Dog Days of Summer

So, we made it back. In one piece. Well, four pieces, but you know what I mean. We are back into our routines...the time change in Iowa did us all some good! The boys now sleep until 8:30 or 9:00 am every morning. It's amazing.

We've been hitting the waterpark a lot. And swimming in the pool. It's really so hot out it's hard to do anything outside that doesn't involve water. The dogs don't even like being outside. But we are enjoying A LOT of family time.

Drake and Trey are growing daily. I really can't get over how funny our kids are. I'm sure every parent says that, but seriously. They are funny. Drake has always been a little comedian, but the things that come out of his mouth these days...it's hard not to laugh. His obsession with Transformers continues. He has now memorized 75% of the lines in the Transformers movie. Everything in his day to day activities somehow relates to Transformers. Matt and I are seriously over it.
And Trey- he's only 10 months old- but he's naughty! Downright naughty. He's climbs on EVERYTHING. And out of everything. Out of the high chair. Onto the table. Up a chair. Onto the couch. He knows exactly what he's doing. He takes one look at us and laughs. And laughs. And laughs. He's smart too. He may be quiet- but he knows exactly what is going on. I can't wait to see what he grows up to be.

Anyway, Matt and I just had our 8th wedding anniversary. It's so crazy to think about where we started when I look at our lives today. I never could have imagined. We are headed to the Keys for the weekend (Nana and Poppy are staying with the boys and the dogs...first vacay away. Nervous....but oh so excited!!). We are going scuba diving for the first time in 3 years and 10 months. You mathmeticians out there can figure out why =) I am looking forward to just sitting. I told Matt that I might even get some noise cancelling earphones to enjoy my time away even more.

Vacay Parts 2 & 3!

We have been so busy these past couple of weeks that I haven't had time to update our blog- not to mention that the places we've been visiting barely have cell reception, much less internet. It's actually quite peaceful and relaxing knowing that no one can reach you. I've barely had my phone with me- if at all for the past two weeks.
We had the amazing opportunity to visit Matt's aunt and uncle's cabin in Minnesota on the most peaceful lake I've seen. I think we saw one other boat. We had the best time. There was no t.v. No computer. No phones. I'm shocked Matt and Drake survived- but we did. I think it was a great way to recharge.
We then headed to Matt's grandparents in Minnesota- as they had yet to meet Trey. We spent a couple of days enjoying small town Minnesota- including a dinner at the VFW along with a "early bird" game of Bingo. We then headed back to the cabin to surprise Matt's cousins from Nebraska and Texas and their kids so that we could all be together for a couple of days. The kids had a blast. I know that my kids have never slept or eaten so well. It's been a great experience for us all. Matt got to go back to his college days and wakeboard and tube and I even decided to give skiing a go again. Drake got to fish and Trey got to be spoiled by whoever got their hands on him. They had the cutest little chippies (chipmunks) at the cabin. They would crawl right up onto your body for peanuts. I was quite the chippie whisperer- getting one to crawl through my hoodie pocket =) I would have brought one home if Matt would have let me!
We are now in Wisconsin at my Dad's cabin on the river. It's been pretty rainy, but we did get out on the boat yesterday. It's just so relaxing on the water.
Matt and I have been talking at length about getting back to the Midwest. We love the summers here, but aren't ready for the snow yet. So for now, we are just entertaining the idea of spending our summers here. It will be good for the kids to be around family and good for us to get out of the Naples heat for awhile.
Who knows what's in store...if I had a money tree, we'd buy a cabin on a lake with a boat...someday maybe!
Will post pics once we get home...ahhh. Home. While I love it here, it will be nice to not have to pack ALL OF OUR STUFF (anyone with kids knows what I'm talking about here) over and over again.