We had a terrific backyard birthday party for Breanne! We set up the slip-n-slide (which toasted the lawn..oops!) and had some water games and water balloons (which never last as long as you think they will) for the kids to stay cool with. The temperatures reached about 100 that Sunday afternoon, so we needed lots of water! The kids especially loved soaking Derrick (or at least Faith did). 
As is a tradition for her party apparently, the storm clouds started rolling in about an hour into the celebration. We quickly got through dinner, presents and even had to send some cakeballs home with those who had to leave early. We enjoyed hanging out with our friends and even invited all the neighbors who had stay in town for the weekend.
The day before Bre's birthday, we bought a boat in South Dakota. So, Derrick and Madison set out for a quick roadtrip to get it. It was a lot of driving, but I don't think Derrick regrets it. The 36 hours of separation between Madison and Breanne (who do their fair share of bickering and fighting) terrifically reaffirmed their love for each other. They'd call each other and both couldn't wait to be with their sister again. Your siblings truly are your best friends (like it or not!)We have not let the dust settle on the boat! We've had it out on three different lakes and mostly enjoyed every trip.
The day before Bre's birthday, we bought a boat in South Dakota. So, Derrick and Madison set out for a quick roadtrip to get it. It was a lot of driving, but I don't think Derrick regrets it. The 36 hours of separation between Madison and Breanne (who do their fair share of bickering and fighting) terrifically reaffirmed their love for each other. They'd call each other and both couldn't wait to be with their sister again. Your siblings truly are your best friends (like it or not!)
Our trip to Tongue Reservior the weekend prior was especially relaxing and we got to try tent camping for the first time in five years. It was really fun (except when we realized that we really do need a new air mattress)! The second night, Madison rolled the big tube in the tent and slept on that. It was a tight squeeze, and she woke up half on the tube and half on Derrick, but it didn't go flat.
Yesterday, we headed to Yellowtail Reservoir. We have fabulous memories of this lake, but the wind, debris and high water levels (thus, no beaches) made it difficult to relax. We'll have to try it again a different time. It is a gorgeous lake and Madison and Breanne got to tube "surf" on the tube. They think they're all that a bag of potato chips...
