Soaking in the last few days of summer. . .

. . . at the shore!

The waves were loud, and a bit frightening at first for Graydon.

We relaxed on the blanket.
Made tea in the sand.

Got a little dirty.

And wet.
Searched for sea glass and shells.
And made the most of the last days of summer.
CHEERS!

Wisconsin Recap

I've got lots of pictures for ya. Too tired to write out all of the details, so I'll just let the photos tell the story.

Day 1

Sunday morning. On the road. Wisconsin bound.

I experimented with my new birthday present on Bella. (We're in a moving van, so it is kind of bumpy.)

Silly Bella from Karen Kilps on Vimeo.

Day 2

Auntie Jodi and Ava come over.

Bella and Ava are silly girls.


Auntie Lori came into town.
Popsicles are yummy.Day 3

We escape to Aaron and Jodi's place.

Bella shows off her writing skills. Curtis sleeps the day away. Ava's post-bath jam session. Day 4

Picnic at the park.

Lori on auntie duty
Ava's eyeing up something.Grandma & Grandpa Kilps stop by for a visit.

Grandpa Dave meets Curtis for the first time.Scott's turn for uncle duty.
Day 5

Visit Auntie Kristen at her work. (She manages a pool).

Bella plays dress-up in Great-Grandma's wedding dress. Day 6

Feeding the ducks (and seagulls and geese) This was Bella's first time.

Graydon thought the food was for him.Jeff and Sydney arrived in town that evening.

The kids hit it off right away.

Sweet AvaDay 7: Benetti Day!

Lori goes sky diving

She jumped from 14,000 ft.

Afternoon at Apple Holler

Feeding the animalsTaking some photosPony rides!Train rides!Moon bouncing!It was a hot day. Had to keep hydrated.
Back at home, post bath time. Graydon took a doll bike for a spin.Day 8

Grandpa's 80th birthday celebration

GG & GPa with the great grandkids.

Grandma & Grandpa with the grandkids. The whole Benetti crew (minus Andy & Steph) Aunt Cindy got out the lawn mower and pulled the little ones around the yard.Good times! Curtis got passed around:We spent the entire day at my grandparents' house and when we got back, it was time for me to pack up all of our stuff.

That meant more uncle duty for Scott.
The next morning we were out the door around 7:30 am.

Andy met up with us in Cleveland. He opened the van door to greet Graydon and immediately commented on the peanut butter snack all over Graydon's hands and legs. Peanut butter? Not quite. Try a blow out all over Graydon.

Welcome back to life with three kids!

Turning 30

I spent the month of August reflecting on this past decade of my life.

It was a big one.

I graduated from college.
Got married.
Moved out east.
Became a mom (times three)

Lots of big stuff.

I remember a time when thirty sounded so old. And to be truthful, when people ask if I feel older. . . I do. But in a good way. I feel like a good foundation was laid in my twenties and this next decade will be the time to build on it. I'm looking forward to it.

I spent the day with my family. My parents came into town the afternoon and we celebrated with the traditional pizza and cake. The next morning, we were Wisconsin bound!

More on that to come. . .