Labor Day Weekend

Well, we hadn't really planned out a deliberate Labor Day weekend, but we ended up having a phenomenal holiday!

First of all, I should mention Thursday. It was a rainy day and I was quite busy with a trip to Madison with both kids to take my van into the Toyota down there. Collin didn't sleep on the way down (as was my grand plan) and we didn't have much time to do anything else (just a brief trip to a park) before we had to get to Kate's open house at the school in the evening. It was pouring rain by then and I was sort of waiting around for Dave to join us, but he was of course stuck at work and eventually said we should just go, he wouldn't make it. So, we headed over and saw her classroom and where all her stuff needed to go, I very much enjoyed it and asked the many questions I had (I feel like they have told us nothing, how am I supposed to know this stuff?!) At the end, Dave was leaving the hospital, so we stuck around and he saw her room and where her things needed to go as well. We headed home and thank goodness I had made bread and soup already, it was the perfect meal to warm us up and chill us out (very hectic, full days for us both!) While I was driving Kate home, she said, "That open house was not very fun. It was not like a party at all." I think she thought all her friends would be there or they could play, she was definitely disappointed! 

Dave was able to come home early on Friday and he took Kate out on the boat to swim at a beach while Collin napped at home with me. Well, Collin ended up refusing the nap (in his crib and happy, but doesn't sleep) and so they came back and he took both kids to the pool to swim so I could have a quiet house to relax in tackle my to-do list. After swimming we grilled some yummy pork chops and then decided to go to town for ice cream (Culver's). 

I was nervous that the two kids would be a lot to handle for Dave at the pool, assuming that Collin would just want to run around on the concrete while Kate wanted his attention in the water; but his report was that Collin floated by himself for the first time! (in a life jacket). I was stunned. He didn't love the life jacket and so we had been just holding him in the water. But Dave had him in a puddle jumper and he just floated and loved it! Very cool. He does have less fear of the water in general, compared to Kate, so I guess maybe we should have expected it, but after convincing Kate to love and do this stuff, it is always surprising when Collin just goes for it. 

This is from the next day - Dave was right there:)

On Saturday, the Swoboda's drove over to see us!! We have missed them so much since they moved to West Des Moines in the spring and they came to Mason City on Friday and then drove over for a one-night visit with us before stopping back in MC on their way back to WDM. Derek had an engagement in Madison and thus the trip was killing two birds with one stone; however, on the ride over, we were informed he was just going to stay with us the whole day, sweet! Somehow, this was also the first day of college football (that snuck up on me!) and so it was kind of a perfect day of visiting, playing and watching our favorite teams (thankfully not against each other:) The Hawks survived and the poor Badgers kept us up WAY too late for that sad finale. But, we had a wonderful time catching up and even got the kids over to the pool for a bit in between games. Aniyah is two years younger than Kate and they love playing together. They are also both tall and love to be active, It is pretty amazing to watch our girls together. And Collin just kind of played by himself (mostly) and was silly and happy with his toys. 

Everyone playing in the pool!

Cuties:)

Running off some energy!

On Sunday, we bid farewell to our friends and then after naps (for everyone but me!) Dave and the kids hit the beach while I cleaned the house a bit. I was then convinced to take the boat out for supper (it is nearing the end of the season, Dave suggests this plan only once or twice a day...) and I acquiesced:) It was still rather busy being Labor Day Weekend and I was worried it would not be a quick endeavor and we already started late (for early birds like us and the senior citizens) but we found a table inside at Shipwreck and sat by the window so they kids could still see the many boats, people, volleyball games, etc. The boat ride home was very warm and beautiful, calm water and I enjoyed snuggling and playing with them on the boat. Kate does not enjoy the "putzing" back we do after dinner, always wants to go fast:) Collin was pretty good, but is very busy on the boat, so we are on our toes! 

Fun in the pond

On Monday, we slept in and then made a dessert to bring to Plamann's for a somewhat impromptu early supper/late lunch. Kate and I made jello cake:) and we headed over to their beautiful home. We caught up and played and they made a fantastic meal for us, Collin loved everything! He was eating lettuce salad, grilled eggplant, watermelon, chicken, tomatoes with balsamic vinegar and basil...that was fun! We tried to eat outside, but of course, at that particular moment a cloud dumped rain. It was pretty random and kind of funny to watch us get everything and everyone outside and then all go running back in:) Dave shot the two different bows that Ryan has (for hunting) and then Dave had to go as he was heading to Grundy Center, Iowa to work for the next few days. We had to say goodbye and after a little longer visiting, the kids and I left as well. 

So many helpers:) (Clara and Kate)

At one point, everyone in the kitchen had a child in their arms!

It was early bedtimes for the kids as we had Kate's first day of school in the morning and the night went perfectly, which I very much appreciated. I guess Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer and as I said before, I am pretty much okay with that. I always welcome the changing seasons. I will say that we have had a very fun summer and I will cherish the memories, but I just love fall:) Bring on the fall fun and memories!