More 4th Birthday Celebrations!

We had most of my family in from South Dakota...Grandma Bonnie & Grandpa Dave, Aunt Mary & Uncle Greg, and Uncle Neil & Aunt Jada...oh, and cousins, Meegan and Cianna.  They all camped at the KOA in Jordan.  It was fun, but the bugs FEASTED on us!  We had a picnic supper on Friday night followed by an evening swim in the covered pool.  Lauren LOVED it; she's our little fish.  Nolan was not so sure at first, but by the end he was jumping off the edge (or rather walking off!)  Lauren camped with the campers, but the rest of us went home.

Saturday was the BIG day.  The BIG party...we had more out of town family arriving:  Grandma Marilyn & "Silly" Gramps as Lauren would say, also Aunt Alyssa.  Great Uncle Bruce came from Richfield, and of course our neighbors who are more like family anyways (Heidi, Justin, Reegan, and Renner.)  I spent my morning cleaning the garage and preparing for the annual BBQ.  Then, Gramps and Grandma Marilyn brought Lauren in to Shakopee and we ate out at her favorite place...Culvers.  When we finished, I set up the water toys and the moment the water was on was an invite for the entire neighborhood!  I guess they don't need time for the water to "warm up" any more!  The kids were over in full force even though I hadn't planned on guests arriving before 4:30.  We had an impromptu party with the neighbors....well, everyday is a party in our neighborhood.  They played in the water and had Popsicles.  When the real party actually started, the girls tie dyed shirts.  It was fun, but way more work than I expected!  Then, we had brats and hot dogs courtesy of daddy.  After that we opened presents.  After presents was cake...she decided on a chocolate one instead of a rainbow one.  Definitely MY daughter!

Thanks for making Lauren's birthday a success!  We can't believe our baby is FOUR!

Here are some photos of the events: