Lake Life @ Lenningers

I always think the 4th of July should be spent on a lake somewhere so that's exactly what we did at Lenningers this weekend!  When we got to the house Quinn was still napping in the car so I stayed in there for a bit longer and was appropriately offered a cold brew by Dave (my brother-in-law) as I waited.  I was in the driveway for about 30 seconds before the 1st beer was open.  I'd say that's a good start to the weekend!  We went for dinner that night by boat and all the kids did so great!  Friday we spent some time at the pool, had a fantastic lunch that Erin and Dave put together, and played a lot of ball outside.  Quinn was exhausted!  We ended up leaving Friday afternoon as Erin and Dave had a double date planned and Kylie and Andrew had their own date up in Wisconsin Dells, as well.  When we left Friday afternoon, Quinn was out cold in about 15 seconds.  Sun, water, and cousins can sure wipe a little girl out!  :)  Such a great couple of days.  Thanks Lenningers!

 

Quinn, Ayden, Kate, & Collin.  I'm sure Erin will post much better pictures of these 4 so be sure to check her post!!! 

 

Quinn & Kylie

 

She loved it!

 

Grandpa & Quinn, Erin (Tony's sister) & Ayden (5 1/2 months)

 

Grandma Brown & her girls

Happy 1st Birthday, Quinn

Dear Quinn,

Well, I decided to follow my sisters lead and start writing you letters on your special day.  Today was your golden birthday and we had such a fun time celebrating.  I'll write a separate blog about your party we had tonight another time...but for now, I want to write about all you are doing these days!

Dad actually wasn't able to be here for your birthday this year.  He's in Australia on an exercise and we are back home at Grandma and Grandpa's house for a few weeks before returning to Okinawa.  I know you are missing him as much as I am...but we will have to celebrate extra hard when we are all together again!  Every time I talk to him he always tells me how much he loves and misses you.  We are 2 very lucky ladies to have that guy, aren't we!!!??

For the past month you have been taking steps, but you decided just 2 days ago that you were ready to walk everywhere with no help!  You still like to hold fingers so you can get to where you need to go faster, but for the most part you are one independent girl on a mission.  Speaking of independent girl, you know exactly what you want, when you want it - and for the most part you know how to get it, too.  You love watching kids (especially your cousins) and have already started acting like one of the "big kids".  It's pretty cute, but please just wait on that part!  I'm not ready for you to grow up too fast!

You have 7 words right now "ice" (eyes), "ah duh" (all done), "ma ma", "da da", "hahhhhh" (hot), and "ssssss" (shoes).  You are taking two naps a day for about 60-90 minutes each.  I can't remember the last time you ever reached that 2 hour mark!  Hopefully it's in our cards someday :).  You are doing SO much better with people you don't see on a daily basis.  You've been surrounded by a whole lot of people back in Decorah that love you to pieces and I think it's "broken" you in a bit.  You play pretty well by yourself, which makes me really happy, however, you also put just about everything in your mouth so I get worried when I don't watch you every second!  We've had to take small pine cones, wood chips, rocks, and tape out of your mouth numerous of times.  You love your bath and have really been into your babies lately.   Grandma Huinker just bought you some play bottles and you love to feed your babies. It warms my heart.  You are still getting up once or twice a night, taking whole milk before naps and bed, and nursing once a day.  I have no complaints about your sleep these days because we've come so far BUT I am so excited to have you sleep through the night sometime!! :)

I could go on and on about you, Quinn.  You have brightened every single day of ours (even the rough ones) and we wouldn't change a thing about you.  Love you.

Mama & Dada.