4th of July

The 4th of July is a very significant holiday for us around here.  Not only is it the celebration of our freedom and our country (and what redhead doesn't like her freedom) it also is the opening for crabbing and usually the start of summer weather.  This year we couldn't wait!  Chad and Cassidy, with friends Maddie and Aryan, went crabbing as soon as they could get the boat in the water.  Crabbing wasn't great, but the sun was shining, the girls were smilin' and they got a special treat when they caught a star fish.  Cassidy was also feeling pretty special as she got to officially ride in the jeep for the first time to launch the boat...hot stuff!

Next came the parade and per tradition Auntie Cari joined in the festivities.  It was another beautiful day and a great small town celebration

Sawyer truly enjoyed all the bands, lights and sirens and I'm sure got her sister extra candy with her cute factor!

Rylee also really enjoyed the parade, after she woke from her nap thanks to the big cannon blast that started things off!

Cassidy with her haul of candy.  She actually was walking sideways, but did NOT want any help.  We should be good till Halloween!

Then we headed down to Woodland on Saturday to spend time with Uncle Bob and Aunt Bette, Howard, Sue, and Don.  Sheryl met us at Uncle Bob's with her 2 horses and while

 we got some saddle time the girls were well taken care of and entertained with cousins Scott and McKenzie.

Cassidy, Aunt Bette and Sawyer enjoying some swing time and sunshine

Of course, with any Krueger gathering there will be some farm work involved!  Cassidy and Papa Doug helping to unload the hay wagon, Cass sure loves her Papa

The next day was the reunion.  It was another great turnout and the girls were a hit!  After eating, swinging and games (Cass and I did the egg toss, Chad got to do the water balloon toss) it was time to hit the pool.  Cassidy has no fear and had a blast!  Both her and Chad were wore out by the time we had to head home.

Once we contained the twins to their car seats, they were able to get a little snooze in

Cassidy also figured out if she went down the slide with her noodle, she didn't need Chad at all!  Not sure who she takes after! 

Cassidy was also a huge help in the car.  We decided to try to make the 4 hour trip straight through and thanks to Cassidy's help, we were able.  She did a great job helping with bottles and keeping her sisters thoroughly entertained between Cheerios and giggling.  We had a great trip and look forward to doing it again next year

Before all this craziness, Cassidy had gone through her first Vacation Bible School and loved it!  Our church has it in the evening and includes a meal for the whole family along with a worship time before the kiddos head to their classrooms.  It's was really nice.  Chad was home 3 out of the 5 nights and I was able to work with her class.  I know I've said this before, but God bless pre-school teachers!  It was fun watching her in that setting and I have to say, she is an amazing little girl.  I was most impressed with her willingness to "share" her mama as other kids needed more support which might meant them sitting on my lap or getting 1:1 help.  Cassidy just rolled with it and grew in her understanding of and trust in God.  She is such a blessing!