Midway Adventure

We went on a weekend getaway up to Midway and we had such a marvelous time!  Right near our condo was a great sledding hill.  Scott was great to lug the children up the hill while I trudged behind him.  They all had so much fun sledding (mostly, Izzy was unhappy because she didn't want to but I think she still had fun).

 Later that night after swimming in the pool and watching a movie and playing some games we headed out for dessert to the Zermatt.  We each chose something delicious.

 Then we headed to the Midway Ice Castles (along with nearly everyone else around).  It was cool but super crowded so it was hard to enjoy.

Time with Dad

On occasion Scott works out at home in the kitchen.  Today he was lucky enough to have two new recruits.

 

The kids love it when dad is silly and makes them laugh.

 

24th of July

Because we spent the evening picking Ryan up from the airport and then opening presents, we missed any big firework shows so we created our own.  Ryan loved helping light them (much to my uptight chagrin).  Thomas enjoyed watching and mostly stayed put.  Ashley was scared and watched from the front window until they were all done and she could just do poppers.

 Izzy and Katelyn Whiting

 Some of the crew

Ashley with her poppers and a smile!

The Triumphant Return (although The Exhausted Return would be more appropo)

The 15 days went slowly/quickly by and it was finally/already time to welcome our boy home!  We drew a message for him on the garage door and Isabelle and I colored a sign to take to the airport.  We arrived at the airport a little late and out of breath but fortunately, the boys were later than we were.  So we anxiously waited for the first sign of the "boys with the yellow hats".

 Excitedly waiting

 Ashley and Brig enjoyed playing together while we waited but refused to hold still for a picture. (Have you noticed that most of Ashley's friends are boys??  I have.)

 Although the pictures don't do it justice, these boys were delighted to see each other.

 Actually we were all delighted.  All three of the other kids followed Ryan around the rest of the night vying for his attention.  I think he couldn't decide whether he loved it or not!

 I was so glad to get my boy back.  He's growing up but he's still my little boy and I love him so.

It was a little to dark to see the sign well but at least he knew he was loved.

 While he was gone, Scott and I cleaned and organized his room including a nice new dresser.

 The only birthday balloon that we managed to get a picture of.

 Happy to be home and waiting for birthday presents.