Loads of Family Fun

We've been so fortunate to spend a lot of time with family lately, and this weekend was a great way to celebrate a fantastic summer. Aunt Jill, Uncle Adam, Ava, Reid, and Grandpa Rich came out for a Cubs game and to celebrate Finley's 1st birthday. Between severe thunderstorms, we were able to see the Chicago Air Show and play at Maggie Daley park downtown. Grandpa Al joined us on Saturday and we hung out at Uncle Jeff and Aunt Kristin's that afternoon as well as Sunday for Finley's birthday party. With only a couple of weeks until school starts, we're so glad we got to enjoy a great summer weekend with family!

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Maeve figured out how to get onto the trampoline. Now she needs to figure out how to get off. 

I keep finding her at the top of the stairs, wanting to join the big kids playing in the basement.

Uh oh. Maeve got a hold of Brownie.

Jack's last day of baseball.

Entering Maggie Daley park. Note the dark skies...

Watching the air show.

Grandpa Al and Maeve.

Maeve wasn't too sure about Pitch. 

Finley pushing Ella. She's so strong!

The gang at the Cubs game.

Jeff, Rich, and Jeritt.

More air show.

Leaving the park after we got poured on.

Taking cover at Maggie Daley park during a pop-up thunderstorm. 

Helping Finley open her presents.

Happy birthday, Finley!

Stealing bites of my cake.

Double-fisting watermelon.

What a sweet big brother.

A couple of tired kids after a fun weekend.

Nine Months Old

This past week included Maeve's nine-month check-up. She's still a peanut, weighing in at 16 pounds, 2 ounces. And she's 28 inches tall. We've got a happy, healthy, and now, feisty, little girl! Officially mobile, Maeve is getting where she wants, and is starting to pull herself up. We finished installing baby gates, and are constantly identifying new things to baby proof, as we've never had a busy baby in this home before. Always trying to keep up with her siblings, Maeve clearly has FOMO (fear of missing out). She squirms out of our arms and is most content playing alongside Ella and Jack. Speaking of Ella and Jack, this morning we helped clean up one of the city beaches as part of a volunteer project, and then we let them play. Over the summer, Jack has become a fish! He used to be fearful in the water, but now he's constantly putting his head under and trying to swim. As for Ella, on Saturday we attended our second kindergarten play date. So far we've met some really nice parents and kids, and Ella has friends already. Only a few more weeks until school starts!

Maeve gets a ride in Ella's train.

Just like her sibs, she dodged the veggies and went right for the pizza. 

This guy. Always making us laugh.

Playing after we volunteered to clean up the beach.

Testing the water quality.

Can you spot the baby in this photo?

Ella and her new friends at the kindergarten play date.

Family Festival

This past weekend we met my family in Des Moines for family and festival time. Many months ago, we discovered that Willie Nelson was going to perform at a music festival near Des Moines. We figured it would be a good excuse to get together over the summer, and we're so glad we did. Jeritt and the kids also got to finally meet Maya, and of course, they loved her. While Maya rocked it out at her first concert, our kids were able to spend time with my cousin, Lori, and her family, while we attended the festival in the evenings. We had such a great weekend together, and we're already looking forward to next time!

More pics from the Kunde family reunion. 

We made smoothies!

Naked story time.

Mom and Martin.

Ella finally got to meet Maya. She loved her, of course:)

When you find a pretty cool wading pool but you didn't bring your swim suit, you swim in your clothes!

Riding home in their skivvies.

Papa and Maya.

Papa and his girls.

Jack taking selfies.

You can tell we're related.

Uncle Jeritt bonding with Maya.

Group shot before we depart on Sunday.

The food was almost as good as the music at the festival.

Uncle Sam and his nieces.

Family picture, plus Sara and Whitney (and a few strangers) at Hinterland.

Aunt Erin and Maya.