Summer Lovin'

The low earlier this week was 43 degrees. 

Which was both awesome and frightening. It reminded me that summer is very much in the rear-view mirror and there were so many moments that never made it on the blog. 

Summer 2012: 

Lesson Learned

Never -- I repeat never -- assume that your two-year-old children can't open a bottle of fingernail polish just because you have to use your teeth to get it open. 

Cousins!

My niece Bella came to visit this summer. She's such a smart, wonderful, silly, beautiful girl and I'm so grateful to her parents for letting us borrow her. It was also a good opportunity to work on our sharing skills. Turns out, even when you have a twin, sharing can be problematic -- to put it nicely.

A Cook-Off

Living-room cooking: Attempt No. 1 at stemming the heat-induced cabin fever. Unless you count the fingernail polish incident.  Which I certainly do not. Also noteworthy -- Grace's hair is getting OUT OF CONTROL. But we're just glad we finally have enough hair to put it up. Like they ever let me. 

Traditions

Nearly every year since I was a wee-one, my family has spent our Fourth of July riding fair rides and watching the fireworks in a nearby town. Seeing the girls giggle and squeal on the same rides I giggled and squealed on as a kid was one of the best parts of the whole summer. 

We Are Family

We rented a cabin at the lake for our family reunion and it was awesome. There were five bedrooms, three bathrooms, two sitting areas and a huge kitchen. And the family time was pretty good, too. Sweet shirts, right?

Running for Office

Scott began his candidacy for County Commissioner. His vision, experience and thoughtful approach to government make him a fantastic candidate and will serve as the foundation for a fantastic Commissioner if he is elected. We hope the electorate agrees. If you're reading this and live in Manhattan or have parents that still do -- tell 'em to vote for us! Scott will serve you well. 

If You Build It, Claire Will Mean-Mug You

Attempt No. 67 at stemming the heat-induced cabin fever. Must. Go. Outside. Seriously. 

Fried Oreos?

We just couldn't get enough of the local fairs. This one had livestock and 4-H crafts and the girls' favorite -- more rides! 

Ok, We Get It. It's Hot. 

Attempts No. 123-167 at stemming the heat-induced cabin fever. Big hits: Toy Story, Lady & the Tramp, Shrek, Lion King, Aristocats, Mickey Mouse, Annie (The musical … weird, right?) and all 74 sequels to the Land Before Time.

Go Team!

One of the top five reasons we decided to move back -- home is where the purple is. 

Hope you all had a great summer, too!!