Visiting with family

A few days after Madeline's birthday, we drove out to southern Wisconsin to spend a few days in a rented house visiting Caleb's family. We did this last year, too (in St. Louis, MO), but this year his sister Rebecca, her husband Adam, and their kids Kaiden and Risa were able to join us! If you will recall, they live in China, and we hadn't seen them since just before Madeline was born. To house all of the growing families (8 adults and 6 kiddos!) we rented a house so that we could put kids down for nap with ease, let the them play with toys in the great room, and just spend the time visiting. Below is a brief account of the trip (featuring Madeline, of course - sorry for the bias if you're hoping for more pics of the cousins!):

The first night, we celebrated a year's worth of birthdays!

Chase (3 1/2) found the party a bit overwhelming. He hid under the table during the singing. Poor guy!

Madeline (2), Gabriella (2), Chase hiding (3), Graham (4), Risa (6), and Kaiden (8).

Madeline enjoyed the cupcake! At least the icing... :)

Will and Valerie brought an inflatable pool, and we brought Madeline's new sprinkler, both of which provided for some fun for the kids and relief from the heat.

On one of the last afternoons, we took the kids to a quiet spot off the river. It was perfect - not too deep, the water was warm, and there was a sand bar a few feet out. Madeline was able to sit in just two inches of water while she got used to the water.

Eventually, she wanted to sit a LOT deeper! Such an adventurous kid... I kept her between my legs and watched her like a hawk, but she was a pro. Just look at that smile!

Madeline really liked seeing her cousins! Even a week later, she talks about them and asks for them. So sweet! <3