Busy Brown House

Labor Day and back to school

Before we knew it, it was Labor day weekend. We got to head to the cottage and have one last fun summer weekend before school started. First up, fishing.

Bocce ball at the beach

Paddle ball with cousin Kurt

The four who started it all...

Fun with the kayaks

The evening even got musical

All of the kids participated and got to play an instrument

The kids started a new school this year. Oh, the tears before the first day! I was anxious too. I knew that they would make fast friends, but they were all nervous. With the new school comes a bus ride. There aren't any sidewalks in our neighborhood, so all of the kids are bussed to school - even though the school is only one street over. Even better? The bus stop is only two houses away :)

Getting on the bus for the first time

Cameron's first day of Kindergarten

They all survived!

They even had home from school smiles :)

We all love the new school and it has given all of the kids so many more challenges and opportunities. It was a daunting transition, but kids are resilient and they are all doing great!

The second half of the summer

Because of the move and our UP trip, we didn't make it to the cottage until mid-July. we made up for lost time by doing the usual fun things - and with our friends AND cousins!

Don't leave home without your American Girls!

Bobby and Cameron being silly

Fun at Cranberry Lake

S'mores for everyone!

Bubbles

After half the summer was over, we finally got our pool cleared up. We scooped out 50-75 gallons of leaves (TYVM previous irresponsible owners) and had the sand in the filter changed. Madelyn is also finally enjoying the pool after her unfortunate swinging incident that left her with a broken arm. We are looking forward to using the pool again this summer now that it is all cleaned up and running properly. It's pretty safe to say that we spent most afternoon's in the pool.

Madelyn got really lucky and got her cast removed after only three weeks. She was thrilled that she could swim at her birthday party.

Because of the broken arm bummer summer, Madelyn chose to go to the Toledo Zoo on her birthday. It was a hot day, but a lot of fun.

You'll never guess who this giraffe in disguise is!

July 4, 2013

It seemed like school had JUST gotten out and we were ready to leave for our trip to the UP. It's always fun to visit Grandma and Grandpa Brown and see all of the family that lives so far away. We even got family pictures taken this year.