The end

In just 2 days I will be returning to work and as per usual I reflect on if I want to return to work, how summer went and the chaos that will ensue.  This year, is the year that the balancing act, I hope, will be at it's peak of perfection.  I requested to go part-time as I do like to work outside the home, but the full-time gig is just hard and I feel like I have NO time for anyone.  My boss was open to the decision and it's all just fell into place.  I am very happy to be working 3 days/week this year and fine tuning the balancing act of being a mother/wife.  So this year, I look at what we've done this summer and it's been SO MUCH.  We have had 3 weekends that we have been at home all summer and 2 of those weekends we have had visitors staying with us.  Here are a few things we've kept busy doing

Boating is our number one summer activity, but then we've added in fishing.

And camping.  Our first year with our camper and it's something that the kids have really enjoyed and maybe me, just a little bit :)  I would say it's been a successful camping season but I am looking forward to more camping this fall.

Celebrated 2 birthdays this summer; the girls 4 1/2 birthday party and my 38th Birthday.  Here is the cake the girls made me for my birthday.

We have enjoyed the normal summer time fun too, like sprinklers in the back yard.

And Ohio friends came out to visit us in Iowa! We pick up right where we left off #14!

These 2 college best friends have added to our life and our pictures! It was so great to get to visit with Beth and Michael and finally meet her son.  Facebook just doesn't cut it.  So glad she made the trip to Iowa, most people don't choose to take their vacation time for Iowa.

The girls and I, have made it to the $2 movies at the theatres a few times this summer.  

The 3 kids and I drove to Ohio and visited the grandmas and grandpa and packed in a week of fun.

While in Ohio we were able to visit more friends, hit the fair 

and a family reunion.  Lots of cousin time!

We made some local discoveries in Iowa as well

But most importantly we had lots of family time!

And that is the BEST thing about summer.  Making memories with the children and enjoying family time.

First Hair Cut

It was brought to my attention that Eli had a mullet.  I guess I had to agree but that's because he likes PARTY, when appropriate, duh! Even Grandma said he was needing a little attention in the hair department.  I guess I hadn't really paid much attention because I am with him everyday.  So a very impromptu visit from Jody became Eli's first hair cut.  She held him and I buzzed.  I must agree, quite a lot of hair came off.  Eli didn't cry, but he really wanted down to go play.  My baby boy looked so grown up after and I thought it changed him so much.  

During

and after-what a handsome boy

I tried to find a recent 'before' picture and this is all I really had on my phone.  

So many last 'firsts' have happened and here is just another one down.  Makes me kinda sad.