun and water.

 Boat rides

 Aunt Pat coordinated some games! There were a few relays and the infamous LIPSTICK game!

 Oh no, Aunt Pat and Uncle Bill even had their chance.

 Of course, the kids got RIGHT into the fun of this game. They loved it so much they played multiple times.

 Poor Carter.... and poor grandpa

 Grandpa got his revenge and Christian loved every second of it.

 Dad and his siblings: Dan, Randy, Linda, Doug and Pat in the front of dad. Uncle Bob is dearly missed.

A good representation of those who were there. Fun times for all! Those who weren't there were missed.

Water Park Fun!

 Our last day in Minnesota was a scorcher! I think it may have been very close to 100 degrees! So we headed to the local water park. It was lots of fun and very refreshing. thus...the lack of pictures. We were in the water the majority of the time.

 Picnic lunch time! We must refuel after all the diving, swimming, and sliding.

The beach babes!

It is a good thing we will see these cuties again VERY soon.

Fun at the Mall of America

 After we left Grandma and Grandpa's house we drove 2 hours back to Ryan and Carries. The kids were so excited to spend time with their cousins. The next morning Carrie and I {foolishly} headed to the Mall of America with 5 children. Whew! Busy times! We saw all the stores they wanted to see...none for the mommies :(   Ella chose to get Abby's ears pierced. We dropped Abby off at the salon and picked her back up with her sparkling earrings.

 Carter and Lily chatted away in the AGD store.

 Of course Christian didn't want to go to any special stores, he was over the moon to to see all the characters from his favorite shows.

 Abby with her freshly pierced ears. WOW!

 LegoLand was our next stop.

 So much to see and do...and consider for Christmas gifts.

 Lego Woody

 Fun trying on the different masks at the Disney Store.

 Blues Clues

 Some fun rides

 The ONE and ONLY Dora and Diego

 The gigantic Transformer made of Legos.  Impressive

Carter picked an alien pack of Legos...he LOVES the thrill and challenge of putting them together.